Snipe

vinnychameleon · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 01:34 PM

I have just seen my first snipe YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

I decided to have a look at what was in my local woods today so I walked up and just as I was getting to the woodland edge among some birch trees a snipe erupted out from almost under my feet and flew incredibly fast off into another part of the wood. I was a bit suprised as I thought snipe lived near lakes and rivers and this wood is about half amile from a River.

Gill Catton · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 01:53 PM

I've stumbled across snipe all over the place including woodland edge (though not within the interior of dense woodland). Of course woodcock are often within woodland but I don't see them as often sadly.

badgerwatcher · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 01:55 PM

Oh, I'm so happy for you! I love snipe! They are so well camouflaged that it is thrilling to see them. I believe they winter in wooded upland areas, may be wrong, my books are downstairs.

vinnychameleon · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 02:01 PM

Sorry guys i've just discovered it was a woodcock not a snipe. I'm still ecstatic infact the Woodcock is a first for me as well

. It didn't have as long a bill a as a snipe and was too big to be a jack snipe. So it was a woodcock ive always wanted to see a woodcock and now I have

Gill Catton · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 02:06 PM

Yes they're fab birds, I've only seen them three times whereas I've seen lots of snipe - so really you're even luckier!

Ollie · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 02:47 PM

Soon as I read woodland and erupted from under your feet and flew off very fast I thought Woodcock. You are very lucky to have seen one. I have only ever seen one myself and that was years ago.
Roger

Lance Morgan · #7 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ollie

Soon as I read woodland and erupted from under your feet and flew off very fast I thought Woodcock. You are very lucky to have seen one. I have only ever seen one myself and that was years ago.
Roger

I thought the same. I see a few every year on my walks.

Nicola Main · #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 05:16 PM

Lucky you Vinny. About a month or so back I seen my first Woodcock up in the wood where I walk my dog, my dog flushed it and up it rose and flew away in a circle. I was as thrilled as you are and I hope you get to see it again! Nicola.

rlchew · #9 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinnychameleon

Sorry guys i've just discovered it was a woodcock not a snipe. I'm still ecstatic infact the Woodcock is a first for me as well

. It didn't have as long a bill a as a snipe and was too big to be a jack snipe. So it was a woodcock ive always wanted to see a woodcock and now I have

From your initial description, I thought this may have been a Snipe .... well done anyway! .... a reasonably widespread but difficult bird to see.

I didn't find one at all last year but in 2005 I stumbled (almost literally!) across a few during my Christmas holiday in the Scottish Highlands.

Here is one that stayed still long enough for a photo before erupting to use your term

.

Richard

JeffH · #10 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 07:14 PM

Nice one Vinny. Snipe or Woodcock - any first sighting is a thrill. Here's a couple of ID clues that might be helpful in future - apart from the difference in size, Snipe usually take off zig-zagging rapidly for a few yards before going clear away. Woodcock, however, are renowned for rising with considerable noise of wings and flying off with a twisting flight.
Woodcock are particularly interesting birds during the breeding season (March - June) when the males perform a display flight (known as 'roding') - this involves them repeatedly flying around a regular circuit at dusk making a low croaking sound. It's fascinating to see/hear.

Jeff

vinnychameleon · #11 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 07:38 PM

Hi Jeff. This bird took off from the woodland edge and flew out into the field (which was right next to me) then it curved back round and flew back over my head into the wood.

mrs fish · #12 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 07:41 PM

Vinny, I am pleased for you whatever you saw

Richew, your pic of the woodcock is beautiful

badgerwatcher · #13 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 10:00 PM

Fantastic, Vinny. I've never seen one!

Mandy · #14 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 06:31 AM

I saw my first woodcock on NY eve, in fact I saw 2. Then ten mins later on walking past a flooded area, over 50 snipe flew up! That was a sight!! I had seen one snipe before close up but to see such a lot was a treat. I think it is always great to see something you havent seen before, it is exciting!

Mandy

matt_xyz · #15 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 06:42 AM

I've never had the pleasure of seeing a Woodcock, but I saw my first Snipe recently and now they are regulars at one of my local nature reserves. I can never get close to them though, they always see me before I see them and explode into the air. In the shot below, a flock of Snipe flew off and then over the next few minutes circled the lake eventually settling on the other side. I managed a couple of shots as they were circling but they fly so quickly. All in all they are very difficult photographic subjects.

Matt