I am in the fortunate position of living and working with a view of the Bridgewater Canal, in Moore Cheshire. The opportunities for casual bird watching are endless.
During spring last year, when the ducks were doing what ducks do in the mating season, I witnessed something that seemed odd. During one duck ruckus, one of local coots flew in amongst them to break the fight up.
I have also seen coots scoot 20 meters along the canal to break up a Moorhen fight.
Yesterday I again saw the coot intervening in a duck melee!
Is this common behaviour? Are coots the UN peacekeepers of the water fowl world?
If so, it seems appropriate that they have white helmets?
Cheers.
My experience of Coots is entirely the opposite - to me they will cross any amount of water to join in on any fight, absolutely no intent to keep the peace.
Maybe that is it! Just like to rumble!
Coots can appear weird. Coots can practice infanticide. Perhaps they are more Roaman than people realise.