VA-Birders:
I have been fortunate the past couple weeks to get out on the lower York
River doing field sampling with our research program here at VIMS.
Yesterday our trip provided me with an encounter i did not expect.
We were waiting at the edge of a marsh while fishing a seine net across
the inlet to a tidal marsh cove (in the Catlett Islands area). I walked
along the marsh away from the group, checking for birds. I was pishing a
bit, hoping for a seaside sparrow response, when I heard a Clapper Rail
begin to make quite a racket. As i worked my way toward the sound, i saw
the adult disappear into the marsh grass. Twenty paces further on i found
myself in a staring match with a juvenile Clapper, about 6-7 feet from
where i stood. I continued, slowly, and got within 3 feet of the bird!
Soon, two other juveniles came out of the marsh edge nearby and chased each
other around in a muddy flat nearby. None of the young birds seemed to care
that i was there... giving me the best looks i imagine i will ever have of
this species. The birds even stuck around when i called to another in our
group to come, slowly, over and take a look. We stood gaping (i was
grinning) for a few minutes, then backed away, leaving the birds to their
business. Fortunately, the birds are rather safe in their ignorance, as the
area is inaccessible except by boat (and i hope the Bald Eagles dont like
young rails!). In any case, does this sound like strange behavior?!
Also, about a week ago and then again yesterday, we saw a lone Spotted
Sandpiper walking along a mudflat nearby, bobbing its tail. Seemed like a
strange time for this bird to be around.
Dave Hewitt
Gloucester, VA
---------------------------------------------
Dave Hewitt
Fisheries Science/Crustacean Ecology
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
The College of William and Mary
P.O. Box 1346
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
804.684.7333
dhewitt@xxxxxxxx
http://www.vims.edu/fish/students/dhewitt/
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