Common Snipe - Garden Visitor

[clb100]

Twice in the last week we have seen a common snipe in our garden feeding on the lawn. Stayed about half an hour both times.

Is this unusual?

We are about 60m above sea level about a mile from the coast and within a few miles of two estuaries where they are seen.

The first visit was last Sunday when there was a heavy frost so the ground was quite hard. Second time was today after the overnight snow thaw so the ground is soft.

It was within 20ft of our windows and I was able to open a door without it flying off. This is normally enough to put up any birds on the lawn. It flew but only after I had stepped through the door SLR camera in hand so it doesn't look as if it is injured or exhausted.

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by clb100

Is this unusual?

.

Not in this frozen weather and this time of year. Snipe and Woodcock can turn up anywhere.

Don't disturb it again if it returns to feed on your lawn. You're not doing it any favors by doing so - watch from the concealment of the house!

Just noticed your from Seaford - there's been a fair of sightings in gardens, on roads etc in E.Sussex the past week

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by clb100

......Is this unusual?.........

Not really - we've had them in the garden several times in the past when there's been snow on the ground, with at least 3 visits last winter (but none so far this year).

And we're much further away from the coast, or indeed any other typical Snipe habitat, than you are.

As Picidae says, in this sort of weather they can turn up anywhere - nice to see one in the garden though isn't it

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[Lindsay-c]

My mother came in from the snow the other day and described a bird she had just seen my neighbours garden. I matched a common snipe to her description and showed her a picture which she said to be correct. We both thought it was unusual for this bird to be around here also since we live in a urban area and there isn't much water here so yeah I guess they randomly turn up just about anywhere...

[JeffH]

Believe it or not but we've just had one in the garden - at 7.30pm and in total darkness! - I saw it (via my infra red CCTV set-up) land in my badger feeding area where it stayed for a couple of minutes before flying off into the darkness - amazing!

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[Dogghound]

Ive just looked out of my front window and seen a woodcock walking down the street. I am on the rural side of a suburban housing estate though. Still nice to see. Just need it to go into the garden now so I can tick it.