Snipe?

James M · #1 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 12:29 PM

While on my visit to Hollingworth lake to see the Great Northern Diver yesterday (a success, see thread), I came across these two birds hidden away in the rushes. I had deduced that they were Snipe or at least a similar species, but thought I had better try and get confirmation on WAB. So are they Snipe? Sorry it's a poor photo, but hopefully you can just about see one of them at least.

Ukwildlifeo · #2 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 12:51 PM

The certainly behaving and look like snipe. Hard to judge scale, but they look bigger than a jack snipe, so I would go with common snipe.
I saw one doing the same at Oare Marshes on Sunday.

Picidae · #3 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 03:45 PM

I honestly don't think there's enough in the photo to say for certain whether they are Jack or Common but they are definitely Snipe.

James M · #4 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 06:05 PM

Thanks guys, so I was right in thinking they were Snipe of some kind. Got two more photos, poor shots again apologies, but are they any help?

Ferret · #5 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 08:02 PM

From the length of the beak and the head pattern I would be 90% sure the right hand bird is a Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Ferret

James M · #6 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 09:15 PM

Thanks very much Ferret

david156 · #7 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 09:23 PM

I would go for common snipe too. Have been comparing these pictures too a close encounter I had earlier in the month and the head and bill structure are very similar.
Hope these pictures help

David,

James M · #8 (**permalink**) 17-11-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david156

I would go for common snipe too. Have been comparing these pictures too a close encounter I had earlier in the month and the head and bill structure are very similar.
Hope these pictures help

David,

Yes they do, almost identical, thankyou David

. Some great shots there btw!

The Woodman · #9 (**permalink**) 18-11-2009, 12:26 AM

Not being a birder, I've noticed that Jack Snipe prefer denser habitats than Common Snipe. They can be found in the more vegetated margins of saltmarsh pools in the estuaries of south Cumbria.