Saturday, July 20, 2013

A Rare Bird Comes to New Mexico

On July 7, 2013, 19-year-old North Carolina birder Matt Daw astonished the birding world when he dropped the best-ever birding photobomb on unsuspecting ABA birders. Matt had been taking video of a Least Bittern at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge when, well, see for yourself:



Matt was so startled that he stopped his camera and looked up. A Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, usually found in mangrove swamps from Mexico to northern South America, had just walked across his camera display. There had never been any previous sightings of a Rufous-necked Wood-Rail in the ABA area. The sighting was initially posted as unconfirmed on the ABA blog. Later that evening, when the video was posted, the situation began to heat up in New Mexico.

Birders began arriving at Bosque del Apache on Sunday afternoon. The rail was remarkably cooperative. It had thoughtfully chosen an area that was near a parking lot and that was even handicap-accessible, allowing a maximum number of birders to get good looks at the bird.

I was able to get to the refuge on Monday morning. Unbelievably, I was able to walk right out onto the boardwalk and see the bird immediately.

Rufous-necked Wood-Rail
The Wood-Rail stayed well back from the boardwalk.  I do not have a huge lens or a digiscoping setup, but still you can see that it is a fairly large and beautiful bird. It went in and out of the reeds, making forays into the water to fish for minnows and crustaceans.
Rufous-necked Wood-Rail foraging
Rufous-necked Wood-Rail
On the first morning when I arrived at Bosque del Apache, there were some birders on the boardwalk.
Bosque Wood-Rail watchers
By the following weekend, there were many birders on the boardwalk.
Wood-Rail fan club
Birders from all over the US traveled to see this rare bird. I let people know that I would be willing to offer a place to stay to anyone traveling to New Mexico. Birders from Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania have stayed with me.

Even New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich came out to the refuge to see the Wood-Rail.

ABA President Jeffrey Gordon and NM Sen. Martin Heinrich scan the area for the Wood-Rail (photo courtesy of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge)
ABA President Jeffrey Gordon and his wife Liz DeLuna Gordon provided wonderful support for the refuge and for birders, setting up a table with snacks, water, sunscreen and insect repellent and providing a welcome for birders and for the Senator. As a New Mexican, I am very grateful for their support.

And what of the Least Bittern that started this? It is still there, foraging in the marshy areas.

Least Bittern
A Green Heron often makes an appearance.

Green Heron
I think you will enjoy watching this interview of Matt Daw by ABA President Jeffrey Gordon.




This is not the first unexpected sighting of a rare bird at Bosque del Apache. In 2008 a Sungrebe was seen there.

As of this writing the Wood-Rail is still present. Come to New Mexico to see it!

13 comments:

  1. Just amazing!! What an awesome post.

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    1. Thank you. It really was an amazing sighting. Happy that you enjoyed the post!

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  2. Thanks so much for sharing the photos and especially the interview. We've been volunteers off and on at the Bosque NWR since 2001... felt like I was right there looking at that bird.... what a find!

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    1. I know you must enjoy volunteering there! It really was an amazing sighting. So glad you enjoyed the post!

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  3. Congrats on your sighting! What a cool bird to see in the US. The video is awesome and your photos are wonderful too. Great post, happy birding!

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    1. It's one of the most exciting birding finds I've ever been a part of. Matt's video has become an instant classic! Very pleased that you like the post. Happy birding to you too!!

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  4. Isn't that exciting??!!
    What a fun post.
    Cheers from Cottage Country!

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    1. Yes, it's very exciting indeed! It was a fun couple of weeks at Bosque del Apache, that's for sure. I enjoyed all the company that I had too. Cheers from The Land of Enchantment. :-)

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  5. Such an exciting post to read and view. I love the way you started and lead the audience eagerly into the video and post, love the way you ended with the interview. Loved your wood rail and heron views Linda. REALLY enjoyed your post.

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    1. Thank you Debbie. It's been a very exciting event for New Mexico birders. I tried to give readers a taste of the excitement that we felt. Thanks for your kind comments. Happy you enjoyed the post!

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  6. Linda, what a find! I have not yet been able to get out there but reading this post makes it very tempting! You are so kids to provide lodging. I am sure you must be booked up by now!

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    1. P.s. It would be a real treat to see the least bittern and the Rufous-necked Rail!

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  7. A truly awesome sight! Fantastic post, Linda! Love the photographs and video!

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