Rondeau Ric

Immature Virginia rail at the marsh edge, Rondeau Provincial Park, July 27, 2022. While out on the pontoon I spotted this Virginia rail in the shadows of the cattails. Some days you have sharp eyes, other days you walk into doors. Rallus limicola The forehead feathers of Virginia Rails are adapted to withstand wear and tear that results from pushing through dense and often sharp marsh vegetation. source - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Virginia_Rail

Shrewsbury, Ontario, Canada, Feb 9, 2021. A rare hold over from warmer weather. It seemed to be getting enough to eat, it had open water and was sticking its head through a covering of snow to find food. The first photo looks to me like it has ice on its face. Rallus limicola As a group, rails have the highest ratio of leg muscles to flight muscles of any bird, which may explain their propensity to walk rather than fly. source- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Virginia_Rail

Virginia Rail, Erieau, Ontario, May 8, 2019. Big foot for a big step up and over the vegetation. Rallus limicola The forehead feathers of Virginia Rails are adapted to withstand wear and tear that results from pushing through dense and often sharp marsh vegetation. source -  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Virginia_Rail/

Park staff told me about a rail on Tulip Tree Trail. Another photographer spotted it for me. This is one of about 100 photos. Have to go through the rest to see if there is a better one. Rallus limicola The forehead feathers of Virginia Rails are adapted to withstand wear and tear that results from pushing through dense and often sharp marsh vegetation. As a group, rails have the highest ratio of leg muscles to flight muscles of any bird, which may explain their propensity to walk rather than fly. source - https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Virginia_Rail/