Re[2]: Virginia Rail at the Smithsonian

Kathy Klimkiewicz (Kathy_Klimkiewicz@usgs.gov)
Tue, 4 Aug 1998 11:01:38 -0600 

     The way the wings are held could indicate an injury to the clavicle. A 
     broken clavicle causes one wing to be held higher than the other. 
     Birds with this type of injury can only fly low and short distances. 
     Perhaps the rail hit a window or building. This type of injury will 
     frequently heal and the bird will again be able to fly normally. As 
     long as the bird as shelter, food, and some protection from predators, 
     it has a good chance of healing. I have had banded birds, such as 
     goldfinches, recover in as short a time as two weeks and have 
     recaptured them in subsequent years. Of course, this bird may not be 
     injured at all. Just wanted to share a couple thoughts.
     
     Cheers,
     Kathy Klimkiewicz
     Laurel MD 


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: RE: Virginia Rail at the Smithsonian 
Author:  mdosprey@ARI.Net at NBS-Internet-Gateway
Date:    7/30/98 6:23 AM


--- On Tue, 28 Jul 98 07:33:44 EDT  Jim Felley <IRMSS668@SIVM.SI.EDU> 
wrote:
>
>Specifically, in the Enid Haupt Garden south of the Castle.  Last night 
>as I was headed to the Metro, I saw an adult Virginia Rail standing by 
>the shrubbery on the north-west side of the National Museum of African 
>Art (I hope this is specific enough for Dave Bridge).  I did a Jerry 
>Lewis-style double take, which alarmed the bird (but not the tourists 
>on the path with me).  It scuttled into the shrubs.  I wandered by the 
>same spot this morning, in hopes the bird would still be there.
>
     
The directions worked for me !!
I stopped at the Garden on Wed. night, July 29.
Along with several other birders we had the Va. Rail under observation 
from about 7pm to 7:35pm still in the very same area that Jim first 
reported it.  This is worth a stop, if the bird is still there today, 
you will be rewarded with some of the best and probably longest views 
of a Virginia Rail in your life.
     
I observed that the bird holds its left wing differently than the right 
wing. The left wing tip is about one inch higher, but otherwise it seems 
very vigorous, active  and healthy.
     
David Bridge
David@simsc.si.edu