Many birders go their whole lives only catching glimpses of these amazing birds. Often heard, but rarely seen in the open, the Virginia Rail is a tough bird to photograph or even see in the open. With slender bodies and legs with long toes that have evolved over time, these birds run effortlessly through the reeds in marshes in various parts of North and Central America. This past spring during mating season, I was fortunate enough to encounter two males that were chasing after each other through the reeds at Maumee Bay State Park, having no idea that I was on the other side of those reeds with my camera. They immediately realized the folly of coming into the open, and one dipped right back in. However this Virginia Rail seemed a bit curious, and decided to pose for me for a few moments before returning to it's marshy home.