On Monday July 22nd, Robert Hershberger reported on The Bobolink phone hotline (330-763-5119), the exciting news that the Black Rail site on the Henry Troyer Jr Farm in northeastern Coshocton County, visited by many birders in early June, reportedly has two adults and seven young. Obviously, there was more than one Black Rail present. I would think this is a monumental happening for the Ohio birding community. According to most nesting area descriptions given from printed information, Black Rails should be found in extensive wet meadows and wetlands dominated by grasses where standing water is only several inches deep. In both of the Harrison bird nest books, Black Rail is referred to as a coastal nester in salt or brackish marshes. These Black Rails have apparently not taken the time to read the field guides for where they are supposed to be nesting. On top of a hill in a high and dry agricultural field may need to be added as an updated nest site description. The site location is now justifiably closed to all visitation.  


Bob Lane / Mahoning County                                        
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