Virginia Rails on Ice

A novice birder reported some kind of shorebird at Elizabeth Lake, Cranbrook on the Christmas Bird Count in late December; but we weren't able to pin down its identity until these amazing pics were taken just this past weekend - the first of February, 2014.

Very unusual to get Virginia Rails in winter but not unheard of in southern BC. Their nesting habitat at this lake is very close to much human activity.  These must be two very tough birds. Look at the ice on the bill.

Stewart Wilson photos

Greg Ross photos.

And the following day, only one was spotted and that one had even more ice on it. Stewart Wilson.