Rail birds spotted on Coast beaches after Cristobal

We have a new resident on the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Cristobal brought in hundreds of rail birds.

For answers about the new resident bird News 25 reached out to Allison Sharpe, the director of the Wildlife Care and Rescue Center.  “Storms and hurricanes always bring in a multitude of different birds from a multitude of different places. Apparently this one brought in some type of rail.”

These rail birds have been spotted all over the Mississippi Coast with sightings from Ocean Springs to Waveland. Bay St. Louis resident Rebecca Resor said, “I didn’t know what was going on they looked like little baby kiwis with little legs walking around the beach. It’s odd.”

Retired Environmentalist Chris Lagarde says the birds are also known as marsh hens and Lagarde doesn’t see much hope for them. “I think some might make it if they can find the right environment, but between the raccoons, owls, and hawks they’re not going to last long.”

If you do come across an injured sick rail and need direction call the Wildlife Care and Rescue Center at 228-669-2737. “We actually encourage people to not pick them up.”

One thing to keep in mind is that these birds are federally protected so by picking them up you can get in trouble.