Since many people already know about this bird, I thought it best to publicize it more widely, along with the proper protocol for viewing it. The KING Rail was discovered Sunday evening and has been heard by many, and seen by some. The location is Kumpf Marsh along Feeder Road, only 200 yards or so north of Rt 77, on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Feeder Road is a gated refuge road that appears on Google Maps. The easiest way to access the area is to park at the Kanyoo Nature Trail (also on Google Maps) parking lot and walk the 200 yard path to the northwest that goes to Feeder Rd. The bird has been heard at the junction of this trail and Feeder Rd, as well as a little bit further south on Feeder Rd, closer to Rt 77.
Since this bird is on a NWR, you need to be aware that you are only allowed in designated areas and that playing any bird recordings is illegal. Therefore, when trying for this bird, you must stick to Feeder Rd (do not walk down to the marsh!). The refuge personnel are aware of the bird and are patrolling the area frequently. In addition, King Rail is a threatened species in NYS, so playing a recording would not only be illegal but also unethical. Therefore, you should be prepared to only hear the bird, though with luck, you may see it as well. Right now, it is calling a lot but that could easily change depending on the stage of its nesting cycle and whether or not it has attracted a mate. Currently, there is also a BLACK-NECKED STILT that has been seen in Kumpf Marsh, as well as on the other side of and further down Feeder Road (that is, going further away from Rt 77). Unless the stilt is in Kumpf Marsh, a scope is likely necessary. Good luck if you try for these birds! Willie ------------------ Willie D'Anna Wilson, NY dannapotterATroadrunnerDOTcom -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
