?Virginia Rail at Smithsonian Institution?

Jim Felley (IRMSS668@SIVM.SI.EDU)
Tue, 13 Oct 98 09:33:07 EDT


I have not seen the Virginia Rail since the afternoon of October 5 (last
Monday).  That's the bad news, and I'll assume it is gone until I
see it again.  The good news is that it was flying when I saw it.
As I exited the west door of the A&I museum, the rail flew over the
museum towards the National Museum of African Art, flew over the
NMAfA, then folded its wings and dove (presumably) into the yews along
Independence Avenue.  If flew strongly and well, and showed no hint
of any problem with its left wing (you may recall that it held this
wing in a upturned fashion, suggesting an injury).
   I initially viewed it from directly underneath, not a postion I am
used to for viewing rails.  So I stopped in my tracks, wondering
"What the **** is that?"  Its identity became clear as it dropped to the
other side of the NMAfA, where I lost it to view.
   No more from me on the rail unless I see it again.
                         Jim

                         Jim Felley
                         irmss668@sivm.si.edu
                         Smithsonian Institution