Soras are ubiquitous, but secretive, residents of swamps and marshes throughout most of North America.   Their characteristic plaintive whistles and 'whinney' calls are often heard (especially in spring), but the birds themselves tend to stay close to cover and are hard to see.   These were at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area near Riverside, California.

• Canon 10D, 1D3, 1D4, or 7D2; 500 mm f4 IS lens plus 1.4X or 2X converter or 800 mm IS lens, fill-in flash (2003, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2017)