Before posting any further snowy photos, I thought I had better add a few different images. I can't wait for spring to arrive, bringing with it the return of the Wilson's Snipe. Having said that, I can't complain about the weather we have been having. A fair amount of sun, and no bitterly cold temperatures. This morning, it is only 0C, and supposed to rise to 6C this afternoon. Have various important errands I have to run, otherwise I would jump in my car and go for a drive.
Anyone who can do this easily deserves a medal!! Late afternoon on 5 May , I dragged myself away from my computer and went for just a short drive SW of the city. The weather forecast was for sun and cloud, but it was far too cloudy for good light. I was hoping to see Mountain Bluebirds, but I only saw a couple of them and they were in flight. A Wilson's Snipe, one of my favourite birds to see and photograph, was already there, perched on a fence post, so I came home happy.
This photo was taken from driver's seat, looking through passenger seat window. Why do newer vehicles have a huge console in the front, so that one can't slide across to the other seat?! Manufacturers need to be considerate to Birders, lol! These plump, long-billed birds are among the most widespread shorebirds in North America. They can be tough to see thanks to their cryptic brown and buff coloration and secretive nature.
According to Fisher and Acorn's book, "Birds of Alberta", "the common Snipe is both secretive and well camouflaged, so few people notice it until it flushes suddenly from a nearby grassy tussock.
As soon as the Snipe takes to the air, it performs a series of quick zigzags - an evasive maneuver designed to confuse predators. Because of this habit, Snipes were among the most difficult birds to shoot in the days when shorebirds were hunted for sport , and skilled sportsmen were known as "snipers" - a term later adopted by the military.
