[Birdtalk] Virginia Rail

[Fish, Michael]

I just had a fabulous morning out at the Bear River Bird Refuge.  My
intensions were to observe the Virginia Rail again, now that I know what
I'm looking at (thanks again to Kris). I entered the Refuge right at 6am
and I had 4 other cars behind me. I have never seen it so busy out
there. I think National Geographic must subscribe to the BirdNet cause I
was so out-gunned. Betsy's email seems to have drawn some attention. We
will probably be treated to some amazing photos of the rails cause I saw
four different photographers with mega-gear that I can only dream about.
Despite my envy and feelings of inadequacy, I found a spot with lots of
fuzz balls and waited for some action. Immediately I saw Virginia Rail
but they were staying back in the brush while the Sora had no problem
prancing out in the open. I was hoping to find a mother feeding her
chicks and after about 20 minutes I spotted them. Two black chicks were
trailing behind there (presumed) mother. She kept moving up and down the
bank picking at flies and occasionally the chicks would catch up to her
and get a bite. I watched them for about an hour when the mother pulled
a 3 inch fish out of the water and the fun began. She poked it, threw
it, shook it, and ran up and down the bank like she had a football. Her
chicks were trying to keep up with her and so was I with my camera. She
tried to swallow it a few times but couldn't get it down. She played
with the fish for 20 minutes trying to figure out how to eat it. Over
that time she did get a few fish sticks for her chicks and then finally
got the rest of it down her throat. I think it hurt because she just
stood there still with a big lump in her neck for a few seconds. The
chicks seemed very discouraged that the fish was gone - it was like
Christmas was over. Both chicks stopped squeaking and lay down for a
second. Then both of them slowly walked back into the brush and
disappeared. The mother just stood there (I think she needed a Heimlich
maneuver) and I didn't see the chicks come out again. I had filled my
memory card and had a most excellent adventure, so I packed up and
headed down the road. I captured a few inadequate pictures that I will
post later when I get home to process them. 

It was appropriate on Pioneer Day that I would run into a cattle
drive.....or Stilt jam. As I drove out along the east road from the
viewing deck towards the restroom area, that entire length of road was
covered with Black-Necked Stilt. Hundreds of them were lying right on
the road and weren't too anxious to move. I crept along and was treated
to the running of the stilt in front of my bumper (and a couple stilt
bombs on my windshield).  It was a beautiful morning in the refuge and
well worth the trip. I stopped into the visitor center on my way out and
met Betsy. She's an incredible source of information for Refuge birders
and a wonderful friendly birder.

 

Happy 24th

Mike Fish

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