A Little Tot in a Wild Place

  Mothers in the wild have to be of a strong type.  Critter moms never get to rest as they have to be on constant watch for predators.  Their little ones are desired meals for any critter a mite larger.  It seems that bird moms are even more stressed than other animals.  A nest of eggs is an invitation to some critters and baby birds are more or less helpless. Even when the little tykes start moving about a bit, they are still in danger of being eaten.  It is a wild world out there for most little critters.

  My sweet Clapper Rail made her nest on the marsh mats that were washed in during one particularly high tide.  The mats were shoved well up under the marsh alders which provided a bit of shelter but also left her a bit vulnerable to snakes.  They, too, love these low-hanging branches.  Of her nest of 6 to 10 eggs, only one tot lived.  I am afraid that the water snakes dined upon the other wee babes.  The surviving chick was on the outer marsh mats today.  While he scampered about, his mom kept a watchful eye.  When she saw me approaching, she called a couple of low clucks to let her little one know to be wary.  The tyke had learned his lessons well and dove to a clump of grass.  There he sat as still as a church mouse while Mama hustled and bustled in the marsh about ten feet from him.  She wanted all eyes on her and none searching for her child.

  I watched for a bit just to see if the little tyke would grow weary or curious and come out of its hiding spot.  As long as Mama kept clucking, Little Bit sat tight.  It had to be a scary time for the little one even though I would never harm the birds.  After a bit, I went up the hill and left the rails to scamper about the mats.  Mama Rail had a big job to do just to protect this little one and the wild world out there was not going to help her one bit.  She was on her own.  I sure hope the little tyke survives.