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  • Dianne and Steve
  • 14 Dec 2022 1:23 PM
  • Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 58 subscribers
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Jack snipe

Have just spent the last half hour watching a pair of Jack Snipe feed, from our back window. Had to check the bird book to find out what they were. Stunning markings on them.

  • ItisaRobbo
    Are you sure? If snowy conditions, unusual sightings do occur. Pair of jack snipe in a garden is highly unlikely in England. Woodcock are more likely. Common snipe maybe. Jack snipe. Got my doubts.
  • Dianne and Steve

    In reply to ItisaRobbo:

    No, we’re sure they’re Jack Snipe. Have watched videos online to check, as know they are rare. We live near a wetland centre so it’s probably an advantage.
  • ItisaRobbo

    To be fair, I do too. In my lifetime, I have never seen two jack snipe out in the open together incl at any wetland centre let alone garden. Jack snipe are regularly misidentified common snipe. People don't realise quite how small snipe (and to a lesser extent woodcock) are. As you know they are rare, did you get any photo as it would probably be a 'first'. I've quickly done a search and can't find any photos of two jack snipe, let alone in a garden.

  • Dianne and Steve

    In reply to ItisaRobbo:

    Unfortunately no photos, just good binoculars. Have compared photos of Woodstock and common snipe. Still think they’re Jacks.
  • ItisaRobbo

    In reply to Dianne and Steve:

    Ok thanks. Out of interest, anything specific as to why they're jack?
  • THOMO
    https://youtu.be/nYLOQv-uwOw
    The link is now working from BTO the difference between a Snipe and Jack Snipe!

    Regards,

    Ian.

  • ItisaRobbo

    In reply to THOMO:

    Thanks for the link, Thomo. Hopefully the OP will have watched it and listened to the behaviour differences in particular. Certainly reflects my experiences of seeing them each Winter....
  • ItisaRobbo
    Just to update this, here's what BTO have said about Dec 2022.....
    "December 2022’s snow and frost coincided with an influx of Woodcock reported from gardens. Despite the relatively brief spell of wintry weather, we saw the third-highest average count for Woodcock in gardens since 2003".