I assumed it was a moorhen at first, but saw it up close and noticed the differences.
moorhen = black feathers with white details, red beak with yellow tip, yellow legs and long, thin toes
coot = all black feathers, white beak that extends quite far up his head ("bald as a coot"), with white / grey legs and really interesting toes - each one has webbed segments hanging either side. if he gets startled he runs across the water surface - a very impressive trick.
he's quite slow on land compared to the moorhens, so I guess that's why he stays in the water when I'm around - his crazy feet and water-walking skills give him a better chance of escape if he's threatened while he's in the water.
I'm hoping a mate will turn up and they'll make a nest.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/...id=/Images/2141_CootAndChick_1_tcm5-57769.mov