The Virginia Rail is a secretive bird that spends most of its life walking but can swim and dive if it has to. More often heard than seen, these birds tend to stay hidden deep in marsh grasses. They’re usually spotted when the birds have to cross a clearing or come out of cover for food. This year at the Ridgefield NWR, there are several families of Rails and they don’t seem to be very shy at all. This picture shows the chick following the parent as he or she hunts the mud for food such as snails, insects, and spiders. Taken July 3, 2015. Best viewed large.
Canon 7D Mark II, 1/1600, f5.6, ISO 500, 700mm, 10:35 a.m.
