Until then I will continue as normal!
This weeks bird is the Spotless Crake (Porzana tabuensis), a rare example of the a bird where the common name and the reality seem to coincide. This bird is about 20cm long and has the typical reclusive habits of most rails - i.e. it likes hiding in reeds and dense vegetation and only coming out when you are looking in the other direction!
However, this individual must have been a bit of an exhibitionist as it came out on a number of occasions and sat in a rather nice patch of light!
This bird was photographed at that most remarkable location, Werribee Sewage Plant - which despite (or maybe because ) of its nature is a real hot spot for birds.
So, it all its spotless glory, I give you the Spotless Rail.
As ever, these picture look much better larger - so click on them to make them expand.
sewage plants have always been my hot spot
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome bird! Love the little rails! Some of them are very tricky to find. Of course hearing them isn't a problem:)
ReplyDeleteLove the eyes and short tail! He looks to be all business!
ReplyDeleteSpotless indeed! I'm glad he wasn't as shy as rails usually are. Thanks for this and hosting.
ReplyDeleteA very cooperative Crake enabled you to get great shots of it Stewart. Many thanks for hostong and have a great week.
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful Rail. 20 cm long, but it looks smaller. Love it!
ReplyDeleteHello, the Rails are always cool birds to see. Beautiful Rail and awesome photos. Thanks for hosting. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteYou must have a lot of patience Stewart. These are marvelous captures of this interesting Bird. I would love to just sit and watch his antics.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of a beautiful bird. Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteAs always, wonderful photos!
ReplyDeletepert and intense. great bird.
ReplyDeleteLove these shots, well done, Diane
ReplyDeleteNice small rail species! Well spotted and captured! Gr. John
ReplyDeleteGreat shots. I've never seen the Spotless Crake. His red eye is interesting and a bit eerie.
ReplyDeleteExcellent location and a great find. Just as elusive as Rallus aquaticus!
ReplyDeleteThanks for an interesting post. The sewage plant in Austin, Texas has a research station and several paths to traverse to find birds. But all sewage plants are attractive to many species of birds.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute bird! I love that stubby little tail with what appear to be black and white markings. The eyes are impressive, too. So glad it presented itself for the adoring masses! Thanks for hosting! 200 next week - are you planning a party and inviting us all over? :D
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos and an interesting bird.
ReplyDeleteQuite similar in appearance to the Water Rail. Great pictures Stewart!
ReplyDeletePS on the back of your post last year, I have booked myself a couple of days off in the Farne Islands at the end of June. :-)
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ReplyDeleteMaybe if he/she understood what it was it was really roaming about in it'd relocate in a hurry. I know I would. Great photos Stewart. I haven't done much Bird photography & am pretty much a beginner at photography but there's a Wetlands reserve on the outskirts of Launceston that I must get around to visiting soon with my camera.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart!:) How fortunate that this lovely bird was not as elusive as others of his species, so that you could get these great captures. It's the first time I have seen the Spotless Crake, but it's not an easy bird to forget, with it's gorgeous colour, red eyes, and short tail. Thank you for hosting!:)
ReplyDeleteI love his coloring ... I am a real fan of that blue gray look with the intense stare of the red eye (looks like he may have been on a bender last night :). This is a handsome bird indeed and little does he know that he has the honor of being number 199 on a long list of WBW posts ... Will you be in Scotland for the #200? Looking forward to the celebration and I am curious as to who you will choose to be "that bird" or will it be "those birds" ... I am excited for you :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Great photos of a pretty bird, Stewart! I love his red eye.
ReplyDeleteUnusual looking bird..Great shots..New one to me..
ReplyDeleteStewart, I wish I knew my birds the way you do!! I have pictures from Aruba and have no idea what they are!!!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteStewart, interesting bird. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSpotless Crake? I spotted it right away in your wonderful photos...butt then again, I'm known for being spotty...
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I would not want to hang out there though.
ReplyDeleteA sweet little fellow, captured wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of images, Stewart! I have never spotted a Crake of any kind.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird...
ReplyDeleteNice work Stewart. I wouldn't mind betting that they are normnally impossible to photograph even on the edge of a dark reed bed.
ReplyDeleteThis bird has a very intense look about him. When I enlarged the photos, he looked even more so. Very nice photos Stewart.
ReplyDeleteSome fantastic captures, my friend. I love the red eyes.
ReplyDeleteIt is such an accomplishment when I can get a clear shot of a rail. This one was indeed cooperative!
ReplyDeleteLovely shots.
ReplyDeleteThose eyes are something!
ReplyDeleteLovely snaps, Stewart.
Have a Happy Week ahead!
Peace :)