American Coots, sometimes called mud hens or poule d’eau, French for water hen, nest in the cover of thick reeds right on the water. These birds form monogamous pairs that tend to mate for life.

It was likely that the bald eagle was preying on the omnivorous coot, which feasts on the lake’s plant and fish life, Masicampo said. They are usually prime prey for birds at the top of the food ...