The Secretive Clapper Rail
Yesterday evening I was surprised to see a clapper rail stroll out from among the reed grass in the salt marsh at low tide.
Sometimes referred to as a “marsh hen” the clapper is similar in size and appearance to a chicken.
The clapper rail is a very secretive bird that is not often seen. It prefers to stay tucked in and creep around on mats of dry marsh reeds as it travels slowly looking for small fish and crustaceans.
This one shocked me by suddenly walking into the shallow water and swimming to the opposite edge of the marsh near where I was set up.
It walked around for a short time providing me with some excellent views, before quickly disappearing back into the reeds.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Maybe the Clapper is looking for Alyce ( the one with the enticing call ) 😉
It probably was! And she was not even with me last night, I was left on my own. 😦
This is one that I have never seen. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos!
Well I really appreciate you taking the time to look and comment Molly!
The other birds had been bragging about how great you made them look in photos…she wanted her turn. 🙂 Great photos!
Thanks Maleea! She did give her best super model pose there at one point. 🙂
What a wonderful series, Phil! Cool find. You got good sunlight on this one
Thanks for checking out the pics Gareth and glad you like them.
Oh Phil….guess what I saw last night? A gorgeous swallow tail kite. It was magnificent. No photo but I’ll never forget seeing it. “Internet” said it was endangered in SC. Ever catch a photo of one of those beautiful birds?
Great spot Maleea! Very cool bird. I have seen them several times but never got a photo I was happy with.
What a little cutie!