I went out to Hughes Hollow this morning and was fortunate enough to arrive just as the Purple Gallinule was being seen.  I arrived at approximately 9:25 and the bird was flying over the marsh/wetland as I walked up.  I then was able to view the bird as it foraged in the marsh vegetation thanks to the ladder that Mark Hoffman had brought.  Truly a spectacular bird, although very difficult to spot unless you happen to see it as it moves briefly into a more open area as it forages.  Another neat find was a Marsh Wren in the corner of the wetland (with the gallinule) nearest the parking lot (found by a couple I didn't know).

And, after many of the birders had left, I sat by the wetlands on a log near where the gallinule sightings have been, hoping that the bird would come into view again.  It was around 10:30 or so, and pretty quiet.  Suddenly, off to the left and in the thick vegetation (cattails mostly) I heard, clear as day, a distinct "ki ki dur", "ki ki dur",  with the last note (dur) being lower in pitch.  I heard the bird vocalize three or four times over about 30 or 45 seconds, then it went silent.  The vocalization was a perfect match for Black Rail.  Despite listening to a variety of recordings and tapes, I've been unable to find a comparable vocalization made by gallinules, moorhens, coots, or any of the other rails.  Ordinarily, I don't post about birds that I hear only, but this was so distinctive and clear that it may be worth others listening for in the coming days as they watch for the Purple Gallinule.  I know it is extremely improbable for a Black Rail to be in there, but I suppose a Purple Gallinule is unexpected too.  If anyone sees or hears anything resembling a Black Rail at this location, I would appreciate a post as it would be great to have some level of confirmation for the bird.  Of course, other possibilities are that it was an alternate call for a more common species that I am not familiar with or that someone was playing a tape (I saw no one in my immediate vicinity and the call seemed to be coming from the wetlands, not the woods or road).  It was a beautiful morning to be out, and great seeing the gallinule.  Thanks for the use of the ladder Mark!

Fred Shaffer

Crofton, Anne Arundel

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