I took an early morning Canoe trip to the Dead Creek Brilyea access in search of Rails. I paddled North past the Osprey platform (one chick visible) and snuck into a gap in the reeds and was successful in spotting a Virginia Rail for the first time. Afterwards, pulled out into the main channel and let my canoe drift in the wind, and was pleasantly surprised to see a Least Bittern clinging to the reeds about three feet above the water. Another first for me. I had a great view through my binoculars, and was able to drift within 15 ft. of it before it decided to fly away. And as an added bonus, on my way back to the boat access, I saw two Peregrine Falcons cruising over the creek.

Ron Payne
Middlebury, VT