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I've only seen this long-billed marsh bird
a few times here in the Imperial Valley.
The first time I spotted one, he was under a salt bush at Fig Lagoon near Seeley in the mudflats at the lake's inlet from Fig Drain. I wasn't sure what it was, so I crept closer. He sat very still, confident in his camoflauge, until I got too close, then he exploded into the air. All of the ones I have seen here have been individual birds who have stopped to rest in local marshes while passing through. Compare with the similar Long-Billed Dowitcher. |
If you are interested in learning more about this bird online - I recommend you start with the Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.htmlThey present photographs, songs, identification tips, maps, and life history information for North American birds - including the Common Snipe
OTHER OUTSIDE LINKS FOR THIS BIRD:
Field Study Guide - Identification tips and an excellent closeup photograph of the Common Snipe displayed by the Clark College "Science" Web site in Vancouver, Washington.
Snipe Hunter's Association of America - Terrific image and all about the "catch and release" methods used in the ancient, well sort of, sport of Snipe Hunting (a camp counselor-certified site, but please read their disclaimer).
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This site is maintained by:
Eldon R. Caldwell
Imperial Valley College
Email: eldonc@imperial.cc.ca.us