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Swimming with the Coots was a Pied‑Billed Grebe gliding across the water. The thick, pale bill with a dark vertical band is the giveaway. That “pied bill” is unique among North American waterbirds. The bird’s compact, rounded body and short neck match grebe proportions. They often sit low in the water. This is a young one. They’re common across much of North America in ponds, marshes, and quiet lakes. Expert divers — they sink quietly rather than taking off when startled. Their call is surprisingly loud and almost laughing, which feels at odds with their shy nature. The dark brown plumage with subtle shading is typical for this species outside of breeding extremes.