Lewin's Rail (1/6)

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

Lewinia pectoralis  

A Lewin's Rail had been reported at Gold Creek Road near the resevoir and since it was 5 years since I had seen a Lewin's Rail, and obtained poor photos, I thought I would follow up on this report. I arrived at 5:45 am and bumped into Chris and Roger, two birders looking for the same rail.

The bird did not show up so they showed me a second location where we heard a rail making various sounds including the "galloping horse" sound only a metre from us in thick undergrowth. Eventually it wandered out very briefly for quick views and poor photos. We went back to the first location and heard a second Lewin's Rail calling. Chris and Roger had to leave and I sat down for a long wait.

Half an hour later a pair of Pale-vented Bush-hens appeared in the creek 5 metres away allowing some hurried photos. Suddenly the Lewin's Rail, without a sound, appeared in the creek right beside me and wandered around for a minute or so allowing great views and good photos. Fantastic!