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If you've shot photos near still water anywhere between Alaska and South America, you've no doubt had an American Coot photobomb at least one of your your masterpieces.

These ubiquitous birds seem to outnumber any other bird on whatever body of water they're on, where flocks can number in the thousands. Once in a while, though, these photobombers make for fabulous subjects. Their white beaks and red eyes contrast with their jet-black bodies, and being lovers of marshes and reeds often finds them against beautiful backgrounds.

The marshes of the Kern National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to see these little round birds. They don't get the respect that egrets or cranes do, but look carefully and you just might find one of the crazy coots posing for her close-up.

I have been photographing the things I see for over thirty years. A resident of San Luis Obispo County, I'm lucky to have many excellent photo destinations within a few minutes' or hours' drive. Beyond the local area, I have traveled throughout California and the western United States, visited far away American destinations such as Chicago, New York, Florida, and Alaska, and international destinations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. My photography varies from Architecture to Industrial Art to Nature to Wildlife and I'm sure you'll find something suitable for your home or office. Visit my blog