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Subject:

Black Rail on Elliott Island Rd

From:

Ronald Gutberlet

Reply-To:

Ronald Gutberlet

Date:

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 15:05:33 -0400

Hi Everyone,

Last night from about 10:50 to 11:05, a Black Rail was calling persistently along Elliott Island Rd in Dorchester County.  I drove most of the length of the road slowly with the windows open, and I stopped periodically to get out of the car and listen with the engine off.  I didn't play any tapes; I just listened.  The call of this Black Rail was a little different from those I've heard before, which were more classic: "kik-ker-do".  This one was more like: "kik-kik-kik-ker-do".  But the tone and ending pattern seemed unmistakeable to me.

No moon, sky was partly cloudy, and the breeze seemed to keep the mosquito numbers down.  It had rained recently (some puddles on road) and was very humid with some patches of fog.

Also along the road I heard a Chuck-will's Widow, a LEAST BITTERN, several Virginia Rails, and a couple King/Clapper Rails.  I'm still working on my ability to discern those two species--any input would be greatly appreciated.  Marsh Wrens and Seaside Sparrows were also calling.

The night was very froggy, with Gray Treefrogs especially abundant; Green Treefrogs were also well represented.  A great highlight was listening to Carpenter Frogs at a couple stops.  And in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the road was a nice Diamondback Terrapin.  I don't see my excitement about these guys diminishing any time soon.

The Black Rail--unsolicited, unexpected, and a new state bird for me--was the undisputed highlight of a fun day that began at Elk Neck State Park in Cecil County.  My detour to Elliott Island Rd was unplanned and just goes to show--the birding day is never over.  I'm sure there are some spouses/significant others who could attest to that without ever setting foot or tire on Elliott Island Rd!

Have fun,

Ron Gutberlet
Salisbury, MD