Moorhen up a tree?

[harrier22]

Hello everyone,

During this bad spell of weather we have had regular visits into our back garden by a moorhen which shares the food and water we put out for our chickens. Today it spent several hours sitting 10 feet up in a lelandii hedge, a sight I wouldn't have expected. I would be grateful for any opinions on whether this usual for water rail.

Best wishes.

[aeshna5]

It's not that unusual for Moorhens to perch up like this. Infact yesterday I saw one perched in an Alder in Kensington Gardens that was at a similar height to yours.

I've also seen them up in bramble bushes beside water feeding on blackberries.

[harrier22]

Thanks for that. I know they're not exactly exotic but certainly an unexpected change from the birds I normally see in my garden.

[toadpole]

Hi there there is quite a large pond about 1/4 of a mile from my house and moorhens are there all yr round and breed every summer ...and last winter i just happened to be going past the pond just as it was roosting time and all 6 adults flew (very clumsily i must admit) or climbed up into an overhanging tree ....and this yr for the past 2 weeks of freezing weather one of them has travelled to my garden ....and either has a little feed of the shed roof where i throw a mixture of food ...or hung about in one of the trees that is covered in ivy pecking away all day at what must be insects hiding in the leaves ....i have to say it was such a shock the first time i saw him (thought it was a very fat blackbird at first) then of course i noticed the red beak ....sadly have not seen him the last 2 days since weather got a bit milder ...he was wonderful to watch tho Marion

[harrier22]

Hi Marion,

Yes, it takes one by surprise to see a bird like a moorhen out of what we consider to be its normal surroundings. I haven't seen my moorhen since the weather thawed out...ah well, it was nice having him visit while it lasted.

Tom.