Soras and Rails

Yes - those are birds.  These are both in the same "family" and are related to Coots.  They're very secretive and like to hide along the edge of the water in the cat-tails.  But it's fun to stand and watch for them!

First up we'll look at the Soras.  They have a shorter bill that's yellow in color and a black "mask".

Sometimes you can catch them as they swim across to the other side.

This one had me stumped - the Soras usually have a "mask" but this one didn't but the beak length was right - got home and looked in my book and it's probably a juvenile.  And lots of Painted Turtles in this spot!

Found another one crossing to the other side - this one had a really dark mask. 

 

Then you have the Virginia Rails.  They have a longer orange beak and no mask.