Today I saw my very first Virginia Rail and I have a new fondness for birds that only allow you a fleeting glimpse as the make their way through the undergrowth.
This one happened to give away its location with a series of quiet peeps. While it was preoccupied with its new meal it wandered into a gap in the reeds.
What a great introduction to a secretive and beautiful new bird. A big thanks to Lynntern for pointing it out.