#ridgway's rail

[owlcreme]

Holiday card but not holiday themed 2 of 2

[lizardsaredinosaurs]

Ridgeway Rails and Clapper Rails live in Colorado River marshes in southwestern north america. i was doing some research on them for a story of mine but couldn't fit them in

:( the contest had a word limit

they can be found on the Yuma native american reservation and both are near endangered. they also kinda look funny and would be cool to draw.

Sure, here's your bird. :D

Ridgway's Rail (Rallus obsoletus)

Near Threatened

Pacific coast & Western North America

Threats: Habitat loss & degradation, pollution, agriculture, climate change

[whatsthebird]

What's the Bird?

Location: North Florida

Date: January

We ask that discussion under questions be limited to how you came to your conclusion, not what your conclusion was.

Happy Birding!

Keep the game alive! Submit a bird HERE

Bird-181 graciously submitted by @koraxmarinus

[anonsally]

This weekend's not-entirely successful photos.

Top row: red-shouldered hawk in my neighborhood

Row 2: ground squirrel

Row 3: great blue heron

Row 4: unidentified gull (@lies?)

I also saw a rabbit, but wasn't able to get a photo.

I went back to Arrowhead Marsh today (which is where I took photos in rows 2-4) at (very) high tide. Although I still didn't see the rare Nelson's sparrow there, I did spot marsh wrens and Ridgway's rails, neither of which I'd ever seen before, as well as the teal trifecta, American wigeons, and a red-breasted merganser, among other birds.

Photographing birds is really difficult! It's hard to hold the camera still enough when zoomed in, and a tripod wouldn't help because (often) the birds are moving too much. Anyway, I still have a lot to learn, but I'm trying to get a lot of practice just getting the birds into frame with okay lighting. Eventually I hope to start using the manual settings, but I'm not ready yet.

[superbloverwhispers]

Exploring the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad, California

Introduction

Carlsbad, California is a coastal city known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse natural landscapes. One of the hidden gems in this beautiful city is the Batiquitos Lagoon, a protected ecological reserve that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about exploring the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad, California, from its rich biodiversity to the exciting activities it has to offer.

All about Carlsbad California: A Coastal Paradise

Carlsbad, California is a picturesque coastal city located in North San Diego County. With its mild climate, breathtaking beaches, and charming small-town atmosphere, it is no wonder that Carlsbad has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. From the iconic Carlsbad Village to the world-renowned LEGOLAND California Resort, there is no shortage of attractions and activities to enjoy in this coastal paradise.

Exploring the Batiquitos Lagoon: A Hidden Gem What is Batiquitos Lagoon?

The Batiquitos Lagoon is a stunning coastal wetland located in Carlsbad, California. Spanning over 600 acres, this pristine lagoon is considered one of Southern California's most diverse and ecologically significant estuaries. The name "Batiquitos" comes from the Spanish word "batikos," meaning "little watering place." It perfectly captures the essence of this enchanting lagoon that serves as a vital habitat for countless species of plants and animals.

Biodiversity at its Finest

The Batiquitos Lagoon boasts an impressive array of flora and fauna that make it a true paradise for nature lovers. With over 185 bird species documented within its boundaries, including endangered species such as the Ridgway's rail and the California least tern, birdwatchers will find themselves in awe of the avian diversity that thrives in this area. The lagoon also serves as a nursery for various fish species, such as halibut, grunion, and leopard sharks, making it a haven for marine life enthusiasts.

A Hiker's Haven

For those who enjoy hiking amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, the Batiquitos Lagoon offers several trails that wind through its scenic surroundings. The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation maintains and manages these trails, ensuring that visitors can explore the lagoon while minimizing their impact on its delicate ecosystem. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, there is Visit the website a trail to suit every level of fitness and adventure.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding Adventures

If you're looking for a more immersive experience on the Batiquitos Lagoon, kayaking or paddleboarding is the way to go. These water activities allow you to get up close and personal with the lagoon's wildlife roof repair while enjoying the tranquility of gliding across its calm waters. With rental shops conveniently located nearby, it has never been easier to embark on an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

FAQs about Exploring the Batiquitos Lagoon Q: Can I bring my dog to explore the Batiquitos Lagoon? A: Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed within the boundaries of the ecological reserve to protect the sensitive wildlife and habitats. Q: Are there any admission fees to explore the Batiquitos Lagoon?

[wingedjewels]

Ridgway's Rail by Lee Greengrass Via Flickr: Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland, CA

[corviddays]

The Ridgway's Rail (Rallus obsoletus), not to be confused with the Clapper Rail is an interesting species of Bird. Also known as the Marsh Hen these once abundant birds are now decreasing in population rapidly. Actually, depending on your source, this species is either threatened or endangered. According to the ICUN Red list it is considered threatened. Likely the reasoning for such confusion is the fact that the Clapper Rail, Ridgway’s Rail, and the Mangrove Rail were considered the same species until 2014 (Berkley). 

These indicator species are found in Marshes in Southern California, San Francisco, and Mexico. They are most threatened by habitat loss and predation. “ The population in California's San Francisco Bay has been severely compromised as up to 90% of its original 285 square miles of marsh has been filled, destroyed, or diked, and much of the remainder is degraded. (Cornell)”

Ways you can help:

If you live in the area be sure to walk with dogs leashed around marshes, and don’t let cats roam freely

If you come across free roaming cats in these areas, don’t feed them

Volunteer or Donate to the Living Coast - An organization based in San Diego, California which as the head of a major Rail Breeding Program. It’s also the only zoo in the world you can see a Ridgway’s Rail in person

Pick up Trash 

Check out the Links below and learn more about the importance of salt marshes and support conservation of the vital habitats

Sources:

https://rfs-env.berkeley.edu/restoration/ridgways-rail-conservation

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/san_diego_bay/wildlife_and_habitat/Light-footed_Ridgways_Rail.html

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Clapper_Rail/id

https://www.thelivingcoast.org/saving-the-endangered-ridgways-rail/

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ridgways_Rail/lifehistory

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/ridgways-rail

About the Illustration

The rail above is pictured with Native Flora around it’s habitat

The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

Silverweed (Argentina anserina)

Pickleweed (Salicornia pacifica)

The San Diego Sunflower (Bahiopsis laciniata)

[musictherapy611]

Daily Bird: Ridgway’s Rail

Range: salt water marshes and inland marshes, Pacific coast

More information: here

Photo: https : // www . hakaimagazine . com/news/refuge-ridgways-rail/

[squawkoverflow]

A new variant has been added!

King Rail (Rallus elegans) © John Livzey Ridgway

It hatches from black, brackish, bright, brownish, dark, distinct, extensive, fresh, good, harsh, large, orange, other, overall, rare, rich, similar, uncommon, unidentified, and white eggs.

squawkoverflow - the ultimate bird collecting game          🥚 hatch    ❤️ collect     🤝 connect

[meklarian]

Ridgway’s Rail Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, CA, 2017

[whumpster-fire]

Okay RWS/TTTE Tumblr, I have to share possibly the funniest "RWS is a fucking documentary" story ever, as relayed by Youtuber Hyce telling the story while three other guys at the Colorado Railroad Museum try to guess what happened next: (go watch it on YouTube for a good ab workout)

I think the synopsis on this incident being read is here?

This is an absurd week-long saga involving seven different engines getting stuck or derailed, sometimes repeatedly. In a nutshell, behind a keep reading so you can guess along with the video:

To set the stage: The Rio Grande Southern was a crappy podunk railroad in Southwestern Colorado. I'm getting the vibe that this was kind of the real-life equivalent of the Mid Sodor Railway. Relevant locations are Ridgway, the northern terminus, Durango, the southern terminus, Rico, a town kind of in the middle of the line, and Lizard Head Pass, the highest part of the line, which is between Ridgway and Rico. On either end the RGS meets a larger and more competent railroad, the Denver and Rio Grande Western.

Rio Grande Southern #20 gets stuck in the snow while traveling South from the north terminus of its line in Ridgeway. In the middle of the night, in the mountains. It sounds like in a snowstorm.

The next day, two other engines, RGS 22 and RGS 42, come up the mountain from the other direction with a snowplow to free it, along with a little railcar that was just trying to deliver the mail. They set off back towards the south and all of them almost immediately get stuck again.

After three days of the original train, the rescue train, and the railcar all being stuck in the snow, two more rescue trains are sent from either end of the line. On the northern end, the superintendent of the railroad and "every available man" set out with the only engine present, Denver and Rio Grande Western #455, who was leased from the neighboring railroad and probably really wants to go home. On the southern end, D&RGW #458 is "borrowed" to go help, which I think means this engine was not even leased, this is just an engine from a completely different railroad that has to come help because the RGS has gotten basically its entire fleet stuck and the one remaining engine, #41 is small and not very strong.

The superintendent's rescue train also gets stuck, and the borrowed engine's tender derails and rolls over. Neither of them get anywhere near the stuck train. There are now three stuck rescue trains and the original train gets stuck too.

D&RGW #271, who is also not actually part of the railway with the stuck train, comes up with a breakdown crane to put 458's tender back on the rails. This is successful, and 458 continues on towards Rico. 271 apparently decides not to deal with this whole cursed rescue mission, and decides to go home and take the crane with it. On the way home, 271... gets stuck in the snow.

271 gets unstuck by its crew and goes home. 458 meets up with #41, and they take the rotary snowplow up to free the original rescue train, consisting of #20 (which has now been stuck in the snow for SIX DAYS), #22, #42, and the railcar). They FINALLY free the stuck train, and head back towards Rico.

On the way back down, #458 and #41 derail AGAIN.

They finally make it back to Rico... meanwhile the superintendent and #455 are STILL FUCKING STUCK on the other side of the pass.

Poor #458, who is not even supposed to be here and might have some sort of damage from the tender derailment but I'm pretty sure is the biggest and strongest engine here, sets out with the rotary plow again to rescue its sibling, but the damaged tender derails TWO MORE TIMES.

458 gives up and tries to turn back (RWS translation: this poor engine's probably sobbing about wanting to go home by now)... but a couple miles outside of town is blocked by an avalanche!

458's crew (and presumably the rotary plow's) just fucking abandon their engine and walk the rest of the way.

Eventually, some time later RGS #20 and #42 go and free the superintendent. #458 has presumably gone home and refused to set wheel on the RGS ever again.

But the ultimate "RWS is a fucking documentary" moment: 84 years later, the Rio Grande Southern Railroad is a distant memory. The only survivors of this whole clusterfuck are RGS #41, RGS #42, the Railcar... and RGS #20, which has been right there next to the guys telling the story the entire time while they have been absolutely losing it and roasting the fuck out of this railway for the last 20 minutes. Everyone remembers this and starts joking about how they've probably given their steam engine PTSD flashbacks and apologizes to her.

[hannathebest1]

Ridgway’s Rail

[airmanisr]

Recreating the Rio Grande Southern in 2021 by Jeff Terry Via Flickr: On August 31, 2021, the legendary Rio Grande Southern Railroad was brought back to life (if only for a day). Built in 1891 by Otto Mears, the original RGS was located in Colorado’s southwest corner and ran between Durango and Ridgway via Lizard Head Pass, hauling coal, silver ore, and other goods from the mining communities of Telluride and Rico. The RGS was profitable for only a few years before a silver panic crippled its finances, but nevertheless it managed to stay in business, struggling through two world wars before running its last train in 1951. Following this, its 3-foot-gauge rails were taken up. Rio Grande Southern No. 20, an 1899 Schenectady Ten-Wheeler, is one of four RGS steam locomotives still in existence. It was preserved by the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club in 1952 when the RGS was abandoned and over the years was cosmetically restored for display, first in Alamosa and later at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. After fifty years sitting cold, No. 20 was transported to the Strasburg Rail Road in Strasburg, Penn., for a top-to-bottom restoration beginning in 2006 that took 12 long years to compete. The restoration was spearheaded by a donation from the Moedinger family of Pennsylvania, who put up $400,000 for the effort. After additional fundraising, No. 20 finally steamed again around the loop track at the Colorado Railroad Museum in 2020. While a 3/4th mile loop is nice for a short train ride, Jeff Taylor and others at CRRM desired take No. 20 to a railroad where it could really stretch its legs. That opportunity came in 2021. For No. 20’s first major outing since restoration the museum took the 4-6-0 to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad at Antonito, Colorado. Its visit coincided with the Victorian Iron Horse Roundup, held in in celebration of the C&TS’s 50th anniversary, which featured four locomotives built before 1900. The trip with No. 20 on August 31 was sponsored by TRAINS Magazine, with editor Jim Wrinn and video producer Kevin Gilliam coordinating the event for photographers. The event was dubbed “Sunset on the Rio Grande Southern.” Tickets for the event went fast, despite it costing nearly $900. The primary goal of “Sunset on the Rio Grande Southern” was to recreate an RGS trip that the late William Moedinger photographed in 1941, with the brakeman riding the pilot beam to watch for landslides. The first half of the consist matched the train that Moedinger photographed that day, which was featured on the cover of TRAINS in February 1942. William Moedinger’s son Linn was the person that did much of the restoration work on No. 20 during its time in Pennsylvania. Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-2 No. 463, owned by the C&TS, was re-lettered as long-scrapped Rio Grande Southern No. 455 for the trip, and doubleheaded with No. 20. Thanks to decades of hard work by the Friend of the C&TS, the Cumbres & Toltec was able to provide a long string of authentic narrow-gauge equipment with an authentic RGS short caboose bringing up the markers. The scenery on the C&TS between Antonito and Osier is similar to the territory the RGS ran in. The charter was an incredible experience and recreated scenes that hadn’t been seen since the 1940s. Was it worth the money? I’ll let you be the judge of that, but for me it certainly was. A big thanks is due Jim Wrinn and Kevin Gilliam, plus the men and women of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic for making it all possible.

[guerrerense]

Seven Miles to Lizard Head por Jeff Terry Por Flickr: On August 31, 2021, the legendary Rio Grande Southern Railroad was brought back to life (if only for a day). Built in 1891 by Otto Mears, the original RGS was located in Colorado’s southwest corner and ran between Durango and Ridgway via Lizard Head Pass, hauling coal, silver ore, and other goods from the mining communities of Telluride and Rico. The RGS was profitable for only a few years before a silver panic crippled its finances, but nevertheless it managed to stay in business, struggling through two world wars before running its last train in 1951. Following this, its 3-foot-gauge rails were taken up. Rio Grande Southern No. 20, an 1899 Schenectady Ten-Wheeler, is one of four RGS steam locomotives still in existence. It was preserved by the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club in 1952 when the RGS was abandoned and over the years was cosmetically restored for display, first in Alamosa and later at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. After fifty years sitting cold, No. 20 was transported to the Strasburg Rail Road in Strasburg, Penn., for a top-to-bottom restoration beginning in 2006 that took 12 long years to compete. The restoration was spearheaded by a donation from the Moedinger family of Pennsylvania, who put up $400,000 for the effort. After additional fundraising, No. 20 finally steamed again around the loop track at the Colorado Railroad Museum in 2020. While a 3/4th mile loop is nice for a short train ride, Jeff Taylor and others at CRRM desired take No. 20 to a railroad where it could really stretch its legs. That opportunity came in 2021. For No. 20’s first major outing since restoration the museum took the 4-6-0 to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad at Antonito, Colorado. Its visit coincided with the Victorian Iron Horse Roundup, held in in celebration of the C&TS’s 50th anniversary, which featured four locomotives built before 1900. The trip with No. 20 on August 31 was sponsored by TRAINS Magazine, with editor Jim Wrinn and video producer Kevin Gilliam coordinating the event for photographers. The event was dubbed “Sunset on the Rio Grande Southern.” Tickets for the event went fast, despite it costing nearly $900. The primary goal of “Sunset on the Rio Grande Southern” was to recreate an RGS trip that the late William Moedinger photographed in 1941, with the brakeman riding the pilot beam to watch for landslides. The first half of the consist matched the train that Moedinger photographed that day, which was featured on the cover of TRAINS in February 1942. William Moedinger’s son Linn was the person that did much of the restoration work on No. 20 during its time in Pennsylvania. Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-2 No. 463, owned by the C&TS, was re-lettered as long-scrapped Rio Grande Southern No. 455 for the trip, and doubleheaded with No. 20. Thanks to decades of hard work by the Friend of the C&TS, the Cumbres & Toltec was able to provide a long string of authentic narrow-gauge equipment with an authentic RGS short caboose bringing up the markers. The scenery on the C&TS between Antonito and Osier is similar to the territory the RGS ran in. The charter was an incredible experience and recreated scenes that hadn’t been seen since the 1940s. Was it worth the money? I’ll let you be the judge of that, but for me it certainly was. A big thanks is due Jim Wrinn and Kevin Gilliam, plus the men and women of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic for making it all possible.

[whatdoesshedotothem]

x Monday 24 February 1834

6 50

1 ¾

cross last night thinking of Miss W- soft rainy morning – Mr William? Barber (who lives where Isaac Thwaite lived and pays £90 a year for not quite 40 D.W. and buildings) came at 8 to ask leave to go with tillage along my Whiskam road – granted till such time as the toll-house should be built – he explained to myself and then to Charles Howarth how his (Mr Babrers’) father’s railing was done and I mean to have mine done in the same way - he staid an hour - then had Charles H- taking pattern of the library window mullions for the north chamber - breakfast at 9 3/4 in ¾ hour - with Marian speak as if al was settled with Miss Walker at least Marian seems to think it so came to my study at 10 ½ - had 1 or 2 little naps from then to 2 and read from p. 312 to 393 end of

‘A general view of the Geology of Scripture in which the unerring truth of the inspired narrative of the early events in the world is exhibited, and distinctly proves by the corroborative testimony of Physical Facts, on every part of the Earth’s surface by George Fairholme Esquire’

‘The great danger of philosophy is its application - not to things that are, or may be, but to the speculations for the constructure of things that are not Men of science to often imagine vanities, and support them by plausible arguments, until, lost in the wonderment of their supposed discoveries and unable to apply them to simple truth, their future undertakings avonch the scepticism of their bewildered minds’ London James Ridgway, Piccadilly 1833 Tilling, Printer, Chelsea 1 vol. 8vo pp. 493’

An interesting work - well written - but it and read it again - out at 2 10 till 5 40 with Mallinson  - Mr Babrers’ railing too light, so changed back to the old plan - posts 1/5 stone and carting and 9d. holing and tops pointing = 2/2 each for 100 = £10.16.8 - down the new bank almost to Matthew Booth’s just below they began today carting stuff (soil and clay) for the ft of the road wall near our approach gates - I am to pay for carting the soil 1/. a load, the other stuff brought for nothing - Pickels and his son John here in the morning but not for long - rain sent them home-  sauntered in my walk – Mallinsons hewing north chamber fireplace and one 1 doing the heading of family doorway –

 SH:7/ML/E/16/0174

dinner at 6 ½ - had George Naylor - settled about the 2 fields (hanging hey and flat field) left on my hands - George to farm them for me - the hanging hey, fallow, to have

3 ploughings at 8/. per DW  1.4.0

3 harrowings at 2/.    6.0

3 wickings at 3/. (or 4/.)   9.0

8 two horse cart loads [?] at 4/. = 1.12.0

2 days carting at 9/.  18.0

sowing at 6d.   0.6

Lintels 3 strikes per DW at 2/6.    7.6

seeds hay 1 quarter i.e. 16 str.   6.0

clover white (8lbs) at 10d.    6.8

Total expense per DW. 5.9 8

5

27.8.4

 George N- to give me £6 for the summering of the Flat Field 6DW

Wrote note to ‘Mr. Hutton 114 Park street’ and put it in the box with my new pelisse to have the pockets in front, outside taken away, and my last but this as a pattern, begging Hutton to write a note particular and plain description of it in his book that I may have no trouble another time and desiring to send both pelisses back again as soon as possible - then wrote 2 pages to ‘Miss Walker Heworth Grange York’ to ask where the servants are to sit – recommended their having the little room below where we dined and our dining upstairs – can pay Mrs. Bewley for extra trouble – should leave here at 11 and be with Miss W- at 5 - Sent off box to ‘Mr. Hutton 114 Park Street Grosvenor square London per Hope coach 25 February 1834’ and my  letter to Miss W- at 9 - then an hour with my aunt - Thomas brought me back letter 3 pages ends and a few lines of crossing from Miss Walker Heworth Grange - did not get mine till 4 pm yesterday! delighted at the thought of seeing me - packing and looking over things till 1 - rainy morning till about (after) 11 then fair and tolerably fine afternoon and evening F52° now at one tonight.

[anastasianikolaevnaromanova]

While Henry was planning to remarry, attendants buried Anne’s remains at St. Peter ad Vincula, the chapel at the Tower. Preparing her for interment, her ladies wrapped her head and body with a sheet, perhaps of waxed cloth, and placed them in a chest of elm. In November 1876, as two architects, Anthony Salvin and John Taylor, began remodeling the chapel, they discovered a skeleton under a paving stone near the choir. After examining it, a medical expert, Dr. Mouat, said that he believed it was the skeleton of a woman between the ages of twenty-five and thirty. He also noted that the corpse had a little neck, which was how Anne Boleyn had described her neck while still a Tower prisoner. They did not positively identify the remains as Anne’s, but the supposition was strong that they were hers. If so, she was probably not interred in the elm chest but, without any prayers or religious services, placed in the ground covered only by the sheet, as were other condemned criminals. Commoners, who did have services, were also not buried in coffins. The architects failed to discover the skeleton of Katherine Howard, the other wife of Henry who was also interred in this chapel. Claire Ridgway, who investigated the execution site, has determined that because of the Tower’s many structural changes since the Tudor period, the beheadings on its green did not occur where the present memorial stands but rather on the now graveled parade ground between the White Tower and Waterloo Block, where the green used to be located. After the discovery of Anne’s assumed skeleton in the nineteenth century, a memorial plaque was placed on a railed-off area of what had then become Tower green in memory of all those executed there. In September 2006, it was replaced by a new memorial, designed by British artist Brian Catling, that “features two engraved glass circles, listing those executed on Tower Green, with a sculpted glass pillow as the focal point in the center.”

Elizabeth of York and Her Six Daughters-in-Law: Fashioning Tudor Queenship, 1485–1547 by Retha M. Warnicke, 2017.