[nepp]

On Sunday I was at Oxford Island reserve at Lough Neagh. Bright with strong winds. Panning for various types of ducks I caught a glimpse of something ducking underwater head first and disappearing.
I saw grey with the barred lower body like a water rail. It is an area where these are known to inhabit. I didn't really get a good glimpse of it to be sure.

My question is...does a water rail go underwater? Has any one else seen them slipping underwater from the reeds and disappearing? Does this sound like water rail behaviour?

Many thannks

Norma P

[Ruby]

Originally Posted by nepp

Has any one else seen them slipping underwater from the reeds and disappearing? Does this sound like water rail behaviour?

Many thannks

Norma P

Hi Norma,

Can't say that I have seen this behaviour - but I've only seen Water Rail on half-a-dozen occasions.... Maybe someone else will know.


Rgds... Ruby

[Johnny1]

Sounds more like a moorhens behaviour to me, I've only ever seen water rails on dry land...maybe I should correct that and say marshy land. Never heard of them going underwater.

[DJ Sideboard]

I've seen Water rails swimming fairly often, but not submerging. But I'd be loath to say that they don't do it.....

[Poutnik2]

Water rail can go underwater in danger, but its not often

[keithyed]

without webbed feet i would say they would find it very hard swimming underwater
so probably not a rail

[David FG]

They have the ability to slide away almost like magic, and it might seem that they have gone underwater when in fact they have slipped stealthily away. Is it possible that it could have disappeared into vegetation without you noticing?

[nepp]

Originally Posted by keithyed

without webbed feet i would say they would find it very hard swimming underwater
so probably not a rail

This seems the best reason yet why it might not have been a water rail. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Norma