Spotted Rail

Pardirallus maculatus

Ebird gives this description for the Spotted Rail:  Elusive, boldly patterned, fairly large rail of fresh marshes in tropical lowlands. Usually elusive, but sometimes walks around in the open at any time of day. No similar species if seen well. Note the brightly colored bill and legs and boldly spotted and barred black-and-white plumage.

In December of 2020 I began seeing rare bird alerts about a Spotted Rail that was being seen at Choke Canyon State Park. Noticing that the reports were continuing, I planned a little trip to the Rio Grande Valley with a stop at Choke Canyon on the way down.  So on the morning of January 4, 2021 I arrived at Choke Canyon and proceeded to the 75 Acre Lake area of the park.  It was not hard to locate the Spotted Rail, there was a group of about 15 birders already gathered to watch him.  I watched the bird for about thirty minutes.  Since it was a foggy morning, the light was not good.  On the way home (morning of January 7, 2021) I stopped again at Choke Canyon, hoping for better light.  This time the light was too bright, but I did the best I could and got some more photos.  This is one of the rarest birds I have encountered and I am pleased to have met him!  For details of the trip that included my visit with the Spotted Rail, look here.