When I saw a Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) on Friday, I expected that it was a once-in-a-lifetime sighting and was really happy to have gotten some photos. I never imagined that I would see the bird (possibly the same one) the very next day in even better lighting conditions. I may eventually post some other photos, but I wanted to share this one in which he is visible against a snowy background that is mostly blown out. I think it helps to highlight some of the wonderful colors and textures of this long-billed shorebird.
Somehow the word “snipe,” which is used in all kinds of other contexts, doesn’t seem dignified enough for this beautiful bird, so I have taken to calling him the “Pinnochio bird”—for obvious reasons.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
I remember years ago watching a show where a boy was set out in the bush with a bag to catch snipes while his friends laughed behind his back. I always thought that snipes were a figment of the imagination. Nice to know that there is a beautiful bird that bears that name. This snow in this photo really does show it off to best advantage.
Thanks, Vicki. I guess a snipe hunt is like a wild goose chase–a kind of prank or practical joke. They definitely are real birds (although I did not know what kind of bird I had photographed until I looked it up).
Amazing shot!
what a wonderful bird! great photo
Thanks. I was amazed to see this bird and almost as amazed that I got the shot (sometimes it’s really tricky to get a good exposure with the snow as a background)