Back to Index Virginia Rail (downy chick) Rallus limicola    Copyright David Seibel, 2006 (#1005) | Send Comment Camera: Canon EOS 20D Exposure: 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400 Lens: Canon 500mm f/4L IS + 1.4x II TC Date: May 26, 2006 Location: Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Kansas, USA Description: This was one of a large family (6-8 chicks and 2 adults) that I was lucky enough to see crossing the gravel road on the wildlife loop in mid-afternoon. They did not stay out in the open for long! The parents and chicks called back and forth to each other, the chicks giving soft, high-pitched, descending whistles, until the last chick was safely hidden in the reeds. The chicks were about the size of mice (perhaps 3 inches from head to toe) and just as quick, lowering their heads and scurrying across the road faster than I could follow with the camera.