Re: Virginia Rail
Gyrfal@aol.com
Mon, 3 Aug 1998 07:20:13 EDT
Sandy Zimmerman and I birded the emerging DC hot spot at Enid Haupt Gardens
yesterday evening, beginning at 6:30 PM and developed an impressive list of 14
avian species, including several locally rare species. We also noted two
mammals (Eastern Grey Squirrel and Norway Rat).
At precisely 7:42 the Virginia Rail appeared in the grass at the back (north
side) of the Museum of African Art. Much to our embarrassment the rail soon
jumped into a marble basin and began vigorously bathing in full view from 15
feet without a trace of modesty.
That was followed by preening on the marble wall and then a resumption of
foraging in the mulch. We watched it collect and devour two worms and avoid a
Norway Rat that seemed more interested in looking for the detritus of Tourista
Americana than the rail.
In the interest of precipitating a Patagonia Rest Stop Phenomenon, here is our
list from yesterday:
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Rock Dove
Chimney Swift
American Crow
Carolina Wren
American Robin (multiple juveniles, including one with an unusual white
neck ring)
Grey Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Northern Cardinal
Song Sparrow
House Sparrow
I'm interested in what other species those chasing the rail encounter.
Bob Mumford
Darnestown, MD
301 948 6813