We traveled back to my hometown area to visit with family and adventure outside a bit today. After a great breakfast with my mother we headed over to Moraine State Park to hike with my father. As we left the park I asked my father to stop by the lake and let me out. Using a small building and some bushes as cover I was able to make my way to the shore. There I was able to snap a few shots of these American coots, Fulica americana, as they fed on the aquatic vegetation just below the surface. I was actually surprised to see them here on such a blustery, cold day. I guess the fact that we only are NOW getting snow is why they’re still here. I also spotted a Great Blue Heron today, something I have never seen in the month of January before.