Enough people have made a pilgrimage to Charlie's Pond to find the black rails to make it worthwhile adding some information about their breeding there, which seems likely. They continue to vocalize, though less often, and are more likely to be heard during, or at least near, the dark hours. Some observers have been lucky enough to see one fly over Radcliffe Rd, as they seem reluctant to walk over it. Needless to say, you need to stand away to see this. Based on what I've heard from careful observers, it seems at least two males and one female are present. The presence of a female seems supported by reports of vocalizations. See the following helpful on-line sources for information: http://www.birdzilla.com/omnibus.asp?strType=Bent&strTitle=Black+Rail&strURL=black_rail.htm http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Auk/v091n04/p0747-p0756.html . In April 1927 Lawrence Hicks reported encounters with a yellow rail and two black rails, all in Franklin County. He remarked that "Probably a considerable number of both these species breed in favorable habitats of the state but are easily missed because of their small size and secretive habits" [Wilson Bulletin, Mar '29]. Easy for him to say. Still, numbers of black rails have been known to return year after year to a location in Ohio this time of year. If no one disturbs these birds they may well be back next year. Obviously for such a rarity confirming breeding is less important than letting them go unmolested. But if you should see some chicks crossing the road--I am told they are the essence of cuteness, little black fluffballs tottering on very long legs--please report the number you sse, the date, and other details to the list. Bill Whan Columbus ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]