For several weeks I have been hearing a distinctive clicking sound coming from some patches of heavy vegetation within the marshes at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Some experienced birders told me that it was the sound of several King Rails (Rallus elegans). I have repeatedly waited at these locations, hoping in vain that one of these elusive birds would come into view.
Wednesday morning I finally got a glimpse of one of these chicken-like marsh birds. The King Rail did not come out into the open, but I was able to track it by its sounds. I was ready when it made its way to a place where the vegetation was not quite so dense and managed to capture these images.
My birding book describes King Rails as “uncommon, secretive,” so I am happy to get any shots at all. Nonetheless, like all wildlife photographers, I’m never quite satisfied and I’ll be trying to get some additional, better shots in the upcoming days if these birds continue to hang around in our area.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
It took years for me to get a decent shot of a bittern. Any shot is better than zero
That’s my philosophy too, Ted. You never know when, if ever, you will have the next opportunity to do so.
The old wildlife rule, you see it, take the shot. Then do setup 😀😀
Wish I could post your pics to FB Capital Naturalist or MD Birding.
You would fit right in!!
Wonderful find!
I have been thoroughly enjoying your posts for a long time.
Thank you,Mike!
Thanks, Anne. I used to post to Capital Naturalist, but had a disagreement with its leader, who seemed to want to have a monopoly on sharing insights and photos on “his” page. I did share some of the images on the VA Birding FB page.
Great capture Mike, patience pays off!
Thank is amazing. I have only seen one and at a great distance because the group leader told me it was there!!