Lichens and all

I'm always happy if I come across a Wilson's Snipe perched on a fence post : ) When they are on the ground amongst dried grasses, they are almost impossible to see, their feathers make such perfect camouflage. Noticed this one when I went for a short drive SW of the city on 10 May 2013 - and it had even chosen a reasonably photogenic, lichen-covered perch. I was just waiting for the bird to turn slightly more sideways, when - you guessed it! - a truck came barrelling down the noisy, gravel road in the opposite direction, and off flew the Snipe, lol. Happy to get any shots, though.

"Wilson's Snipe (Gallinago delicata) is a small, stocky shorebird. This species was considered to be a subspecies of the Common Snipe (G. gallinago) until 2003 when it was given its own species status. Wilson's Snipe differs from the latter species in having a narrower white trailing edge to the wings, and eight pairs of tail feathers instead of the typical seven of the Common Snipe. Its common name commemorates the American ornithologist Alexander Wilson.

Adults are 23–28 cm in length with a 39–45 cm wingspan. They have short greenish-grey legs and a very long straight dark bill. The body is mottled brown on top and pale underneath. They have a dark stripe through the eye, with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed." from Wikipedia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson's_Snipe

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wilsons_Snipe/id

A friend pointed out yesterday that I have a dead car headlight, so I can't go anywhere till I have had it (and the other one) replaced. When I called in at a car place late yesterday afternoon, it was getting too late for them to do it, so I must go back earlier this time. This morning started off nice and cool and rather overcast. Not sure if the sun is struggling to come out.