inland 'wader'

[Ukwildlifeo]

I walking by the lake in bedfords park (inland) through some fairly long grass when a bird leapt into the air, when i was only 1m or so from it. It had the form of a small wader in the air and a i think i saw a dark wings with a light bar across it. Was around the size of say a sanderling to turnstone size.

[jcd123]

Hi

Im guessing,, but could it have been a snipe?

John

[Meta menardi]

If it was a snipe, it jinks from side to side as it flies off.

[dunlin]

Sounds like snipe if it flew off fast and in a zig zag kind of way,white trailing edge to wing but no white wing bar.
Could it be common sandpiper i no there rare in winter but they have a white wing bar and inhabit fresh water lakes?

[Ukwildlifeo]

I had a look at the snipe and i was one of my 'candiates' thanks everyone

[outdoorguy]

i'd say an early common sandpiper i've seen them on there own in flooded farmland a few times.. and if it was a snipe i think its colour and pattern would have stuck in ur mind more... james

[hunterswind]

Jack Snipe is my guess did it land again within 120 yards ?

[Adam Cheeseman]

Common Snipe I would say if it zig-zagged away from under your feet in a wet field. Jack Snipe fly away in a direct line, usually drop down after a few metres, and are generally silent.

At this time of year Common Sandpipers are mostly around the edges of reservoirs and large lakes with exposed mud edges. Though has been said it is a bit early for the majority of Common Sands to be here yet. Sandpipers are also very skittish and will fly off at the first sign of trouble, not wait until they are trodden on (unless nesting).

Cheers,

Adam

[rlchew]

Like others, I would suspect Common Snipe or possibly Jack Snipe.

Richard

[RobinP]

Green Sandpipers are about and have dark wings, but the location and proximity rule it out for me, so I'd also say some sort of Snipe.