Sora!!!

This morning I made a quick trip up to Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. My goal was to photograph some of the hundreds of American Coot that have been frequenting the impoundments the past month. Unfortunately, they were all out in the middle of the pools too far out for decent photographs. I continued walking down the dike trail and about 100 feet past the observation deck I spotted a Sora within the cattails! I was so excited to just be able to view this bird, as it was my first time and I know they are very difficult to spot. It was very calm and approachable, and began working the edge of the vegetation along the path. I positioned myself down the trail in the direction it was heading, and setup in the very few open areas that were not completely obstructed with branches and reeds. The bird was incredibly cooperative and posed for a few moments out in the complete open a good distance out of the cattails. I still cannot believe my luck! Such a fantastic morning with a new species, despite striking out again on the coots. Hope you enjoy these two images. Both taken with the 400 f/5.6, small cropping and no cloning. :)