Birds of the Lower Ohio River Valley in West Virginia

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RAILS, GALLINULES, COOT

Sora  Porzana carolina

WINTER:  Accidental.  Handley noted occurrence in winter at McClintic WMA (Smith 1996).  There are no recent records.

SUMMER:  Casual Resident.  See Remarks section.

MIGRATION:

 Spring:  Uncommon Migrant from mid-April to early May.  Early dates, one on 04 April 2009 at Green Bottom WMA (MG, DP); one on 06 April 2004 at McClintic WMA (CK, KK); three (2 at Green Bottom WMA, 1 at Apple Grove, Mason Co., WV) on 08 April 2006 (WA, MG); one on 10 April 2004 at Green Bottom WMA (WA, MG, DP); one on 11 April 1997 (HS),1998 (WA, MG) and 2009 (WA, MG, DP) at Green Bottom WMA.  See Remarks section for high counts.

 Fall:  Uncommon Migrant during September to mid-October.  Edeburn et al. (1960) notes groups up to 45 in fall.  Late dates, 18 October 1987 at Ona, Cabell Co., WV (WA); 19 October 1963 at McClintic WMA (WA, TI, JK, LK).

REMARKS:

Nesting:  Nest photographed at Green Bottom WMA 1997:  04 June, 11 eggs (HS); 05 June, 9 eggs and 1 local (HS); 14 June, nest empty/intact and at least 3 local nearby (WA, HS).

Singing Male Census (Koch 1971): McClintic WMA, Mason Co., WV (1967): shallow pond-cattail marsh (elevation, 183 m): 16 males/100 ha

Spring High Counts:  12 on 02 May 2004 at Green Bottom WMA (MG, DP); 8 on 02 May 1988 and 09 May 2008 at Green Bottom WMA (WA, MG)..