Rails & Crakes

[(Syd Curtis)]

Shyness depends to some extent on local circumstances - John Leonard and
Frank O'Connor regard the Buff-banded Rail as easy to see and not shy;
Lawrie Conole found the species to be almost as shy as the Spotless Crake,
at the Bendigo Sewerage Farm.

Can anyone who has visited Heron Island recently confirm a report I've
heard that the Buff-banded Rails have established individual territories
within the Resort Dining Room, and vigorous chasing of the intruder follows
any trespass.

And just for fun ...

        Unless I missed it, no mention has been made of the New South Wales
species that is the least shy of all, which is ...?  No prizes, but some
kudos for the first correct answer.

 Syd Curtis (at Hawthorne, Qld.)

H Syd Curtis