South Padre Clapper Rail

South Padre is always a treat for us.  Birding is up close and personal at the World Birding Center.  The challenge there is spotting the rails who are always very secretive.  This trip it was the Clapper Rail that came out for a few birders.  The photos show is beautiful camouflage feather covering and his huge feet.  The Clapper is a bottom feeder usually only his beak is under the water but one photo shows his head fully emerged.  The Clapper gets its name by its sound so a gathering of Clappers is called an Applause.