The corner of the pond near the building has become a
reliable spot for close views of the now rather common Spotted Crake, although
it is likely to be part-obscured, as below. That will probably change as
the water recedes. You are more likely to be attracted to this
occasionally fashionable venue by the prospect of seeing the Lewin’s Rail.
In two recent visits I have only had one view of the little chap of a few
seconds. It was on the north-west corner of the island and quickly
disappeared into the tussocks. More than other crakes/rails, this species
seems to have the habit of staying in dense cover for long periods. An
exception, of course, was the individual that appeared at Commonwealth Park a
few years ago and happily foraged on the lawn beside a busy pathway. I
have now seen the Lewins at 3 widely separated sites in the ACT, so it is
certainly one of ‘our birds’ although probably of only occasional occurrence,
depending on conditions. You will remember it was reported at the visitor
centre a year or so ago, and no doubt there is a reason for its repeated
appearance there.
