Coot?
The Common Coot is a waterfowl.
They are identified by their white bill and forehead shield.
This adaptive bird has adapted to a life in cities.
The Common Coot collects trash to build their nest.
Recent research shows that as much as 29.3% of coots' nest materials are made of artificial materials (1634 out of 5579 items counted). Some nests contain even more plastic than natural materials.
source: Birds using artificial plants as nesting material in: Behaviour Volume 159 Issue 2 (2022) (brill.com)
How to Collaborate?
When may the “garbage nests” be collected?
❌ Do not take:
During the breeding season (February - August), when there are eggs or young in the nest.
When the parent birds are still actively guarding or using the nest.
Nests are protected by law during this period and may not be disturbed:
February – September
✅ Take:
If the coots are no longer using the nest.
If eggs or young are no longer present or the parent birds no longer actively guard or use the nest.
If the nests consist of trash.
Period when nests may be cleared and sorted:
October - January
Where?
Ghent, Belgium
Why this location?
- High Coot population
The city has a dense population of coots.
- Lack of nesting options
There are few to no suitable nesting options for coots in the city center.
- Lots of trash in the water
The coots use trash in their nests. As it happens, you find more trash in the city center.
Common Coot Flocks in Ghent
Locations
Why is this Collaboration Project
important?
This project shows how we can coexist with animals in the city in a different way. Instead of seeing animals as nuisances or outsiders, we see them as allies and friends. The coot uses waste as building material for its nest - this adaptive behaviour, is seen here as an opportunity.
Including these behaviours in the design of the urban structure creates a circular system in which humans and animals reinforce each other. The coot gets a safe nesting place, and at the same time waste is collected, sorted and recycled. Thus, together we contribute to cleaner water, more biodiversity and a more conscious treatment of our living environment.
So the project is more than an art or environmental project: it is an invitation to look at the city and its inhabitants - including the non-human ones - with different eyes.
This project was realized during my studies at KASK & Conservatorium.
A big thank you to my mentors, Bert De Roo and María Boto Ordoñez, and to Peter Westenberg for their invaluable support.
And gratitude to the 'Vlaamse Waterweg' for their approval and support