Most of us at one time or another have probably been invited on a mythical "Snipe Hunt" by some of our more "devious" friends. The "hunt" can involve several methods of "hunting'. One involves going into the woods at night with blankets, and you, the novice new hunter, will be shown how to sit quietly under the blanket and be prepared to throw the blanket over the snipe when you hear them scratching nearby.The others "spread out", but actually move away and hide with you in sight. They then throw pebbles near you and watch you foolishly throw your blanket to catch the birds--or they may retreat to the comfort of home, leaving you to the hunt--or they may ask you to hold a bag a certain way while they go about "driving the snipe" into the bag--of course leaving you alone holding the bag in the dark!
The Wilson's Snipe or Common Snipe is one of North America's most common shorebirds. Yet because of their highly patterned brown and buff coloration and highly secretive behavior, many of us have never seen one. They demonstrate the reality of camouflage as well as or better than most species. i have frequently been looking directly at one, glance away, and have them "disappear" when I look back even though they have not moved!
They live and forage in muddy field edges, creek edges, or other similar settings. They feed on earthworms and other invertebrates by probing the mud with their long beaks. They can eat without removing their beak from the soil because the tip can open independently from the base.
They nest in shallow scrapes in the soil which are lined with grasses, and frequently near or surrounded by water. Usually have 4 eggs which are tended only by the female until they fledge, at which time the male takes the oldest pair and the female the youngest until they are able to be independent.
These birds are all over our area with Eastern NC having much perfect habitat for them. The pictures below were taken at the Pungo Wildlife Refuge. I see them frequently there and at Lake Mattamuskeet. Now that you know what they look like, perhaps you will be more successful on your next Snipe Hunt!! Enjoy the pics below.
The Wilson's Snipe or Common Snipe is one of North America's most common shorebirds. Yet because of their highly patterned brown and buff coloration and highly secretive behavior, many of us have never seen one. They demonstrate the reality of camouflage as well as or better than most species. i have frequently been looking directly at one, glance away, and have them "disappear" when I look back even though they have not moved!
They live and forage in muddy field edges, creek edges, or other similar settings. They feed on earthworms and other invertebrates by probing the mud with their long beaks. They can eat without removing their beak from the soil because the tip can open independently from the base.
They nest in shallow scrapes in the soil which are lined with grasses, and frequently near or surrounded by water. Usually have 4 eggs which are tended only by the female until they fledge, at which time the male takes the oldest pair and the female the youngest until they are able to be independent.
These birds are all over our area with Eastern NC having much perfect habitat for them. The pictures below were taken at the Pungo Wildlife Refuge. I see them frequently there and at Lake Mattamuskeet. Now that you know what they look like, perhaps you will be more successful on your next Snipe Hunt!! Enjoy the pics below.
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