Coot nests

Almost every canal in Rotterdam has several coot nests, made of branches and floating debris. Coots see opportunities to build a nest on a reed bed, a small platform, the wreck of a supermarket trolley or anything else that provides support for the nest.

Sometimes coots nest in the Westersingel, near Kortenaerstraat, in their nest anchored to the fountain. It is a beautiful spot, but when the fountain sprays, the water crashes down on the branch structure with great force. While one coot on the nest braves the water, the other brings back nest material that has been washed away. These breeding attempts are usually unsuccessful.