Woodcock or snipe? Merseyside UK (1 Viewer)

[DamianP]

I flushed this bird when walking around Eccleston Mere in St Helens this afternoon. It was at the edge of a farmer's field along a ditch. I saw it's very long bill and so immediately thought of woodcock or snipe but I'm not very familiar with either species. I think it was about collared dove size but can't swear to this. It was silent and flew fairly low and straight and landed again on the farmers field next to a hedge.

I managed these shots but they're terrible, so am not sure if there is enough to distinguish between the two from these or indeed if it's something else entirely!

Cheers, Damian.

 

[KenM]

My money is on Woodcock...the rusty rump, (flight pattern described) and the bowed wings.

cheers

 

[nickderry]

I agree with woodcock, looks to be a chesty bird with no tramlines down its back and no whit etrailing edge to the wing, also I agree with Ken's reasons.

 

[DamianP]

Brilliant - thanks very much. Either one was a first for me anyway so I'm chuffed.

 

[Simon Wates]

Brilliant - thanks very much. Either one was a first for me anyway so I'm chuffed.

Haha - it took me a good 1000 Snipes before my first Woodcock - roding around Alderley Edge, Cheshire. It was abit of a bogey bird in them days!

I'm sure you get a Snipe soon!

 

[bradinho]

Brilliant - thanks very much. Either one was a first for me anyway so I'm chuffed.

You not counting the snipe you saw with me nr Liv-St Helens RUFC!?!

 

[DamianP]

Sorry Paul - I totally forgot about that one! There was no way I'd have id'd that one myself though!

 

[Simon Skidmore]

Hi Damian.
I was at Eccleston Mere last Sunday (20th November) and disturbed what I thought was a Woodcock from the ditch in the SW corner of the Mere. Its also the first time I have seen one. Snipe used to frequent Eccleston Mere in the field right next to the Sailing Club Building when this field was often flooded but they are a much less common visitor in Winter now.
Like yourself I wasn't so sure at first whether it was a Snipe or Woodcock but I have seen Snipe in flight several times before and this bird looked far too large for a Snipe.