Eurasian MoorHens
“Distinctive dark waterbird that resembles a cross between a duck and a chicken. Adults have a bright red bill with a yellow tip, while immatures have a duller bill and legs. Note big white oval patches under the tail, and white streaks along the flanks. Inhabits fresh and brackish marshes, on ponds, lakes, and along slow-moving watercourses with bordering vegetation. Smaller and more retiring than coot, and rarely far out on open water. Swims with jerky motion and walks with stealthy gait, the tail often slightly cocked; does not usually dive. Gives a variety of loud, somewhat frog-like calls.”
The first spot I went to on my first afternoon in Edinburgh was the Royal Botanical Gardens. It was a great way to work out all the knots out of my muscles from the plane ride and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. And when I came across a Mama and Baby Moorhen, I was thrilled!! First off, I was surprised how young the babies were and there some teenagers wandering around as well. But it was so much fun to photograph them and to talk to the other folks around feeding and watching the Young Moorhens.
