Water birds

Nesting:
Both the mute swan and the coot build nests made of reeds and aquatic plants; they often build them on the water, along the bank of the Jeker. This whole process can, therefore, be followed from the footpath along the Jeker. The mallard and the domestic duck build their nests by making a hole somewhere on the bank and filling it with moss and feathers. These nests are often hidden more successfully than a swan or coot nest. Moorhens make their nest out of aquatic plants, often in the thick reeds. A nest like this is even more difficult to find. The grey heron nests at higher altitudes, usually in groups in the tops of tall trees.
The chicks of the water birds discussed here are all ready for their first dive directly after hatching, except for the young herons. They do not leave the nest for about 45 days.