King Rail Nest - photo by Noppadol Paothong, Missouri Department of Conservation

During a routine airboat marsh and water bird nest search in Pintail Pool, Refuge Manager Ronald Bell, Volunteer Nate Petersen, and Missouri Department of Conservation Wildlife Photographer Noppadol Paothong, found an unusual nest of 9 eggs that none had ever seen before. 

While studying the nest, a female King Rail suddenly appeared and made her way back to the nest and began incubating.  At the same time, she was calling to her mate who also appeared and came in close. 

Fortunately, Noppadol had come along for the ride to photograph least bittern and other marsh birds and he was able to get some fantastic photos of both birds. 

The last confirmed King Rail nest on Squaw Creek was noted in the late 1960' s to early 1970's.  Though no young birds were seen, the eggs appeared to have hatched on a subsequent visit to the nest.