Eurasian Coot

Scientific Name: Fulica atra

Population Estimate: 9M - 10M

Range / Habitat: The Eurasian Coot ranges from Eurasia to Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia. Birds have also recently transported themselves to New Zealand, and the species is quickly becoming established.

Field Notes: The Eurasian Coot is recognised by its snowy white bill and forehead shield. The remainder of the bird is dark sooty grey, except for its bright red eye. Immature birds are generally paler than adults with a white wash on the throat. Nestlings are downy, black with fine yellow tips. The head is orange-red and the bill is red with a cream-white tip.

Personal Notes:

Mute Swan

Scientific Name: Cygnus olor

Population Estimate: 600K

Range / Habitat: Found on inland wetlands in temperate areas of Europe across western Asia, as far east as the Russian Maritimes. Partially migratory throughout northern latitudes in Europe and Asia, as far south as north Africa and the Mediterranean. Vagrant to Iceland, Bermuda, Japan.

Field Notes: Unmistakable large, white, water bird with orange bill. The juvenile form is mottled brown and white with an all black bill.

Personal Notes: We were lucky enough to be visiting the Isola della Cona reserve near Venice, Italy on a wet windy day when easily a hundred birds were taking refuge.

White Stork

Scientific Name: Ciconia ciconia

Population Estimate: 500K

Range / Habitat: Breeds on high structures in parts of Europe and western Asia. Migrates to grassland in sub-Saharan Africa in the winter.

Field Notes: Large, mostly white stork with black feathers on its trailing edge in flight. Bill and legs are bright orange.

Personal Notes: Top photo is a breeding pair seen in Donana National Park in Spain. Bottom photo taken at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Grey Heron

Scientific Name: Ardea cinerea

Order: Ciconiiformes

Population Estimate: 800K - 3.7M

Location (Date) of Sighting: Venice (November 2009) top photo, and Amsterdam (July 2009) bottom photo

Notes: This bird has a wide distribution throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. The juvenile coloring (bottom photo) is nearly identical in appearance to the Great Blue Heron but with non-overlapping distributions. The adult coloring (top photo) is distinct.

Great Crested Grebe

Scientific Name: Podiceps cristatus

Order: Podicipediformes

Population Estimate: 1M

Location (Date) of Sighting: Amsterdam (July 2009), Po River Delta Italy (November 2009)

Notes: Unmistakable diving waterfowl found on lakes and other bodies of water in Europe and Asia. This specimen was seen on the canals in Amsterdam. The young are also unmistakable with a zebra print on their head and neck.