is it "coot"?
what kind of animal is "Blue Peter"?

the context:
【 A Blue Peter ran across them, bright with yellow legs and painted face. A slight breath of air rippled across the marsh and the water rippled under it. The lily pads tipped, an in-stant, their broad shining leaves to the glint of the sun. 】

Question

is it "coot"?
what kind of animal is "Blue Peter"?

the context:
【 A Blue Peter ran across them, bright with yellow legs and painted face. A slight breath of air rippled across the marsh and the water rippled under it. The lily pads tipped, an in-stant, their broad shining leaves to the glint of the sun. 】

Answer

This bird is apparently known by locals as a blue peter:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Gallinule/id

I hope that's helpful!