About three dozen American Coots found themselves trapped today in a small patch of open water on Wayzata Bay, Lake Minnetonka. They drew the interest of Bald Eagles hunting waterfowl on the lake. As many as 32 eagles were on the scene at mid-afternoon. The eagles would dive on the coots, sending them skidding to one end of the pool. Eagles would drop into the water, sinking shoulder deep as they grabbed for the frantic birds. Coot in hand, the eagles flew off for a solitary lunch, solitary unless other eagles wanted a share. Coots need a long stretch of open water across which to run to gain sufficient speed for liftoff. This piece of water is too small. This was Monday afternoon. If the coots are able to keep the water open into Tuesday the eagles should be back at the lunch counter. Best viewing is from the Wayzata city beach west of the depot.
