It's not overly rare, but not too common. We usually just miss it in our tanks.
I noticed the water was a bit cloudy so I took a look with my flashlight and 6-7 of my Astraea snails climbed to the tip of the tallest rock they could find, and stood on their toes (figuratively). Grabbed the iphone and took a quick video. They were at it consistantly for at least 2 hours though.
By morning, the water was clear again.