The Fascination of a Nesting Coot

Bliss lives in a Nature Reserve, one of Europe's best 'wetlands' and a haven for wildlife. Our garden is bounded on two sides by drainage dykes about 8ft wide. The edges of the dykes are populated by Norfolk Reed, the kind that is used for thatching house roofs and the sort that 'whispers' gently in the wind.

If you were a Dandie Dinmont Terrier Puppy, in the first Spring of your life, what would you think if, when you stood at the edge of your property, you looked straight at the black and white body of a broody, quite scary looking, nesting Coot, staring at you intently?

The Coots come here every year, just one pair. There is a flurry of nest building in the reeds. But each year the nest just isn't good enough for Mrs Coot so they build another one a few feet away. Actually they 'chop' the wood to make a nest - it sounds just like someone banging a nail into a block of wood - fascinating.

However, Bliss and Coot have reached a compromise. Coot sits tight on the nest and stares whilst Bliss sits on the bank and stares back. Each species fascinated by the other but separated by, for the Dandie, an impassable stretch of water.

Long may the 'truce' remain in force!