LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The hypnotic poetry of Clear Lake has a way of sustaining the soul with its dramatic moods, colors and water-patterns.

True, this lake has its problems, but just being near the oldest lake in North America, and the largest lake wholly within California has a way of filling the senses.

Its rich and lively freshwater scent tells you that this lake attracts enormous numbers of waterfowl and holds a tremendous quantity and variety of fish.

Several varieties of grebes, geese, mergansers, bald eagles, golden eagles and more find the lake attractive.

With rugged mountains as a backdrop, the scene is set for a grand day of exploring at the lake's shores.

American coots, those plump duck-like birds about the size of a chicken are paddling about this morning.

The coots' discerning features of dark gray plumage and white bill ringed with black confirm that they are indeed coots, and not the pied-billed grebes with which I seem to confuse them.

Coots, relative of the rail, are otherwise distinguished by their habits of diving and dining on plant-life fresh from the lake, and can also be seen foraging along the shoreline.

They dine on a variety of worms, bugs, fish and even other bird's eggs from time-to- time.

Coots also make use of aquatic plants and stems to build their floating platform-like nests which both the male and female construct together.

During nesting season the males can be quite aggressive, punting intruders with their lobed toes while defending their territory.

Different than ducks, coots do not have webbed feet, and instead possess clown-like oversized feet that help them maneuver muddy flats. When they take flight they need to dash across the water before lifting off.

To make up for their awkward appearance during flight, coots can boast about their swimming and diving skills, since they excel at these underwater maneuvers.

Something else to look for: Coots have a habit of bobbing their heads back and forth while swimming – some call it a “funky chicken” look.

These hardy birds are seen almost all over North America, especially during the winter months when they flock to marshes, ponds and lakes.

Be sure to listen for their unusual croaks and grunts while bird-watching on Clear Lake.

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, freelance writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.”