King Rail, swimming

 

A King Rail steams across a canal in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland. Rails, obviously, swim quite well. I had heard one or two off in the marsh and was surprised when this bird eventually hopped in the water and swam across the opening. Couldn't react fast enough to manage photos on its first trip across, but got into position, dropped the tripod down, knelt down and waited. About ten minutes later the big rail came out of the vegetation and swam back across and I was ready. January 30, 2023.