Endangered King Rails discovered on GBLT Property
Exciting news! We’re delighted to share that endangered King Rails were recently discovered making use of a Georgian Bay Land Trust property. Bird lovers will know that these small marsh birds are extremely rare in Ontario, which is at the far northern end of their range. It is estimated that only 30 breeding pairs are left in the province.
King Rails are shy birds, and are more often heard than seen. They make their homes in freshwater and brackish marshes throughout eastern North America, and prefer wetlands bordering large bodies of water where they can hunt for food. The Rail bird family is thought to have given rise to the expression “thin as a rail” due to its very slender body shape.
Wetland degradation due to shoreline development, pollution, and invasive species has caused alarming declines in King Rail populations throughout their North American range. It is our responsibility to protect our remaining wetlands so that birds like the King Rail can continue to survive in the wild. We’re so glad they’ve found a place to call home on Georgian Bay!
Photo by Carol Foil
