The Johnston Gardens Water Rail
21 February 2026
Today, I was hoping to go out to see the rare Egyptian Goose, that has been hanging out with Pink-footed Geese near St Combs. My dad, however, is heading to London tomorrow, on Sunday, so he doesn't have time to bring me. Instead, I decided to go to Johnston Gardens, in the South-West of Aberdeen, since I had received a tip about a Water Rail that was giving great views feeding with the Mallards, at the park. My sister, Maya, was keen to join me, so we headed out by bike, carrying our camera and some dried mealworms, to encourage it coming into the open. Soon, however, my sister got too tired and had to be picked by my dad. I continued and soon arrived at my destination.
Once I had arrived, I could immediately hear many birds singing, such as Great Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Robins, a distant Stock Dove, and more. When I arrived at the bench, where the bird was being seen. I set up my bike, took out the mealworms and began waiting. Fortunately, it didn't take long before the Water Rail left the confines of a small rhododendron bush by the water, and joined the already numerous Mallards. I was treated to point-blank views of the Water Rail, as it fed and walked around a mere metre in front of me.
After that lovely encounter, I heard a Goldcrest calling loud and clear nearby. I traced the sound and saw a beautiful male Goldcrest, recognisable by its bright orange (instead of yellow), crest. I tried taking a few photos, but with the bird moving so quickly, I only got a few alright ones. Finally, just as I was packing up, a couple photographers arrived, and I showed them where I had seen the Water Rail before.
The eBird Checklist I made contains all the photos I took on the day, including more Water Rail photos.
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