Wilson's Snipe / Gallinago delicata

The 10 photos and a video that I have just posted today, 26 July 2019, were all taken during a quick drive SW of the city, on 8 July 2019. Many of the 'usual' birds, though I was also happy to see a European Starling closer than I normally see them.

I have fallen behind again with editing and posting photos form walks or outings, and I have a few trips that are coming up in the next little while. Hard to believe that August is almost here and summer is flying by. Our weeks of endless rainy days seem to have come to an end for now, thank goodness.

"Though the long tradition of “snipe hunt” pranks at summer camp has convinced many people otherwise, Wilson’s Snipes aren’t made-up creatures. These plump, long-billed birds are among the most widespread shorebirds in North America. They can be tough to see thanks to their cryptic brown and buff coloration and secretive nature. But in summer they often stand on fence posts or take to the sky with a fast, zigzagging flight and an unusual “winnowing” sound made with the tail." From AllAboutBirds.

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id

According to Fisher and Acorn's book, "Birds of Alberta", "the common Snipe is both secretive and well camouflaged, so few people notice it until it flushes suddenly from a nearby grassy tussock. As soon as the Snipe takes to the air, it performs a series of quick zigzags - an evasive maneuver designed to confuse predators. Because of this habit, Snipes were among the most difficult birds to shoot (in the days when shorebirds were hunted for sport), and skilled sportsmen were known as "snipers" - a term later adopted by the military."

youtu.be/Z16CUdX2g5Q