Missing rails?

[Dmcwhir513 at aol.com]

Folks -

Went with Sam and Liz Febba over to the State Secondary complex pond to see 
the Virginia Rails again.

I confidently led them to same spot as the previous night, about the same 
time and wind conditions.

Cued up the call on the CD and ...... nothing.  And, a lot more of nothing.  
We tried 3 spots around the pond and nary a peep.  Even the Sora(s) was 
silent.

I have had small rails balk at calling later in the season.  However, this 
seemed to be a total vanishment.  I am thinking perhaps it was a migrating skulk 
of rails and they moved on.  I'm used to other migrant species doing this ... 
warblers today, gone tomorrow ... so I guess rails might do the same, 
although it sure looks like Virginias could nest at this site.  Virginias do seem to 
have settled in at Maple River already.

Any ideas?

On a related note, in talking with Sam, it's clear that species which used to 
nest in this pond/marsh no longer do so.  Blue-winged Teal and American Coot, 
in particular.  Maybe Pied-billed Grebe.  Common Moorhen has not been seen 
for a while and migrant dabblers were scarce this year.  Health of pond/water 
issues?  Mute Swans?  I tend to think Mute Swans are a pox on marshes and there 
is a pair nesting here.  On the other hand, I have not seen them actively 
chase or harass other species at this pond.

Take care.   - Doug



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