What is this bird? is it a young moorhen?

mrs p · #1 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 11:32 AM

Hello
Can anyone help me to identify this bird that was in my garden today? He pootled about quite casually and even had a swim on my pond. He had massive feet and his beak was quite long. I think he may be a young moorhen but wasn't sure as he was so dark.
Many thanks in advance- photo in link below

Mrs P

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...eeee/bird2.jpg

Ukwildlifeo · #2 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 11:44 AM

I certainly looks like a young moorhen

Jonners · #3 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 11:50 AM

Hello Mrs P, and welcome to WAB. I would agree with UKWildlife that your bird is a young Moorhen, with those great big feet, and a flash of white on his side. I'm glad he enjoyed your garden, and it seems like you enjoyed having him there. Nice pic too

mrs p · #4 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 02:34 PM

wow thanks both for your quick replies. What a friendly forum this is.
I guess the Moorhen was a little off course, I am a few minutes from the Attenborough Nature Reserve - you'd think we'd see more non-garden birds, I guess they don't usually navigate off course.

Thanks again
x