Snipe

Gallingo gallingo

Snipe

Snipe are found in wetlands and moorlands at Rannoch. For example they nest around Dunalastair Water, the slopes of Craig Varr and at Lochan an Daim. They are small waders with a long beak and short legs. When disturbed they take to the air suddenly and fly off in a zig zag fashion which makes them hard to shoot (I’m glad to say). The difficulty in shooting snipe gave rise to the army term ‘sniper’ for a crack shot. Snipe can be legally shot (sadly) outside of the closed season which runs from February 1st to August 31st.

Snipe are very well camouflaged in their marshy habitats and nest on the ground. In the breeding season the males have an unusual aerial display. They fly high and then dive with their two outer tail feathers extended. These feather vibrate in a stream of air in part directed by the wings to produce a sound known as drumming. It is a characteristic sound heard in summer evenings and mornings as the snipe lays claim to its territory.

Creative Commons - credit Jeremy Huizenga

Another species of snipe, the Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus) is slightly smaller and is reputed to quickly return to the ground after being disturbed. These are more unusual visitors to Britain. My nephew found one on the North Inch at Perth.