"Mreenk!" s/he says.

This juvenile coot lives at Lake Temescal in Oakland. You've probably seen the adults on lakes and ponds. They have black feathers and white beaks, and dive to grab their food (aquatic plants). They are very common, but are known for many things. Their long toes are wide and useful for swimming and walking in mud (where a duck with webbed feet would get stuck.) They build floating nests from light plants... useful if a predator comes and you want to push the kiddos out of its way!