The Darter
Gallirallus philippensis, aka Buff-banded Rail is native to northern Australia. I lived in northern Queensland for just short of seven years, and I always got a kick out of the rails as they bobbed and weaved in and out of the sugar cane and brush. They are a secretive species, but not that shy of humans, which could be why they inhabit and persist in agricultural landscapes. Despite ranging across much of eastern Australia little is known about the movements of this secretive species. You can learn more about the Buff-banded Rail, here.
Haiku and photo: Steph Januchowski-Hartley
conservationhaiku.org 