We went through a phase at Juanita Bay when the number of coots really rocketed.  They were a popular source of food for the local eagles, but they had to work for it.  The coots were gathered in large groups on the water and the eagles would do their best to get one isolated so that they could pick it off.  As they got close, the flocks of coots would get startled and would start flying around to evade the eagles.  Watching this action from a distance was fascinating as this large number of birds tried to move as one to protect themselves. Not a time for being independent!