Bird Identification please

[Milvus]

A friend of mine asked me to identify a water bird he saw on Hampstead Heath but I can't track it. It's a water bird for sure, a little smaller than a pigeon,feet aren't webbed and its bill is not a duck's. Any ideas folks? Pictures at:
[IMG]http://i42.tinypic.com/143jhw8.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i42.tinypic.com/2lqekm.jpg[/IMG]

[woofgang]

maybe a young seagull?

[woofgang]

page of images here
http://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/image s;_ylt=A1f4cfjy7VFKFp0Aq0tLBQx.?ei=UTF-8&p=juv enile%20seagull&fr2=tab-web&fr=yessv

[Milvus]

Thanks woofgang but I don't think so. Feet aren't webbed like gulls

[burnhal]

looks like a young coot

[burnhal]

here a side on view http://www.flickr.com/photos/john47kent/357053 2797/

[Milvus]

Thanks Burnhal. Possible, but no white breast or "headplate" on the Hampstead bird. So I'm still not sure

[padanarm]

Looks like a young moorhen.

The beak usually has red or pink patches and the feet aren't webbed.

[Milvus]

Thanks Panadarm, I don't think this is a native british bird. The beak on this bird is solid black and I don't think this looks like a young bird. I guess at an "ornamental" from any of the lakes in Hampstead, Kenwood etc. I wish I had seen it myself. Time for the I-spy birds of the world book!!

[Cetti]

It's a juvenile Coot, Milvus.

A similar photo is appearing on many bird ID forums at the moment. I agree that the young do look distinctly 'uncootish' but that's what it is - as burnhal said earlier.

[naomi24]

Sorry to jump in Milvus, but may I just say hello to Cetti. It's good to see her back after so long. How are you Cetti?

[Cetti]

Not that great Naomi. It's six months today, so you can imagine how I feel, but it's lovely to be thought of - so thank you. X

[Milvus]

Great stuff, thanks Cetti and Padanarm

[Milvus]

Thanks Burnhal

[naomi24]

I thought it must be about 6 months Cetti. What a sad day for you. Of course, nothing anyone can say can ease your pain or your sadness, but I am thinking of you and I send you much love. Do please let me know how you are from time to time, won't you.

Naomi x

Sorry for the interruption, Milvus, and thank you.