Watching the shy waterrail wading near the reed

The waterrail is a very shy bird that lives in the wetlands of rivers and lakes and pefers to stay close to high grown reed so it can hide very easy. Common reed is an important habitat for breeding and wintering.This rail is a skulking species, its streaked plumage making it difficult to see in its wetland habitat. Its laterally compressed body allows it to slip though the densest vegetation, and it will "freeze" if surprised in the open. I was able to find the waterrail at the Inn River and since I know a spot where I already saw it several time, I assume it is breeding theren and coming back year after year.

This is always a good taktik of mine, remembering where I saw a special bird and go back to the spot some time later, often it is still there and can be found there even next year. Thats why I often mark the exact spots of different birds in my google maps so I can get back there for some photography and increase my "luck".

Waterrail wading in the shallow water. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Hiding in the reed. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Searching for food in the shallow water. Picture: Florian Glechner.

Waterrail on the run. Picture: Florian Glechner.