A brief glimpse of a Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) before it disappeared behind the rushes along the shoreline. Note the cryptically colored plumage, allowing them to blend in with wetland vegetation.
This description from The Birds of North America account is quite accurate — "the usual view of a Wilson's Snipe is as it flushes from grass or
sedges, escaping in rapid, zigzag flight while uttering a rasping scaipe."
On Bodega Head, Wilson's Snipes are relatively rare migrants or winter residents.
Terrific capture!
ReplyDeleteWell, I tried! The snipe was on the move, so I was happy to get even one photo to share. It's fun to add to the list of species illustrated on the NHBH!
ReplyDelete:) Jackie