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Wilson

Wilson's Snipe (a.k.a. Common Snipe, Jack Snipe, English Snipe; Gallinago delicata) - Peacock's Pocket Road, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Wilson, Florida

 

Back in the day when I was a Boy Scout we used to send the new recruits (a.k.a. Tenderfoot scouts) out on "Snipe Hunts" because actually finding a snipe was near impossible, and it was a fun way to frustrate the new kids. And to this day when I actually find a snipe I realize just how lucky I am.

As you may have deduced from what I've said so far, these guys are quite secretive, and when they hear you coming they run off into the grass and/or bushes and you'll never even know they were there (not to mention how well camouflaged they are). However, they have become quite accustomed to the sounds of cars driving up and down the roads (like Peacock Pocket Road and/or Black Point Wildlife Drive), and tend to ignore vehicle noises, but if you get out of your car and walk along the road they will run from the sound of your footsteps and you will never see one. So get out there an hour or so before sunset, drive slowly along the edge of the water (being careful not to drive over the edge), and maybe you'll get a good look at one of these guys.

 

Click on the following link if you'd like to see more of my Snipe pics.

 

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Uploaded on April 1, 2017
Taken on February 11, 2017