October 28, 2002 Standifer Gap Marsh, Chattanooga I check the rails (Virginia Rail and Sora) at the marsh 4 or more times per week, interested in determining the day they leave or if perhaps they will overwinter. Most days I hear them while I'm looking around the area for other birds. They are fairly vocal; usually the Soras sound first, then a Virginia Rail or two will join in, then they'll all be quiet for perhaps 10 minutes. They seem to be most vocal from about 9 to 10 A. If I get ready to leave and haven't heard them, especially if I just stop by around noon, I'll attempt to call them. Usually they respond to a double hand clap (Soras respond first) or to my imitation of a Virginia Rail double note (Virginias respond first). If all else fails I play a short recording of Virginia Rail sounds. Weeks ago I discovered something that amazes me. As soon as the woman on the recording says "Virginia Rail" the Virginia Rails sound off vigorously, and the Soras join in, before the recorded calls begin. I soon learned to turn off the player as soon as the words are out, without ever playing the rail sounds. This has happened far too many times to be just a coincidence; it happens every time; I demonstrate it to others who happen to be there. The woman is a strong alto-contralto, speaks slowly and clearly, sounds nothing like a Virginia Rail, but she has greater success at getting a response than I do with my imitation of a Virginia Rail. I would love to hear a theory which explains this (Don't say the rails know their name; when I say "Virginia Rail" they pay no attention.) David Patterson Chattanooga =================NOTES TO SUBSCRIBER===================== The TN-Bird Net requires you to sign your messages with first and last name, city (town) and state abbreviation. ----------------------------------------------------- To post to this mailing list, simply send email to: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx ----------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send email to: tn-bird-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Topographical Maps located at http://topozone.com/find.asp * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Visit the Tennessee Ornithological Society web site at http://www.tnbirds.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TN-Bird Net Owner: Wallace Coffey, Bristol, TN jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx (423) 764-3958 =========================================================