Clapper Rail.

[shoreman]

Taken last Saturday on the salt marsh near Rehoboth, Delaware.

http://www.intercom.net/user/shoreman/clapper_rail2.jpg

They were running across the mud ditches and offering good shots, but they were too far away from the boat.

Well, all but this one. :D

[Revclimber]

Never seen one of those before, if i did, i didnt know what it was. Nice pic.

[Shadow]

Is that the same thing as a marsh hen? We have some birds similar to that down here, and that is what we call them.

[shoreman]

Yep, that's what it is, Alan.

King and clapper rails are referred to as "marsh hens". They're a lots of fun to shoot (although they don't think so!) and believe it or not, equally good to eat!

[Revclimber]

Hey shoreman,

How bout some recipes? I threw mine in the crock pot with some apples. I really dont know how to cook them once I get em. i usually give my ducks to some guys at the pier.

[shoreman]

Try this one for the rails, coots and snipe....but not woodcock!

Rails & Rice

4 rails, plucked
1/2 cup flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups water

Dredge rails in flour. Brown in a skillet in heated vegetable oil and butter.In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the remaining ingredients. Top with browned rails. Cover and bake 30 minutes in a pre-heated, 350-degree oven.

[John Maynard]

I hear these "Clapper" rails are very easy to hunt at night. You go out and just clap your hands and they light up! :D

[Revclimber]

Oh man!

Thanks Shoreman, any teal or mallard Recipes?

[shoreman]

REV,

I usually don't go this fancy, but this is a good one:

GRILLED TEAL WITH FETTUCCINE



4 teal, grilled, debone, cut into bit size pieces

2 tsp garlic, minced

1/2 cup white wine

Vegetable non-stick spray

1/2 cup chicken stock

2 cup fresh tomatoes, peeled, chopped and crushed

Salt to taste

Red pepper to taste

1-1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, divided

16 oz fettuccine

Water

1 Tbls jalapeno, seeded and minced

8 Tbls butter, cold

In a saucepan coat with non-stick vegetable oil. Add tomatoes, 1 cup of cilantro, jalapeno and garlic; sauté 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat.

Add wine and simmer, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in stock; simmer until reduced by 1/4. Taste; season with salt and pepper.

In a large pot pour in water. Bring water to a boil. Place fettuccine into boiling water and cook until done, firm to bite, about 3 minutes.

Drain. Stir cold butter into sauce; stir until the sauce looks creamy. Place grilled teal in a microwave and cook on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until hot.

In a large serving bowl place drained fettuccine, cover with hot teal meat. Top with sauce; garnish with remaining ½ cup of cilantro. Serve with a Caesar Salad and a red wine. Yield: serves 4