Virginia Rail

Description:

I was walking along the road at the Ridgefield NWR and heard some rustling in the low-lying brush. I stopped and soon three Virginia Rails exited a small clearing and showed themselves for a few seconds. There were two adults and to my surprise, a youngster.

Habitat:

Rails can be difficult to spot in the open as they prefer staying out of sight in tall grass or brush where there is water close by. I very often hear them before I see them.

Notes:

I was at the right place, at the right time, when the pictured rails decided to cross a 4-foot opening in the brush alongside the road. It was particularly exciting to photograph the chick, which seemed to be even more cautious than the adults.