179 



COOT. (MATURE AND NESTLINGS). 

 Case 262. 



The Coot is a common bird in most parts of 

 the British Islands, being found in numbers both 

 on the Highland lochs and on the lakes and broads 

 in the southern counties. 



During winter they usually collect in flocks on 

 some large piece of water ; here they remain till 

 driven from their quarters by continued frost they 

 come down to the tidal rivers and harbours on the 

 coast where numbers fall victims to the punt- 

 gunners. 



On the extensive broads in the eastern counties, 

 where these birds begin to gather as early as 

 September, regular battues are organised at intervals 

 during the autumn and winter, and afford an excit- 

 ing day's sport to the whole of the gunning 

 community of the neighbourhood. 



The meet is usually fixed for an early hour, 

 but long before the appointed time the company 

 may be seen arriving in craft of every description, 

 those who are unable to get afloat contenting them- 

 selves by taking up a position on the banks. When 

 all is ready the boats numbering usually from thirty 

 to fifty form in line and work round the birds so as 

 to enclose them in a corner of the broad. As soon 

 as they discover themselves hemmed in they rise 

 and fly in all directions, always at last making for 

 the open water beyond the line of boats, affording 

 great sport and still greater confusion for several 

 minutes. 



If the line is well kept the Coots appear be- 

 wildered and continue flying round and round for 

 a considerable time before attempting to break 

 through, but should only a single boat fall out of 

 its appointed station the whole of the birds in a 

 body make for the gap and the drive is spoiled. 



Those that escape the first round settle on 



