Buff-banded Rails in metro Perth

["PeterTaylor" <>]

Hi John
My partner and  had a quick look at the reserve you mentioned (Smith's Lake 
I think) and easily found the Buff-banded Rail. As you said, it seemed quite 
unconcerned about people and we were able to sit within 5 metres of it and 
take some great close-up pictures.  Speaking of which the number of photos 
of BBRs on lawns or pavers on ABID (http://www.aviceda.org/abid/) suggest 
that it is not uncommonly found out in the open!
Other places around Perth that I or others have seen them out in the open 
include Maurice Hamer Park, Troy Park and Eric Singleton Bird Sanctuary (and 
as you mentioned, Penguin Is). However, I have to confess that in all my 
years of birding in South Australia, I never saw a single one!!!
cheers
Peter Taylor