This rail has learned to scavenge for seeds dropped from the bird feeders in front of the Willow Hide, offering unprecedented views, Slimbridge WWT. 25th February 2015.
Yes, this one was about 50 cm closer and a metre to the right of the one in the previous photo, which could have been the same individual. Funnily enough I have been birdwatching three times in the past fortnight, in three different places, and I've seen a water rail each time, although the weather was not particularly cold: perhaps food is short at this time of year.
They aren't exactly shy because occasionally one will come out in the open apparently unconcerned by people close by, but they are generally elusive and secretive.
