Date:         Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:41:36 -0500
Reply-To:     Vanessa Lane <sales@GECKOLAIR.COM>
Sender:       Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         Vanessa Lane <sales@GECKOLAIR.COM>
Subject:      Virginia Rail at Bear Creek Reservoir 2/14/09, near Athens!!
In-Reply-To:  <200902140504.n1E20u0w020570@malibu.cc.uga.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

The rain today delayed my birding for a couple of hours, but I decided
to try my luck at Bear Creek Reservoir north of Athens for any waterfowl
that might still be active.  A lone white-phased SNOW GOOSE flew in with
a flock of 15 Canadas, honking in its higher pitched voice.  There were
15 HORNED GREBES scattered across the water, along with the typical
PIED-BILLED GREBES, LESSER SCAUP, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and BUFFLEHEADS.

The real highlight of the day was a lone VIRGINIA RAIL!!  I wanted to
add Swamp Sparrow to my list over at the marshes by the spillway. As I
leaned over the cement railing of the bridge, I saw lots of hispid
cotton rats running around.  I put my bins on a few of them just because
they were fun to watch, when I realized that one 'cotton rat' had
feathers!!  The Virginia Rail was in gorgeous adult plumage. He foraged
in the cattails directly underneath me (only ~30ft away) for 40
minutes!!  He kept running in and out of the vegetation so it was
difficult to get my autofocus to work, but I managed to snatch four
identifiable shots.  You can see them here:

http://snowgyre.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album02&id=virafront

Click Next to see the other three photos I took.

What a great way to have a lifer! I wish all rails were this cooperative!
~Vanessa Lane
Athens, GA
Athens/Clarke County

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