Latham’s Snipe is an interesting bird. Most birds spend the non-breeding season (August to February) in eastern Australia, and migrate to Japan or south-east Siberia to breed. It is estimated 20,000 to 30,000 birds return to Australia; 257 birds were recorded in the Great Aussie Bird Count last year.
Latham’s Snipe
The snipe is quite distinctive. The body is around 20 cm long, with a straight bill around 70 mm long, and barring on back and breast. The birds hang around in swamps and are generally difficult to see and quick to take flight when disturbed (typically they only call when flying away!). During the summer months, there are often birds at the Allen Noble Sanctuary.
November was a great month for uninterrupted snipe views, since up to five snipes were present concurrently at the small ephemeral swamp on Bambra Road (aka Butlers Bend) in Aireys Inlet. The photo shows one of those snipes.
James Orton