The Wilson’s Snipe is an odd little shorebird, both in appearance and in some of its behaviors. Though common, they’re also elusive and shy so over the years I’ve been able to get very few quality images of them. But my luck with the species changed for the better three days ago.
We found a small flock of snipes feeding in the mud and eventually several of them apparently realized that my pickup was no threat and moved in quite close.
When snipes are feeding they often plunge their long bill so deeply into the mud (and keep it there for some time as they probe) that only the back part of their heads are visible, which explains the unusual placement of their eyes. Their eyes are set so far back on their head that they not only have full vision on both sides but they have a binocular overlap to the rear. This allows them to see any approaching predator from behind and above while their bill is buried in the mud.
I’m short on time this morning so this will be a single image post but sometime soon I plan on providing a more extensive and detailed look at this quirky species and some of its behaviors.
Ron
Wonderful shot and information. I’ve never been fortunate enough to see one and I really appreciate this post.
Charlotte
Ron, do you think they’re more elusive than other shorebirds because they are a hunted game species in the U.S.? I’ve often wondered that. I have a very tough time even seeing them, let along getting a photo. It’s a much different experience with other shorebirds.
I think you caught it opening (or closing) the very end of its bill.
Love the reflection. Two birds, joined at the bill.
And looking forward to Part 2.
Thanks Ron.
Thank you, Elephant’s Child.
You must be feeling so pleased about your change in luck! Shorebirds must be one of the most interesting and specifically adapted to their niche in some ways. It’s fascinating about their eyes.
Yup, pretty happy to finally get some pretty good shots of them, Sonja. Almost got some more this morning but my luck reverted to its old ways…
I love these birds which can “hide in plain sight”! They know how good they are at it, too, and remain perfectly still until you almost step on them. Then they give you a coronary when they explode from underneath you!
Superb reflective image, Ron!
Your description is dead-on for what these birds do, Wally. You obviously have experience with them.
I used to go on snipe hunts…always at night, in the woods…with gullible young campers…never saw one. When we lived in Florida. we saw plenty of them. Pretty little birds…I wondered about the eye placement. As an artist, always wanted to move their eyes forward a little.
Ahhh, I remember those snipe hunts, Patty…
Quirky, but quite beautiful. Love their feather patterns.. One of my favorite shorebirds – I’ll be looking forward to Wilson’s Snipe, Part 2!
Cheers,
Dick
Dick, their dorsal plumage patterns remind me of those of a meadowlark.
Look at that little tail! I just love the way they fly too. 🙂
Deb, as you likely know, they take off like a shot and are very erratic fliers.
Beautiful shot. Last week I saw this bird for the first time not far from our home.
I found some more of these birds this morning, Jean – too far away, though.
Excellent shot!! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Dick.