In May, 2014 I wrote about hearing but NOT SEEING the elusive Black Rail….it would have been #700.
https://birdtalesblog.wordpress.com/2014/05/
Well, E-Bird was reporting several of these shrew-sized birds reliably calling during the day (normally a pm activity) in the Alviso marsh in the Don Edwards SF Bay National Wildlife Refuge near San Jose. Since I was already in SF, the 50 mile drive south was a non-decision.
Don Edwards SF Bay NWR (San Jose)
I arrived at dawn and two other birders were already in place at the end of the boardwalk in the above photo. We heard several black rails give their signature “kic-kic-kerr” calls and “grr-grr-grr” growls. Seeing one of these tiny, shy marsh-slinkers is considered one of the most difficult achievements in North American birding; photographing one is nearly impossible. After two hours the guy gave up. The lady birder lasted another two hours but also departed, leaving me by myself. I was tempted to use my I-phone bird app to try to stir one of the birds but…remember….that is not ethical.
The calls and growls were coming from only a few feet away but I could not see any movement in the dense marsh grass. I had to leave in 45 minutes to make my business meeting in Mountain View. Frustration was peaking when I saw something walk by an empty Gatorade bottle brought in by the tide. My heart jumped. The bird gave me a two second look….it was a rail; but it was the much more common Virginia Rail. But wait, another shadow caught my eye as I peered down over the edge of the boardwalk railing. It looked like a mouse but it wasn’t a rodent. The Black Rail! Unmistakeable white flecks dotted its back and a chestnut-brown nape gleamed in the bright sun. I watched it for at least five seconds and then it was gone.
Incredibly satisfied, I mean sooo content I cannot explain…I drove to my meeting – in my birding clothes. Thankfully the fellow I met was quite understanding and being California, didn’t expect to see me in a coat and tie. My next meeting had cancelled earlier in the day so I had a crazy thought. Why not go back to the marsh and attempt a photo with my I-phone? How can I write this blog without showing an image? Of course, I had not even considered bringing my Nikon camera on this trip. Nobody photographs a Black Rail.
I returned to the boardwalk and waited with my I-phone camera “on” with arms extended over the exact spot I had seen it earlier. It was 2pm. Every ten minutes or so a rail called. Clearly the end of the boardwalk was in the middle of its territory. I waited and waited. At one point I returned to my car and recharged my phone for 15 minutes. By 4pm the calls were more frequent. I prayed and I questioned my sanity. But my patience and persistence paid off!
Black Rail (looks like a white-speckled mouse)
ABA Area #775 officially in the books.
birdtalesblog 
775 is a great number for you GCW’75 — way to go!
Unbelievable, GW!
Great report, George!!! Glad you got the photo!! Joe
Sent from my iPhone
>
Good news. Best
Dennis
George, I shared this with my college roommate, Dave Baker (hudsonvalleybirder@yahoo.com). He is a pretty serious birder, so you may hear from him. Hope so! Joe
Sent from my iPhone
>
Joe, good to read you. I PROMISE Dave Baker will be impressed:) I will e-him. Best, George
Too bad you didn’t buy a lottery ticket while you were there.
Sent from my iPhone
>
What a great story. Nice work Georgie. Patience. Persistence. Pays off. It’s what we try and teach our children. Talk the talk. Walk the walk. Good job!👍
[EP-final-logo-photos-goudy-bold.jpg]
“Growth Equity for Energy & Industrial Innovation”
David Lincoln
Element Partners
565 E. Swedesford Rd.; Suite 207
Wayne, PA 19087
610.947.6400 ofc
610.322.2100 cell
Sent from my iPhone
Cheers Linc – well stated! With three of my kids today and shared this. Best to you. George
Great story! Congrats on persistence paying off!
Thanks Eliza! Hope all is well in VT
Very cool! As always, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Arlin. Hope you’re doing well! George
Tremendous patience, George …. photo was the ultimate payoff!
Thanks Mace
HI George. Congrats on the picture. Not sure I would have had the patience. but by now you know the benefit. Glad you got the photo to document your find.
Thanks Tina! I’m still stunned a week later.
Your patience amazes me. Did you see Paul when you were in Mountain View? He lives there.
Next time!
Your mother says it is a white speckled mouse! So there!
>
Thanks Mom! xxx
Nicely done, George — and a terrific piece! Birding can actually be exciting and we’re all right there with you. Joe
Cheers Joe! This WAS a tough tough one to see. But to photograph……never in my wildest dreams:)
The way you “spin your yarn”, Woody… so exciting! I enjoy reading of your bird exploits, none more than this one involving the Black Rail. (I loved your mom’s comment.) Thanks, always, for sharing! Jim ’77 (part of #775, I will add)
Thanks Jimbo. Appreciate the kind words. Was in SF for a PU rugby gathering over wkd (World Cup at ATT Park). Won’t need a beer for awhile and that rail sighting might keep my birding appetite satisfied for a long time!
George,
This is awesome! Hope that all is well and that we see you soon!
Cheers, Anne
Anne Standish abstandish@aol.com
>
Thanks Anne!