A few years ago (not long, but before eBird became the ‘thing’ it is now), I thought I may have seen a Lewin’s Rail from Bittern Hide, at Jerrabomberra. It wasn’t – the bird was a Baillon’s Crake,
and my only excuse other than my complete inexperience with crakes and rails in those days was that this was the first outing with a new pair of binoculars, and every bird looked larger than I expected!
But I’ve been waiting to exorcise that somewhat embarrassing moment for a while. Seeing Lewin’s Honeyeater at Monga didn’t help. Nor did the knowledge that everyone (well, most people, at least)
make silly mistakes when they are learning (don’t ask me about the time when I briefly thought a Weebill was a Chestnut-rumped Heathwren – who knew that Weebill had such beautifully detailed plumage when seen close up?).
So it was with relief and excitement when a definite, clear and unmistakable Lewin’s Rail wandered out of the low vegetation along the boardwalk at Kellys this morning no more than 10 feet from me,
and sauntered across some dry mud before disappearing back into the vegetation. The view lasted less than 10 seconds. My son Lach was ahead of me at the time; came back, camera at the ready; and we listened to the bird rustling around for a bit before I walked
on. Eventually the patience of the photographer was rewarded: a few images are at
https://ebird.org/australia/view/checklist/S53397188.
Now for the Little Bittern – this year, or next.
Steve
From: Rory Read <>
Sent: Tuesday, 5 March 2019 9:30 AM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Lewin’s Rail at Jerrabomberra
Dad and I found a Lewin’s Rail along the boardwalk at Jerrabomberra Wetlands, this morning at 8:30ish. It wasn’t keen on having its photo taken, but see attatched. I’ll link some higher resolution pictures later.
