This is bird note.

In a salt marsh near San Francisco, a loud clatter erupts from the dense vegetation.

These jolting notes, like a small engine cranking up, are the voice of a Ridgeway's rail.

The secret of bird peeks out from the edge of the marsh grass.

First the long red bill appears, followed by the cinnamon-colored breast and white striped flanks.

The rail takes a step forward on long yellow legs, revealing a stubby, upturned tail.

Picture a slim, tawny chicken, but with the bill and legs of a sandpiper,

and a singular voice to match its eccentric appearance.

Once abundant around San Francisco Bay, the Ridgeway's rail, formerly known as the California

Clapper Rail, is today endangered.

In the 19th century, unregulated hunting plundered the species.

In the 20th century, rampant development reduced salt marsh habitat by 85%.

But in the 21st century, the Ridgeway's rail has allies.

Restoration is underway to increase healthy salt marsh habitat for the scarce birds.

Also, efforts to control the number of predatory cats are improving the chances for the Ridgeway's rail to survive.

You can see photos of this bird when you come to our website, birdnote.org.