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Project Noah Nature School
Gallinago hardwickii
Adults grow to just under 30cm, brown and white patterned feathers, light face bands, long straight beak, stout body, longer neck. Strong fast flyer, bursts from undergrowth if disturbed, very wary, flies short distance into new hiding place, often found near water especially swamps and dams. feeds on aquatic animals, seeds. Call is short harsh sound.
Found throughout east, south-east and north of Australia, the Latham's Snipe arrives in Australia around August from the northern hemisphere particularly Japan where it nests. Prefers swamps, paddock low wet areas, dams, edges of lakes and amongst mangroves.
This bird was hiding in long swamp grass behind me and calling occasionally, I have counted at least a dozen on the property so far and feel very lucky to have them so close.
Spotted on Nov 23, 2014
Submitted on Dec 9, 2014
2 Comments
They are very flighty, difficult to get a good photo. But this one has brought many friends and they pop up in the grass as I walk the property, they now also roost near the house if the weather is a bit ordinary! Tourists! Not as noisy as some in this holiday season though. I've just had a visit from a bird group from Coffs Harbour who happened by, they are amazed at the life here.
Nice spotting. A tourist.