08-April-2021
There are a few certain signs of spring in southern Ontario: longer days, warmer temperatures (usually), a crocus in my driveway, and the arrival of Wilson's Snipes in the wet fields along 5th Road E! I love the early morning sounds of Wilson's Snipes, especially when they're winnowing.
It's best to stay in your car when watching and listening to the Snipes here. The shoulder is narrow and drops steeply into the field. Thankfully, it's not a busy road. It can take time for the WISNs to work their way close enough to the road for good views and photos. A scope will give you excellent views, but even a 840mm lens needs the birds closer than they usually are, at least in my experience.
I've made two visits to these Snipe fields this year. During my first visit, the birds stayed quite far away, I think in part because there were some birders on the shoulder walking around their scopes. These birds are skittish!
Today, after I'd been there a half hour with the birds only a little closer than yesterday, I saw two men walking towards the three parked cars with lenses out of their windows. They yelled when they spoke, and one was singing/yelling "My oh my, what a lovely day!" I knew this would scare all the snipes further back in the field. Sure enough, as they got to the cars yelling their curiosity about the cameras, all the snipes flew. I missed getting any good flight shots!
Eventually, the birds started to fly back, but not before a flock of at least 6 Rusty Blackbirds showed up! It was great: lots of cool birds to focus on!
The following are some snaps from these visits:
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| Wilson's Snipe |
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| Wilson's Snipe |
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| A pair of Wilson's Snipe |
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| A pair of Wilson's Snipe |
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| A Killdeer and a Wilson's Snipe catch up after their long winter holidays south. |
