Some birds, common in one area of the country can be quite scarce in another. When my good friend Simon checked a small loch a short ride from his home in Speyside, to year-tick Coot, he was taken by surprise.
Coots are scarce in this part of Scotland and Loch Flemington usually has a couple of pairs. As Simon scanned the water he found a Coot that looked a little unfamiliar. It had white undertail coverts like a moorhen, a reduced white shield and a black band around the bill; all features of American Coot, but there have only been eight records of American Coot in the UK. It was late in the day so he took a few photos and later sent them to a local friend. Simon knew others would be interested and he wanted to be sure of his identification, it was important to eliminate the possibility of a Moorhen/Coot hybrid. Identification was confirmed and the bird was still there the following day so the news was released.
Being in Scotland last week we thought a visit to the loch was worth the journey. In strong bright early morning sunshine we eventually found the American Coot as it swam into its usual small bay. Although for a short while it did have us thinking it had gone.
Letter From Norfolk 