Visit with the Virginia Rail

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) - Tiny Marsh, Tiny Township, Ontario - 2015 June 15

On an early evening stop at Tiny Marsh I was walking along the boardwalk through the marsh when I heard a repetitive "kid dik" call from the vegetation. I was sure there was a Virginia Rail hiding somewhere in the thick cover. Sure enough after waiting for some time the bird came out in the open where I got this photograph. The rail quickly moved across the open stretch of water behind more vegetation but continued to call. 

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) - Tiny Marsh, Tiny Township, Ontario - 2015 June 15

As there was an observation tower nearby, I moved to climb up for an overhead view where I hoped I could once again locate the rail. I heard the rail continue to call but then I sensed movement right below me, and found myself looking down on a second Virginia Rail less than 5 meters away.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) - Tiny Marsh, Tiny Township, Ontario - 2015 June 15

As I was watching the second rail I once again sensed movement right below me. This time a tiny black ball of feathers raced across the wet marshy ground and stopped to grab something. This black chick with a body the size of a "twoonie" was a very young Virginia Rail.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) - Tiny Marsh, Tiny Township, Ontario - 2015 June 15

Here is another close-up photograph of the Virginia Rail chick. They have a black ring around their small bill and feet as big as their body.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) - Tiny Marsh, Tiny Township, Ontario - 2015 June 15

The adult Virginia Rail are near robin size from bill to tail but of different proportions, appearing almost chunky when viewed from the side but very narrow when viewed from head on. This adaptation helps them move through the thick marsh vegetation. The large feet with long toes help keep them from sinking in their wet marshy habitat.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) - Tiny Marsh, Tiny Township, Ontario - 2015 June 15

The black chicks were running around in all directions although here I caught two close together as one climbed onto a log to chase its sibling. It was difficult to keep track of them all. I saw at most four at one time although they moved so quick that there may have been more.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) - Tiny Marsh, Tiny Township, Ontario - 2015 June 15

When the two chicks got further out on the log they both stopped and turned toward one of the adults. It almost seems like they are having a long jump competition, each young one poised for the leap.

Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) - Tiny Marsh, Tiny Township, Ontario - 2015 June 15

Before I left the Virginia Rail family, I caught this photograph of an adult and chick in an intimate moment.