Pair of Coots
I took a few of these as the bird in the background scooted across.
The coot (fulica atra) is from the Rails family (Rallidae).
All-black and larger than its cousin, the moorhen, it has a distinctive white beak and 'shield' above the beak which earns it the title 'bald'. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes, which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards others.
[RSPB website]
Regent's Park was designed in 1811 by John Nash; initially the intention was to build a palace for the Prince Regent and villas for his friends, but these were never quite realised (although various villas are present).
Pair of Coots
I took a few of these as the bird in the background scooted across.
The coot (fulica atra) is from the Rails family (Rallidae).
All-black and larger than its cousin, the moorhen, it has a distinctive white beak and 'shield' above the beak which earns it the title 'bald'. Its feet have distinctive lobed flaps of skin on the toes, which act instead of webs when swimming. It patters noisily over the water before taking off and can be very aggressive towards others.
[RSPB website]
Regent's Park was designed in 1811 by John Nash; initially the intention was to build a palace for the Prince Regent and villas for his friends, but these were never quite realised (although various villas are present).