After the post about last Sundays bird outing with Mikey Lutmerding, I have
received many emails asking for the location of where Mikey and I had our
Black Rails.  I hesitate on giving out the location because Black Rails have
seriously declined over the years in Maryland and are quite rare.  That
said, I have had good luck in hearing them in the past and I am going to
relate how I go about finding them.  First of all, I have never seen a Black
Rail.  Secondly, I don't think I have ever had success in using tape to get
them to call.  Basically, if they aren't calling I go somewhere else.  Black
Rails seem to prefer shorter marsh grass.  I have had the best luck hearing
them between midnight and dawn.  I have had the best luck from the end of
April to Memorial Day.  If the wind is blowing, go home and get some sleep.
If owls are calling in the area, go somewhere else.  I have had the best
luck in Dorchester and Somerset Counties.

George Jett would chastise me if I didn't say this:  I see no point in using
tape.  I hope people do not use tape to bring the birds in so they can see
them.  It upsets the birds and stresses them out.  Go find birds that are
already singing.  They are out there.

If anyone goes to try to see the White-faced Ibis that has been hanging
around Rt 113 in Berlin, the birds are easily seen from Rt 113.  Just pull
off the road and scan the flock from beside your car.  Hans Holbook took off
work on Monday to go chase the ibis and when he got there a man walked out
into the field with his scope and scared the ibis flock.  The ibis flock
never returned, Hans checked throughout the day.  This was really bad
behavior and l feel quite selfish.  The birds are easily seen without
disturbing them.  Hopefully, the flock has returned.

Jim Brighton
Easton, MD