![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.windemuths.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/10\/Snipe-Wilsons_3951-2.jpg\" "\\"Snipe,")
<\/a>The Wilson\u2019s Snipe, recently recognized as a different species from the Common Snipe of Eurasia, can be heard much of the time while on the refuge, especially during the spring and summer months.\u00a0 But, because of their camouflaged coloration they are not sighted very much. Even though not seen often, they are still designated as common birds at the refuge.<\/p>\nThe hollow, low whistled, quavering sound called “winnowing” is used by the male to defend his territory and attract a mate. It is not a vocal sound, but rather is produced by air flowing over the outstretched tail feathers with each wingbeat. The outer tail feathers, thin and curved, are greatly modified to produce this sound.\u00a0 Snipes also have a loud, monotonous, single note vocal call that can continue for minutes at a time.<\/p>\n
The long bill of the Wilson’s Snipe is flexible. The tips can be opened and closed with no movement at the base of the bill. Sensory pits at the tip of the bill allow the snipe to feel its prey(small crustaceans) deep in the mud.<\/p>\n
The Snipe is only one of many birds that can be seen at the refuge, each with their own unique identity.\u00a0 Some of the unusual birds that have been seen this past month are: Greater White-fronted Goose, Redhead, Peregrine Falcon, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Black Swift, Wilson\u2019s Phalarope, American White Pelican, and the Bonaparte\u2019s Gull.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cLet\u2019s go Snipe hunting\u201d was a phrase I heard as I was growing up, usually in conjunction with playing a trick on someone\u2014someone who literally was left\u00a0 deep in the woods \u201cholding the bag\u201d waiting for or hunting Snipe.\u00a0 It … Continue reading <\/a>The clutch size of the Wilson’s Snipe is almost always four eggs. The male snipe takes the first two chicks to hatch and leaves the nest with them. The female takes the last two and cares for them. Apparently the parents have no contact after that point.<\/p>\n