What’s occurring?

If you had to come up with three words to describe the Water Rail, Rallus aquaticus, they would probably be skulking, secretive and decorative. Have you seen one? They’re always a delight to find because they are so, well, skulking and secretive but when you see one they are so decorative.

Water Rail - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I had an enjoyable afternoon with my friend Dave at Stover Country Park and we got a hot tip that a Water Rail was in a drainage ditch heading into the lake. They’re tricky to see in good light because they are so… well, you know what they’re like.

This one spotted us and was having a good look at us moving in the undergrowth in our full camouflage.

Water Rail - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

There are only 1,100 breeding territories in the UK according to the RSPB, which shows just how many of our wetlands have been destroyed. I wish this one well in finding a mate and continuing to delight.

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