Applause, Please / by Dave Hileman

I am thrilled to have taken this shot of a Clapper Rail. (Right, applause) I have seen this species only one time about 30 years ago. I would have been excited to see one again as they are usually deep in the reeds in swamps and tidal pools. A very secretive, quiet bird. This one was startled and swam across a small pond. As soon as it reached the other shore, maybe 25 feet across, it disappeared into the reeds. Thrilled to get the shot.