I'd like to thank Jim for making these comments on Black Rails. This species is truly endangered in Maryland (and was listed as such by the DNR in 2007), having declined by more than 85% from the early 1990s to 2006, according to surveys done by the DNR.  Although it is not known exactly what factors are causing the decline (could be marsh erosion, flooding, predation), the use of call playbacks is likely to cause disturbance to the birds, which could jeopardize their nesting success, and further impact the population.

Please be satisfied with just hearing Black rails and do not try to lure them out with tapes. Hearing this rare and unique element of the salt marsh ecosystem is still a thrilling experience!

Dave

David Curson, PhD
Director of Bird Conservation,
Audubon MD-DC,
2437 Eastern Avenue,
Baltimore  MD  21224
Tel: (410) 558 2473
E-mail: 


-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Jim Brighton
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 5:30 PM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Black Rails


After the post about last Sundays bird outing with Mikey Lutmerding, I have
received many emails asking for the location of where Mikey and I had our
Black Rails.  I hesitate on giving out the location because Black Rails have
seriously declined over the years in Maryland and are quite rare.  That
said, I have had good luck in hearing them in the past and I am going to
relate how I go about finding them.  First of all, I have never seen a Black
Rail.  Secondly, I don't think I have ever had success in using tape to get
them to call.  Basically, if they aren't calling I go somewhere else.  Black
Rails seem to prefer shorter marsh grass.  I have had the best luck hearing
them between midnight and dawn.  I have had the best luck from the end of
April to Memorial Day.  If the wind is blowing, go home and get some sleep.
If owls are calling in the area, go somewhere else.  I have had the best
luck in Dorchester and Somerset Counties.

George Jett would chastise me if I didn't say this:  I see no point in using
tape.  I hope people do not use tape to bring the birds in so they can see
them.  It upsets the birds and stresses them out.  Go find birds that are
already singing.  They are out there.

If anyone goes to try to see the White-faced Ibis that has been hanging
around Rt 113 in Berlin, the birds are easily seen from Rt 113.  Just pull
off the road and scan the flock from beside your car.  Hans Holbook took off
work on Monday to go chase the ibis and when he got there a man walked out
into the field with his scope and scared the ibis flock.  The ibis flock
never returned, Hans checked throughout the day.  This was really bad
behavior and l feel quite selfish.  The birds are easily seen without
disturbing them.  Hopefully, the flock has returned.

Jim Brighton
Easton, MD