After the excitement of having Brown Quail in my GBS a fortnight ago (still
4 there this morning), it was even a greater surprise to be confronted by an
adult Buff-banded Rail (in the open less than 2 metres away from me) in a garden
bed less than 10 metres from our front door around 9 am this morning.
My daughter and I unsuccessfully spent over 5 minutes stalking it through
the bushes (it wouldn’t fly) trying to get a photo before it moved into some
very thick vegetation and could not be located again. However, we both had
lots of good clear but fleeting views and there is no doubt of the
identification.
To me it’s just an other illustration of the topsy turvy season we seem to
be having. So keep an eye and ear out, and expect the unexpected!!
Jack Holland
