Pin-tailed and Swinhoe's Snipes Getting More Interesting as Numbers Grow
As late August approaches, snipe numbers keep climbing. In the best spots there were around 7 birds in a single paddy field. The Swinhoe's Snipe migration is reaching its peak, so Pin-tailed Snipe are relatively fewer by comparison.
In one week I will be holding the inaugural Ishigaki Island Snipe Camp. Together with snipe-watchers coming from the mainland, I plan to scrutinize every last snipe on Ishigaki.
Swinhoe's Snipe, juvenile.
Same individual as above.
Same individual as above.
Swinhoe's Snipe, juvenile.
Swinhoe's Snipe (left) and Pin-tailed Snipe. Both juveniles.
Swinhoe's Snipe, juvenile.
This one also a Swinhoe's Snipe juvenile.
Swinhoe's Snipe, adult. Transitioning into winter plumage.
Pin-tailed Snipe, adult in breeding plumage.
Swinhoe's Snipe, adult. Some winter feathers coming in here too.
Swinhoe's Snipe, juvenile (left) and adult.
Swinhoe's Snipe, adult.
Swinhoe's Snipe, juvenile.
Pin-tailed Snipe, late breeding plumage.
Pin-tailed Snipe, two juveniles.
Swinhoe's Snipe, flock.
Pin-tailed Snipe, juvenile.
Pin-tailed Snipe (left), the same individual as above, with Swinhoe's Snipe.
Pin-tailed Snipe, juvenile.
Swinhoe's Snipe, adult.
Pin-tailed Snipe, juvenile.
Swinhoe's Snipe, juvenile. With mud on the bill like this, for a moment the silhouette can look like a Pin-tailed Snipe.
The Swinhoe's Snipe on the left is the same individual as above.
