Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: Gallinago delicata

I'm always happy if I come across a Wilson's Snipe perched on a fence post : ) When they are on the ground amongst dried grasses, they are almost impossible to see, their feathers make such perfect camouflage. Noticed this one when I went for a short drive SW of the city on 10 May 2013 - and it had even chosen a reasonably photogenic, lichen-covered perch. I was just waiting for the bird to turn slightly more sideways, when - you guessed it! - a truck came barrelling down the noisy, gravel road in the opposite direction, and off flew the Snipe, lol. Happy to get any shots, though. "Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) is a small, stocky shorebird. This species was considered to be a subspecies of the Common Snipe (G. gallinago) until 2003 when it was given its own species status. Wilson's Snipe differs from the latter species in having a narrower white trailing edge to the wings, and eight pairs of tail feathers instead of the typical seven of the Common Snipe. Its common name commemorates the American ornithologist Alexander Wilson. Adults are 23–28 cm in length with a 39–45 cm wingspan. They have short greenish-grey legs and a very long straight dark bill. The body is mottled brown on top and pale underneath. They have a dark stripe through the eye, with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed." from Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson's_Snipe www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id A friend pointed out yesterday that I have a dead car headlight, so I can't go anywhere till I have had it (and the other one) replaced. When I called in at a car place late yesterday afternoon, it was getting too late for them to do it, so I must go back earlier this time. This morning started off nice and cool and rather overcast. Not sure if the sun is struggling to come out.

Another photo from my archives, taken SW of Calgary on 10 June 2011. These birds often seem to put on an excellent one-legged balancing act. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson's_Snipe www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id

I love coming across a Wilson's Snipe / Gallinago delicata perched on a fence post at a wetland ( west of the city). The heavens had just opened and this photo was taken in very heavy rain, with tiny hailstones bouncing in through my open car window. Taken on 7th June. As today progresses, I know I am going to find it more and more difficult to remember what day and time it is. I stayed up all last night, as it was the annual Dawn Chorus at 3:30 a.m. this morning, in Weaselhead. We were so lucky that it stayed dry most of the time, with just a few raindrops and a few flashes of lightning. I think we were walking for about four hours. Haven't yet heard how many species we saw/heard, but the number of species and actual birds was way down. (Later: 44 species of bird were heard/seen). I think we must be insane to travel from different parts of the city at this unearthly hour (I left home around 2:45 a.m.), but it's quite fascinating to witness the start of a brand new day for our feathered friends. In case anyone is interested, a Spotted Sandpiper was the first (at 3:45 a.m.), followed by a Song Sparrow (3:49 a.m.), Yellow Warbler (3:58 a.m.), American Robin (3:59 a.m.) and Clay-colored Sparrow (3:59 a.m.).

Didn't see what I had hoped to see on a quick drive south east of the city yesterday late afternoon, but I did come across this Wilson's Snipe perched on a fence post. Love to see these birds and their beautiful feather pattern. It's been a rainy morning, but hopefully the day will brighten up. ""For a short while this species was lumped with other similar birds, collectively called Common Snipe. DNA evidence showed that the populations did not interbreed, so its original name was restored. The breeding range of the Wilson's Snipe includes most of mainland Canada and the adjoining USA." talkaboutwildlife.ca/profile/?s=129 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson's_Snipe