So, what is it about Coots that made me spend an hour today and an hour yesterday watching them as they grazed on suburban lawns near Spy Pond in Arlington?

Feet. Look at those feet, with seaweed-like nodules separated by the joints. These are wonderful feet.



Admit it, the feet are mesmerizing.

Great heads, too.

But I think the real reason I spent so much time was the improbability of seeing them wandering around on people's lawns.

These guys were waiting beside a driveway pondering the crossing of it.

And these guys were just walking down the sidewalk.

But the feet are still pretty neat.