13 replies to this topic

[kamrans]

Saw this today in my backyard in Richmond, BC...quite the shy type it seems by nature...but kept poking his beak in the grass looking for something...

Any help would be nice...I'm just curious

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[Liam]

Welcome to Whatbird! This is a Wilson's Snipe - a nice yard bird!

[Adore707]

It's a Wilson's Snipe.

[kamrans]

Thanks! I looked online and found "Jack snipe" - but they're only found in UK.

[GreatHorn]

Thirded. I saw one yesterday and was reminded of how cool these guys are.

[BarnSwallow]

I agree - great yard bird!!

[JimBob]

Man, awesome yardbird!!!

[BarnSwallow]

BTW, he was just aerating your lawn for you. Kidding! They probe for worms and grubs and things in the mud with that long bill. Was it in a really wet area? That's where they usually hang out. The tip of the bill is sensitive, and can open and close independently of the rest of the bill, allowing it to grab a worm without having to open the whole bill.

[Liam]

The tip of the bill is sensitive, and can open and close independently of the rest of the bill, allowing it to grab a worm without having to open the whole bill.

It's called rhynchokinesis. Here's how it works:

By flexing the fronto-nasal hinge (where the upper mandible attaches to the skull) a tendon along the length of the beak is stretched and opens the bill tip. Prey can then be grasped and pulled from its burrow. It's a great adaptation to avoid trying to open the entire length of the beak when probed deeply into the mud.

(From: http://oregonbirds.o...ust/009794.html)

Not my photos, but check out how wacky this ability is.

[folkeye]

I need to go on a snipe hunt...

[Liam]

I need to go on a snipe hunt...

A sniper?

[folkeye]

A sniper?

...who told you my secrets?

[PanHanNE]

It's called rhynchokinesis. Here's how it works:

(From: http://oregonbirds.o...ust/009794.html)

Not my photos, but check out how wacky this ability is.

Thanks Liam, for the lesson. That is fantastic! Birds are fascinating!

[creeker]

I usually see a few Snipe each year. Usually when I'm fishing my favorite stream. They sit tight, then explode in flight when I'm almost on top of them. Surprises me every time.