A coot’s nest filled with plastic rubbish in Amsterdam
In a striking representation of contemporary consumer habits, the nests of Eurasian coots in Amsterdam are filled with an array of plastic debris, including old face masks, a chocolate wrapper from 1994, and a 30-year-old polystyrene burger box. This unusual nesting material highlights the enduring impact of plastic waste on urban wildlife and underscores the pressing issue of pollution in our waterways.
Traditionally, Eurasian coots (Fulica atra) construct their nests each year using natural, biodegradable resources such as rushes, reeds, and leaves. However, in the bustling heart of Amsterdam, these essential materials are scarce, prompting the coots to turn to readily available plastic litter to build their homes. This phenomenon has raised significant concerns about environmental sustainability and the long-term effects of plastic pollution on wildlife habitats.
