306. Wilson's Snipe

Wilson's Snipe(Gallinago delicata) is an uncommon fall or winter visitor to Leaning Oaks, in fact we have only two observations here in the 19 years we have been here.  Snipe however are difficult to see if they don't move, so its likely we have overlooked some.  This is a species that has had an uncertain taxonomic history.  My earliest bird books had it as a separate species from the one found in Europe, but for a long time it was lumped with the old world Common Snipe.  Recently it was re-split off as its own species, due to differences in morphology and the "winnowing" display sounds it makes during courtship flights.  "Snipe" is derived from the word "snite" or "snout" and refers, of course to the extremely long bill of this species.  
The eyes of a snipe are set far back on its head, which allows it binocular vision both fore and aft, handy when you spend a good deal of your life "snite-deep" in mud!
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