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Misty coot

Mist over Manly Dam. You can’t really see the coot. But then, you don’t really need to see it. It’s just there, as coots are.

Common name: Eurasian Coot

Scientific name: Fulica atra

Approximate length: 35 cm

Date spotted: 26 December 2018 (Summer)

Location: Manly Dam Reserve, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’27.7″S 151°15’05.9″E

A coot and a metaphor

At first there’s nothing but the universe. The water and the sky. Then suddenly, there you are, in the middle of it all.

Common name: Eurasian Coot

Scientific name: Fulica atra

Approximate length: 35 cm

Date spotted: 23 April 2017 (Autumn)

Location: Manly Dam Reserve, New South Wales, Australia: 33°46’27.7″S 151°15’05.9″E

Swimming across the sky

Reflections at Manly Dam.

In the background you’ll hear Australian Ravens cawing, Wattlebirds croaking, and Whipbirds whistling.

Pacific Black Duck

Common name: Pacific Black Duck

Scientific name: Anas superciliosa

Approximate length: 45-60 cm

Date spotted: 25 December 2015

Season: Summer

Location: Manly Dam, New South Wales, Australia

Latitude/longitude: 33°46’55.0″S 151°15’19.7″E

Eurasian Coot

My bird book calls this coot dumpy. An interesting fact is that the coot has flattened toes rather than webbed feet for efficient swimming.

Common name: Eurasian Coot

Scientific name: Fulica atra

Approximate length: 35 cm

Date spotted: 25 December 2015

Season: Summer

Location: Manly Dam, New South Wales, Australia

Latitude/longitude: 33°46’55.0″S 151°15’19.7″E