Validate California Rail IDs (Oakland, CA, USA) (1 Viewer)

[CalvinFold]

After having a short discussion with another birder at our local birding spot (Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline), it turns out there are three possible rails (Rallidae) that could be spotted there: Ridgway's Rail, Virginia Rail, and he mentioned one other I can't recall.

So this calls into question whether I have been properly ID'ing my rail photos since I only knew about the Ridgway's Rail at this location. I looked at photos of the Virginia Rail, and I still think my photos are of the Ridgway's, but I want to be sure.

If someone would be so kind as to double-check my rail photos, I would be very appreciative:

1. http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/594213/ppuser/119570
2. http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/594212/ppuser/119570
3. http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/572311/ppuser/119570
4. http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/572309/ppuser/119570
5. http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/571907/ppuser/119570
6. http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/520698/ppuser/119570

I consider these forums a great educational opportunity for birders--I'd hate to provide wrong information, even in someplace as simple as my gallery.

THANKS for all your help!

 

[nbalblas]

Had the same problem last year. I'd say Ridgway's. They all look very similar to mine. Attached is mine from Bolsa Chica, LA.

 

[fugl]

All look good for Ridgway’s (what an ugly name!) to me.

There are 3 other “skulking” rallids in the Bay Area coastal wetlands: Sora (which is probably the one the other birder meant), Black Rail (rare and seldom seen except during the highest of high tides) and Common Gallinule (another ugly name).

 

[CalvinFold]

There are 3 other “skulking” rallids in the Bay Area coastal wetlands: Sora (which is probably the one the other birder meant), Black Rail (rare and seldom seen except during the highest of high tides) and Common Gallinule (another ugly name).

Ridgway's name is just annoying because my brain, like so many people's, wants to add an "e" to it. :eek!:

Yeah the Sora, Black, and Ridgway could be tricky without seeing the head. On other other hand, the Common Gallinule (aka Moorehen) is quite a different one and looks closer to the other common rallid, the American Coot. I've encountered both of those locally (but only the Coot in this specific location).

:t: