I saw one this morning, but was not sure what it was until I was able to get home and consult a bird book.  Since the book says that they are rare vistiors from Europe, I am posting this in case others would like to try to see it, too.  

It was in the grass on the side of Otwell Road, by the ditch between Quiet Entry and the first Otwell gate.  When it saw me (actually,  all it saw was my car), it walked into the ditch and along the ditch under the Otwell fence, sticking its head up to look at me at intervals.  It then came up on the other side of the ditch and walked into the Otwell field, paralleling the tree line between the field and the Quiet Entry driveway.  Although I turned my car into Otwell gate, it did not flush or run fast.  But it sure gave me a good look.  I could easily see that it was not a Yellow Rail by its plumage as well as its size.

I took a quick look at the same location when returning this evening, but did not see the Corn Crake.  There were several Turkeys in the field, however.  (Those are currently quite common around here.)  

I guess there is a possibility that Chip Akridge has released Corn Crakes for hunting in this area.  When I found a "stupid" Woodcock sitting in the middle of Otwell Road (unhurt) a few weeks ago, Akridge's employees later verified that some had been released a few months before and were too domesticated to be concerned about people, cars or foxes.  Still, it was a pretty bird, and it let me drive within a few feet and then walk back to within about 10 feet before it flew off the road.  Even then, it stayed within easy view at the base of a tree about 10 feet away from me.  Not typical behavior for a wild Woodcock, so I did not bother to post it.  But, the Corn Crake seemed to be acting the way the bird book says it should.  So, maybe this one really is a wild visitor.

 

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