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Photo Information
Copyright: Reina Heuven (reina) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 260 W: 1 N: 328] (2024)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-08
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D70, AF VR-Nikkor 80-400mm ED
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Family Matters 2 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-12-13 12:47
Viewed: 867
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Fulica Atra "Meerkoet"

Just near the city of Utrecht this Koot creeped out the egg. The nest was just under a tree so not too much light here.

To my surprise the story with coot parents is not so peaceful:

Information from wikepedia:
The Coot breeds across much of the Old World on freshwater lakes and ponds. It is resident in the milder parts of its range, but migrates further south and west from much of Asia in winter as the waters freeze.
The Coot is much less secretive than most of the rail family, and can be seen swimming on open water or walking across waterside grasslands. It is an aggressive species, and strongly territorial during the breeding season.

It is reluctant to fly and when taking off runs across the water surface with much splashing. They do the same, but without actually flying, when travelling a short distance at speed in territorial disputes. As with many rails, its weak flight does not inspire confidence, but on migration, usually at night, it can cover surprisingly large distances. It bobs its head as it swims, and makes short dives from a little jump.
The Coot is 36-42 cm long, and is largely black except for the white facial shield (which gave rise to the phrase "as bald as a coot"). As a swimming species, the Coot has partial webbing on its long strong toes. The juvenile is paler than the adult, has a whitish breast, and lacks the facial shield; the adult black plumage develops when about 3-4 months old, but the white shield is only fully developed at about one year old, some time later.

This species builds a nest of dead reeds and grasses near the water's edge or on underwater obstacles protruding from the water, laying up to 10 eggs, though usually only 3 survive because of the parents brutal behaviour. [1]
Coots can be very brutal to their own young under pressure such as the lack of food. The will bite young that are begging for food and repeatedly do this until it stops begging and starves to death. But if the begging keeps going, then they may even bite so hard that the chick is killed.
The Coot is an omnivore, and will take a variety of small live prey including the eggs of other water birds.
This is a noisy bird with a wide repertoire of crackling, explosive or trumpeting calls, often given at night.
The Eurasian Coot is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Reina
Just Perfect...Superb Work
Tfs
Paul

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1935 W: 6 N: 5396] (19252)
  • [2007-12-13 15:38]

oooo what a tender pic,very very nice,perfect under all corners of view,thanks for share,Luciano

I had them just by my windows when I lived in the Hague. Used to feed them they were really good parents pre fetching the food they would keep helping their chicks with eating for quite a while during their growth.

Hello Reina,
very nice capture, good composition and pov, very good sharpness and nice colors.
Angela

hello reina,
what a nice capture, you have captured this moment so well perfect timimg, liked the pov and the composition,
well done,
tfs & regards
pankaj

My goodness, what an awesome shot. I'd love to capture something like this. You have a terrific eye, wonderful timing, excellent exposure, and most of all, a wonderful sense of emotion. Beautiful work, just beautiful.

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3556 W: 143 N: 5626] (18415)
  • [2007-12-14 12:45]

Hi Reina.
What a cute picture of a so touching scene. I like this close-up so much. Excellent composition, perfect details of the birds and scenery, impressive lights and shadows. My best wishes and compliments.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-12-25 20:44]

Hello Reina

Amazing POV on this shot.
The shot is well focused and composed.
wonderful lighting and colours.
You have captured a very special moment.
Great job.
TFS

Rob

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1381 W: 126 N: 5246] (23469)
  • [2007-12-27 4:26]

Hello Reina ! That's an incredible shot, a great moment ! I really like it ! Well done and thanks !

Mario

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