Virginia Rail
Another secretive, uncommon winter resident of marshes and cattails which must be identified by call. LCBC high count of 23 in 1979.

Sora
A fairly common winter resident, September- April, of marshes and cattails that, also, must be identified by call. Loud noises can induce them to respond with a characteristic “eek”. In October 1997, 17 were heard. LCBC high count of 185 in 1968.

Black Rail
Our first record was from a marsh in extreme southeastern Polk County in the summer of 2000. At least one bird was seen and several were calling.

Purple Gallinue *
An uncommon permanent resident of lakes which become fairly tame in the presence of people. A dozen or so can be found on some urban lakes. LCBC high count of 138 in 1997.

Common Moorhen *
An abundant permanent resident of most lakes and PPM. At times hundreds can be found on one large lake, high count 1100 in October 1999. LCBC high count of 1,182 in 1992.

American Coot *
An abundant winter resident of lakes and pits which breeds in small numbers in the summer. At times 30 thousands and up can be found on a single large lake. The high count was 34,600 in February 1996. LWCBC high count of 19,600. LCBC 9777 in 1977.