VA Birders-
Being new to the coastal marsh habitat, i wanted to verify the sighting
of a rail off of our dock last night. Four of us were on the end of the
dock and it came out of the grass across the creek (40 feet away), swam a
bit, preened a bit, and made a loud rather fast chatter occasionally. It
was very drab grayish and so i assume a clapper rail. Our marsh has some
salty influence, so it makes sense. Unfortunately it never made any
characteristic sounds, so i couldnt rule out the King. I called it a
clapper rail based on plumage color (or lack thereof). Any help?
Also, we have seen two shorebirds that regularly sit on the tops of dead
trees and make loud snapping bill noises when approached. They resemble
short-billed dowitchers, though their sounds indicate they are not that. I
am not aware of what shorebirds would be here at this time, esp. with
bills of that length and thickness. Any help here?
Thanks
Dave Hewitt
Hayes, Gloucester Co.,
VA
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