Snipe and Jack Snipe

It's been a long summer, and there's so much we've seen. However, rather than try and catch up in one, here's something small just to get back into the swing of things.

As summer has come to an end we've seen more snipe arrive. Beautifully marked, these birds are present at many of our pools over winter, yet are almost impossible to see when tucked up in the reeds, and easily overlooked.

However, even more elusive, and a lot scarcer, are Jack Snipe. These can be much harder to find, so when a note went up on RSPB Conwy's twitter feed saying that there were some present and showing well, I just had to scoot across on Sunday afternoon.

At first there was just one present, moving slowly along the edge of a reed bank, never quite in view, more seen by the movement than anything else.

This shot was the best of about a dozen. Here you can just about make out the shorter stubbier bill, and the two broad golden stripes on the back. In real life the clincher was its incessant bobbing movement.

Happy with this, I was about to move off, when another was pointed out - this one right in front of the hide window, much nearer, and in the open. Even better there was a Common Snipe nearby to provide a contrast; the Jack Snipe being more 'yellow', and the Snipe appearing much greyer.

It's not simply a case of size. Putting some of the shots together will hopefully show the differences more clearly, Snipe on the left, Jack Snipe on the right.

I've mentioned the bill size, and the prominent golden stripes on the back of the Jack Snipe (stripes are present on the Snipe too, but much less prominent). Note the head markings too. Snipe have a central bright crown stripe, with a back stripe either side, while the Jack Snipe has a central black 'cap', with golden stripes either side. And lets not forget that bobbing!

What a grand day out!