id help please

Madz · #1 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 07:50 PM

Thought this was either a coot or a moorhen but problem is moorhen has a red bill, coot doesn't have a white stripe. It's probably something completely different????

Thanks Madz

GuyF · #2 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 07:57 PM

I think this is a Moorhen,
I think the white 'bill' is actually a plant in the background, a Moorhens beak is smaller than that I think. Also, that white stripe is the thing that gives it away as you say.
Guy

andy68 · #3 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 08:01 PM

I think Guy is spot on about the apparent pale bill not actually being the bird's bill at all - I was just about to say the same thing!

Andy

Madz · #4 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 08:35 PM

Thanks Andy and Guy. I notice too that there is some white on the tail and is slightly flicked upwards.

If only these birds would stand and pose properly!!!

Thanks again

Madz

mrs fish · #5 (**permalink**) 16-04-2007, 07:01 AM

I saw this years first baby moorhens yesterday, they are so cute

Madz · #6 (**permalink**) 16-04-2007, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs fish

I saw this years first baby moorhens yesterday, they are so cute

I've not seen any young ones yet. I must go down to the park and have a look. But yes, they're gorgeous aren't they?

Madz · #7 (**permalink**) 17-04-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs fish

I saw this years first baby moorhens yesterday, they are so cute

Following your post yesterday, I though I'd go down to the local park and see if there are any moorhen chicks around yet. None so far, but there was a pair there with one in the reeds and the other busying itself round about. It was just lovely sitting in the sunshine watching them. Didn't realise till I read about it recently how they flick their tail when they walk and jerk their head when they swim. It's almost as though they flick a switch and go from 'aqua' to 'terra' mode. I shall look forward to seeing the chicks arrive hopefully soon.

Madz

mrs fish · #8 (**permalink**) 17-04-2007, 02:50 PM

You should see some babys soon with this lovely weather.

I always think they look funny when you see them display their white tail feathers in spring

Madz · #9 (**permalink**) 18-04-2007, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs fish

You should see some babys soon with this lovely weather.

I always think they look funny when you see them display their white tail feathers in spring

Went back to see the moorhens today. They were mating!!! so they'll be a lot slower than yours. Have no idea of the time scale of these things.

Madz