FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] RPT: Yellow Rail . . . No Foolin'!

["Brainard Palmer-Ball, Jr." <brainard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sometimes neat observations occur when you LEAST expect them.  This
afternoon I was being "good" and taking care of some spring farm work on
the family property in eastern Jefferson County.  I was mowing the field of
Indian grass that hosted nesting Sedge Wrens last fall when out flew a
small, short-billed rail.  The bird flew into the sun but as it dropped
back into the grasses in the 15-20 mph winds, I swore that the white
patches of a Yellow Rail were visible.  With the wind, I doubted I'd see
the bird again, but around the field on the next pass, all of a sudden,
here was this tiny yellowish-brown rail running in front of the tractor.
It ran back into the tall grass, but when the mower passed, it flew up
again, this time with the sun at my back.  Color and size were much more
apparent, especially now that I was actually looking for characters, and as
it fluttered back into the grass, the nice white patches on the inner
trailing edge of the wings were very noticeable.  I stopped and called Jane
and Pat Bell, hoping that they might be able to run over and see the bird
the next time it flushed . . . they were able to run over, but the little
guy never showed a feather again.  I think I'll mow some more tomorrow :o)

bpb, Louisville
brainard.palmer-ball@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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