ML593769391
Contributor
Date
Location
- Age
- Not specified
- Sex
- Not specified
- Playback
- Not specified
Observation details
A large adult rail was observed with 4 half to 3/4s grown chicks. Adult showed strong black and white barring on flanks, orange-brown belly and neck, and dark streaks on the side of its breast. Coloration was paler around the head, suggestive of a female versus male King Rail. Chicks were overall dark gray with some black and brown highlights in their feathers. Two of the chicks followed the parent very closely for most of the time spent observing (about 50 minutes), while two others strayed further away and were seen trying to forage on their own - one was observed working hard on a male fiddler crab with a large challenging claw. The adult rail captured a large crawfish, much to the excitement of the two following youngsters. Also during the period, a small alligator moved closer and closer to the shoreline where the rails were moving about. The adult rail did not seem to be bothered by the people peering down on them from the boardwalk but did become vocal as the alligator got closer. It let out a series of clucks and head further into the grass, with most of the chicks following. The gator eventually backed off and found other things to eat. The rails re-emerged and continued to explore the area. A sound recording of the rail is included in this report. Two little dogs can be heard panting in the background - not mine - and were very well behaved as people observed the rails. BTW, Merlin identified the call as "Limpkin." Not so today in this location!
Technical information
- Recorder
- Microphone
- Accessories
- Original file size
- 2.11 MB