FULICARI^. ( 204 ) RALLIDAi. 



THE COMMON COOT. 



BALD COOT, CUTE, QUEET, BALD DUCK. 



Fulica atra. 

 d)e Bell'.poot* 



TAe Coot dives merry on the lake. 



Sir Walter Scott. 



The Coot is found in considerable numbers on Duns Castle 

 Lake, Legerwood Loch, the Hirsel Lake, Coldingham Loch, 

 and the lake at Spottiswoode, It also frequents pools and 

 mosses about Greenlaw, and mill ponds in various districts, 

 such as at Townhead farm in the parish of Cockburnspath, 

 Dowlaw in the parish of Coldingham, Foulden West Mains, 

 and Fairneyside near Burnmouth. Mr. Compton-Lundie of 

 Spital has informed me that he has occasionally seen it 

 at his boat pool on the Whitadder near Clarabad, in the 

 parish of Hutton, and I have once or twice observed it 

 at Nabdean mill pond in the same parish. Nowhere in 

 the county can it be seen to greater advantage than on 

 the lake at Duns Castle, which is a beautiful sheet of 

 water sheltered on every side by rising ground and planta- 

 tions, and having beds of bulrushes and other aquatic 

 plants on its margin. These form favourite retreats and 

 nesting places for the numerous water-fowl, including great 

 numbers of Coots, which may be seen floating at ease on 

 its surface, or diving in search of food. 



