[Birdtalk] Rail chicks at Bear River Refuge

[Betsy Beneke]

Yesterday morning I was checking on installation of the new auto tour route signs, and on the back or western most part of the auto tour, found a spot where there were about a dozen rail chicks - little tiny black guys - feeding out in the open.  I think they were Virginia rail chicks, rather than soras, but I can't be sure.  I'm embarrased to admit I didn't have binoculars at hand!  They were 2 or 3 different sizes, but all really quite small, and cute as heck!  Later in the afternoon, Les Talbot had a group on a special tour and saw the rails as well, but reported only 6.
 
They were on the west side of the road, on the western most part of the tour - about half way around.  There's a spot where the water has receded away from the edge of the vegetation, so there's a few feet of mud flat.  The birds were feeding at the edge of the water and running back and forth between the water and the vegetation on the mud flat.  They were easily visible from the road, as this spot is quite open.
 
If anyone goes out, and can get a picture, would you share?  I'd love to have one to put in our bird photo album at the refuge.  Thanks!
 
Betsy Beneke
Perry, Utah


      
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