2021
SD7707 : Coot on Redbank Lodge
taken 4 years ago, near to Radcliffe, Bury, England

Coot on Redbank Lodge
Coots are medium-sized water birds that are members of the Rallidae (rail) family. They are close relatives of SD7807 : Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus). Coots, are often seen swimming in open water.
Adults have predominantly black plumage and, in contrast to the moorhen, have a white bill and frontal face shield. The legs are greenish the eyes a beautiful red colour but only seen at close quarters. The young chicks have orange-tipped plumes which make them very distinctive (and conspicuous to would-be predators such as foxes). The orange plumage usually fades after about a week.
Link
RSPB
Link
Wikipedia
Adults have predominantly black plumage and, in contrast to the moorhen, have a white bill and frontal face shield. The legs are greenish the eyes a beautiful red colour but only seen at close quarters. The young chicks have orange-tipped plumes which make them very distinctive (and conspicuous to would-be predators such as foxes). The orange plumage usually fades after about a week.
Link

Link

Redbank Lodges
By 2009, The Redbank Lodges in Radcliffe had become an eyesore, attracting fly-tippers and vandals. Since then, the Abbey Close Tenants and Residents Association, with support from Bury MBC, have worked to improve the open space for local residents and to improve the habitat for wildlife.
Information panels on the surrounding wildlife and picnic benches have been set up to encourage people to make the most of the area off Coronation Gardens.