On a fleeting visit to Kelly's Swamp, Jerrabomberra
Wetlands, this Saturday, saw more crakes than has been my experience.
Met up with an English birdwatcher (Geoff?) who had
been there with Alistair Smith the day before when they had apparently seen
Spotted and Spotless. On this overcast afternoon, at least 6 Spotless and 2
Spotted were venturing out from the reeds/briars muddy area between the two
hides to the left of the entrance. My bird guides say the Spotted flicks it's
tail but the observation was that the Spotless was most active at the rear end.
Perhaps it is really a family characteristic?
A quick trip to Crake Alley, as I understand
it to the right of the entrance, revealed a third species, Buff-banded Rail
probably juvenile since buff band not evident ( not flicking tail
either) but in a hurry across the open space in front of the reeds.
Cheers
Shaun
