I was at Frohring Meadows this morning, listening to the Soras,  and
waiting for a
glimpse of the birds.  I did see one, fluttering across an open patch
of water.
I was also hoping to see  or hear a Virginia Rail, which had been
seen  there
earlier this summer.

But, much more exciting, a downy black rail  chick popped into view
for a few seconds.
I've never seen one before, and have been looking for pictures and
descriptions
of the young.  Best I can remember it was entirely black, with very
dark legs.
The beak was bright....my impression was red with perhaps a yellow tip.
(A common moorhen came to mind.)

So, Sora chicks?

Around the fields there were still lots of bobolinks, savannah
sparrows and a
few indigo buntings.

Inga Schmidt

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