Wilson's Snipe Traditional Cache

Though the long tradition of “snipe hunt” pranks at summer camp has convinced many people otherwise, Wilson’s Snipes (Gallinago delicata) aren’t made-up creatures. These plump, long-billed birds are among the most widespread shorebirds in North America. Wilson’s Snipes forage by methodically probing in muddy ground for earthworms and other invertebrates. Their heads move up and down somewhat like a sewing machine running at slow speed. Wilson’s Snipes can be found in all types of wet, marshy settings, including bogs, fens, alder and willow swamps, wet meadows, and along rivers and ponds. Displaying males fly high in the sky and make a curious whistling noise (“winnowing”), created by air passing over his modified outer tail feathers. I have often heard them winnowing here during the spring.

The cache is a large pill bottle with a log. Please bring your own pen or pencil. There is plenty of parking along the road shoulder.