Yesterday I was also able to get my first shots of the year of a Sora. I was watching one of the many red-winged blackbirds in the smaller marshy area alongside the railbed, when I noticed movement behind it. I was happy to note it was a sora moving fairly quickly through the shallow water, although right out in the open, which is rather unusual for these shy birds which are more often heard than seen.
I was checking out the spot where the Wood Ducks hide out again this morning, hoping the noise of the strong winds would hide my approach. Foiled again, although this time there were only a few Black Ducks that flew off. However, I happened to notice a bird-like shape, larger than a songbird, in the tall grasses off to the side. When I checked it out with my binoculars, I happily discovered it was a Sora rail! I've never seen one this late in the year, although I don't think it is too late for them to still be here. Apparently they aren't heard much after mid-summer (and rarely seen), so it is difficult to tell just when they migrate. I used the 'poster edges' filter again to sharpen the edges, as it was difficult to focus on the bird among all the brush.
As I was walking past the little pond below the sewage lagoons this morning, I noticed several tiny frogs leap into the water. Taking a closer look to to see if I could spot one, I startled a Sora that happened to be in the tall grass next to the path. It jumped out onto a clump of grass, and then scooted over to the reeds at the side of the pond. I had to be quick, but I managed to get a couple of fairly good shots before it disappeared into the reeds. I was really excited as it was a juvenile Sora, not a fully grown adult. I had seen two just recently, but wasn't able to get a shot of them.
This evening I finally got my first shot of the season of a Sora rail. I've seen them a number of times, and certainly hear them daily (a clear descending whinny), but they keep a low profile, usually hiding among the reeds. This one was sounding a loud peep the whole time I watched it.
