Tuesday morning, 8:20am to 9:15am, just west of the wooden bridge at Montlake Fill, I saw at least one adult VIRGINIA RAIL and at least 6 chicks (possibly as many as 8) a few times, each time very briefly, mainly when they were crossing the road. First, I saw them sprint to the west side of Canal Road (to the northwest corner of Wahkiakum Lane and Canal Road. 20 minutes later they zipped across Wahkiakum Lane to the southwest corner, and that's where I last saw them. They were heard more often than they were seen.

With the vehicle traffic, runners, walkers, cyclists, dogs (one not on a leash until I asked the owner to please leash her dog), there are plenty of challenges for the rails, and for the birders who wish to see them. Fortunately, the parents seem to have really taught their young to be cautious.

The chicks are amazingly cute. With some patience, and some luck, you might see them.

I had a really difficult time photographing the rails, but if you wish to see one photo of an adult, with a chick (all black) partially visible in background, click on:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweeneyfit/9077590997/in/photostream/

Joe Sweeney
NE Seattle
sweeneyfit at mac dot com