Outdoor Ontario
Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: Julia on May 01, 2006, 11:38:03 PM
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I was in Humber Bay Park East today, walking down the finger that runs along the East side of the "pond". I saw something moving around in the pamapas grass on the left-hand side which I assumed to be a grackle or a red-winged blackbird. I focussed my binoculars just long enough to go "Hey! That's not a -!" before it disappeared into the rushes and was gone, never to be seen again. (*Believe* me, I waited)
Here's what I (briefly) saw: A darkish bird with a distinct neck (as opposed to Grackles and Blackbirds, which have none to speak of), and a rounded head that suggested a shorebird. It seemed "tall" in proportion if not stature. My brain also registered "red" - of bill or eye I'm not sure.
After consulting both of my field guides (Peterson's and ROM - I know nobody likes that one, but I find it's good for beginners like me because there aren't too many images to muddle you and make you second guess yourself) the only thing that seemed similar to what I saw was a Virginia Rail - small, darkish shorebird with reddish bill *and* eye. Plus, they both said something like "disappears into the rushes never to be seen again".
Now, keeping in mind that what I saw was probably a grackle under the influence of my having had too much coffee, my question to you pros:
Is it even within the realm of possibility that what I saw in Humber Bay Park on May 1st was a Virginia Rail?
If not, could it have been something else?
Should I check it off my list?
Should I drink less coffee?
Please Help.
Julia