Porzana pusilla

We first recorded this stunning little crake in December 2011 while visiting the Sappi bird hide in Stanger. Eileen spotted a beautiful male on the right hand side of the walkway that leads to the hide.

My best moment with this species took place in January 2012 at Marievale Bird Sanctuary near Nigel. I had seen the crakes on a number of occasions on the way to the “Bus Stop” hide, but was determined to get decent photographs of this notorious skulker. I decided to try visit the sanctuary on an overcast week day to see if I could get closer to them without any disturbances. I knew where to look and positioned my car at what I hoped was the perfect spot. I was not to be dissapointed, as within half an hour, I had two males feeding not more than 5 foot away. What an incredible experience and one of my most memorable photographs!