RFI: Sites for Black Rail close to New York City/Long Island?

Hany Aziz (haziz@mindspring.com)
Sat, 27 Mar 1999 15:36:11 -0500


Any suggestions about sites (and technique) for finding the elusive Black
Rail. I am hoping to devote sometime in May or June to hearing, and ideally
seeing, a Black Rail (would be a lifer).

Any suggestions as to locations relatively close to Long Island and New York
City. I was thinking of making a weekend trip to Elliott Island in Maryland,
which I am told is a good spot for the Rail. Any closer locations (esp. on
Long Island)? This would be especially helpful since I wish to not only hear
but hopefully glimpse the bird, and may therefore need to make several
trips. I will likely use a tape.

What about the other mythic Rail (Yellow, would be another lifer). The
distribution maps in some field guides seem to suggest it might be present
in upstate NY and New England. Are there relatively close sites apart from
Canada? Or should I focus on it's wintering grounds if I visit them (e.g.
Texas in winter)?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks a lot in advance.

Sincerely,

Hany Aziz.
New York, NY.
haziz@mindspring.com