Gina and I went over to the Big Spring Creek project in Enumclaw to get more photos of the many Marsh Wrens there and also further my quest for photos of baby Killdeer on Sunday morning. We heard but did not see the Snipe. We also missed seeing the spotted and least Sandpipers that have been there lately but Common Yellowthroat and Marsh Wrens were abundant as well as the many Killdeer. At one point we heard a loud Cheep being repeated in the thick grass to our north. We got closer and about 10 feet in front of us we heard the Virginia rail. After waiting for several minutes and hearing several more through the area one stepped out in full view no more than 15 feet away. I got about 25 photos before it moved into the grass. Moving about 50 feet north another one moved into view just as the battery died on the camera. The repeated cheep continued non stop in that area and I saw grass moving where the sound was coming from. Gina got video of the area with good sound on my iphone and later after listening and trying to figure it out I am suspecting it is the sound of fledgling or immature rails. If anyone is familiar with Virginia rail sounds I would be happy to share the video in the hope of moving beyond only suspecting. Big spring creek project is on the northwest side of 424th and 244th. Enter the gate on 224th and walk the berm north. Please be considerate of the new plantings. In the past week I have seen Evening Grosbeaks and Western Tanagers there also.
Bob And Gina
Boise Creek Farm
Enumclaw, WA