Snipe Hunting

Most non birders scoff at the idea that there is an actual bird called a “snipe”.  Relying on the knowledge of old stories concerning “snipe hunts” that involved leaving a poor sucker holding a pillow case under a tree in a dark forest at night, they just sort of laugh off the idea.  But there actually is a snipe, and to be more precise, its official common name is Wilson’s Snipe. Rather than living in trees in the forest, you will find them living in marshes and muddy edges of ponds. Despite their oversized bill, they live rather inconspicuously, making it a great treat when one is lucky enough to see one.  This morning in the early morning light I found a group of four while birding at Ford’s Pond near Sutherlin.