Swimming Coot

Coot on a small inland lake, Spring UK. Lying at water level for several hours is not the most comfortable activity but well worth it to get right down to eye level with the birds and minimise distractions. 

More About Coots

The Coot is a member of the rail family (Rallidae). In the UK this family also includes Moorhens, Water Rails, Corncrakes and Spotted Crakes. Most rails are very secretive and elusive and spend their time in dense vegetation such as reedbeds, communicating with one another via sharp calls, however Coots are generally seen much more regularly foraging in the open. Both male and female coots are black with a white beak and crest and very distinctive scaly feet.

More information on the Coot can be found on the RSPB website.