Subject: Virginia Rail sightings/weather correlation?
Date: Feb 15 06:47:27 1999
From: Michele Herzberg - foxglove at jps.net


Hi Tweeters & Carol,

Has anyone else noticed that Virginia Rails seem to be much more willing to
show themselves when it's raining? Carol, your message regarding your
continuing "quest" at the marsh reminded me how very elusive the rails can
be and I was considering any hints I might be able to pass along to you.
No doubt a degree of luck is involved, but I have noted that my best rail
observations have historically occurred when it's been raining well.

A fun example was during the Christmas bird count (a VERY persistently wet
day). We observed 2 individuals quite clearly and for a nice duration along
the Soos Creek trail as they stepped around amongst the dense grasses,
interacting with each other.

On "good" weather days I've found them to perhaps be vocal, but less easy
to spot without a good deal of patience, unless they fly. I don't have a
tape of their calls but have had best luck with observing them at a variety
of locations in the morning, when it's raining, so feel (at least from my
perspective) there appears to be a correlation with the weather.

They really are beautiful if you get a good opportunity to observe the
interesting plumage - WELL worth the effort of tolerating some rain. :)

I'd be interested to know if anyone else has noticed a similar correlation?

Michele Herzberg
<foxglove at jps.net>
Kent, WA