Captured by Chadi Saad, SPNL Homat Al Hima Activist and Manager of Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site
In the heart of Ammiq Wetland, Lebanon’s last remaining freshwater marsh, an incredible wildlife spectacle unfolded between April 1 and May 15, 2024. Two pairs of Eurasian Coots (Fulica atra) embarked on their annual breeding journey, meticulously captured by Chadi Saad, a passionate conservationist and photographer.
Through hundreds of images and countless hours of observation, Chadi documented the step-by-step process of nest-building, egg incubation, and chick-rearing, revealing the extraordinary dedication of these bold and resilient waterbirds.
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Step 1: Reed Gathering – Constructing the Floating Nest
The breeding process began with nest-building, a task that required careful selection of location and materials. Unlike other birds that build their nests on trees or solid ground, Eurasian Coots construct floating nests, usually among dense reeds or aquatic vegetation.
Chadi’s striking photographs capture the male and female coots working together, breaking off long reeds and carrying them in their beaks to the chosen nesting site. Each reed is carefully placed, forming a sturdy and buoyant platform that can withstand water fluctuations and potential disturbances from other wetland species.
Step 2: Adding Soft Herbs for Comfort and Insulation
Once the reed foundation was complete, the coots collected softer materials like grasses, aquatic plants, and herbs to line the nest, creating a warm and well-insulated environment for their future eggs.
In an incredible sequence captured by Chadi, a male coot is seen offering fresh nesting material to his mate, reinforcing their bond and cooperation. This process ensures the nest remains sturdy yet comfortable, providing an optimal setting for egg incubation.
Step 3: Egg Laying and Incubation – The Mother’s Dedication
By mid-April, the female laid a clutch of eggs, typically 6 to 10, each with a speckled pattern that blended with the nest’s surroundings.
During the incubation period, Chadi documented the devoted mother sitting atop her nest for long hours, her black plumage contrasting beautifully against the golden reeds. The male coot remained nearby, bringing food and additional nesting materials, ensuring the nest stayed secure and well-maintained.
The eggs required about 21-24 days of incubation, during which both parents took turns keeping them warm. This shared effort increases the chances of survival, as it allows both partners to rest and forage while protecting the nest from predators like marsh harriers and herons.
Step 4: Hatching – New Life Emerges
By early May 2024, the first eggs began to hatch. The newborn chicks, covered in black downy feathers with striking red-orange heads, made their first appearance. These distinctive features help parents easily recognize their young, strengthening their instinct to provide care and protection.
Chadi’s lens captured the precise moment when the mother carefully nudged a chick out of its shell, a heartwarming testament to the fragility and resilience of life in the wetlands.
Step 5: First Feedings – A Parent’s Commitment
Once hatched, the coot chicks depended entirely on their parents for food. Chadi’s intimate shots reveal the mother gently feeding her chicks, passing small aquatic invertebrates, insects, and tiny plant fragments into their eager, open beaks.
The parents tirelessly took turns bringing food to their hungry offspring, ensuring each chick received enough nourishment. This phase is critical, as stronger chicks tend to dominate feeding, sometimes outcompeting their weaker siblings.
Step 6: Strengthening Bonds – Adult Coot with Chicks
As the days passed, the chicks grew stronger, their black down thickening, and their movements becoming more coordinated. One of Chadi’s most captivating shots showcases an adult Eurasian Coot swimming with its chicks trailing closely behind, a powerful symbol of family unity and survival.
Coots are known for their vocal communication, and the parents frequently called out to their chicks, guiding them across the water, teaching them how to forage, and protecting them from potential threats.
Step 7: Nest Maintenance – Continuous Efforts for Protection
Despite their chicks already hatching, the parent coots continued to maintain the nest, reinforcing its structure by adding fresh reeds and plant material. This ongoing effort ensures that the nest remains a safe retreat for the growing chicks at night or in case of danger.
Chadi’s observations revealed the persistent dedication of these birds, as they constantly repaired and improved the nest, demonstrating their natural instincts to safeguard their young.
A Testament to Conservation: The Role of Ammiq Wetland
The successful breeding of Eurasian Coots in Ammiq Wetland is a testament to the importance of preserving natural habitats. Wetlands like Ammiq provide a crucial breeding ground for waterbirds, offering shelter, food, and protection from human disturbance.
However, wetlands in Lebanon face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts by SPNL and Homat Al Hima are vital in ensuring that species like the Eurasian Coot continue to thrive. By monitoring bird populations, promoting eco-friendly policies, and raising awareness, organizations like SPNL help protect Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.
A Story of Devotion and Survival
From meticulously building a floating nest to tirelessly feeding their chicks, the Eurasian Coot’s breeding journey in Ammiq Wetland is a remarkable display of dedication, resilience, and parental care.
Through hundreds of images and countless hours of observation, Chadi Saad’s lens has immortalized this intimate and awe-inspiring cycle of life, offering a glimpse into the hidden world of wetland birds.
By supporting wetland conservation efforts, we ensure that future generations can continue to witness the extraordinary nesting rituals of the Eurasian Coot—one ripple at a time.
