COMICAL COOTS
January is a great time to improve waterbird ID skills, and the coot is a good place to start. With a large dumpy shape and dark colouring, the coot has a distinctive white frontal shield and beak. Rather than webbed, its feet are lobed, with flaps of skin on the toes for swimming – when taking off, it makes a racket clattering over the water. Coots prefer large park ponds, lakes and reservoirs where their amusing vociferous croaking quarrels liven up the dullest winter day. They graze on waterside vegetation and sometimes dive for small aquatic creatures. Moorhens are close relatives, but these smaller birds have a red shield and yellow beak, and can be found on small ponds, canals and even large gardens.