Snipe's Revenge
Monday, May 24, 2010 at 2:30PM 
Today is Victoria Day, known around here as Monday of “The May Long Weekend”—the weekend when we’re supposed to go camping or plant the garden or finish the spring yard clean-up. I’m doing none of that, and it’s not because the weather isn’t cooperating, but because I have a doozy of a cold. You know, the “not all that sick, but might as well be because I’m so miserable” kind of cold.
On top of that, a snipe looking for a girlfriend kept me up all night. When I was a teenager, we took city slickers on snipe hunts and then laughed at them for believing this mythical bird existed. Turns out the joke’s on us, because there really are snipes (see video) and at least one has decided to make his home in the marsh behind my house so he can get back at me for not believing in him.
The hu-hu-hu-hu-hu at the begining of the sound file here is a winnowing snipe. Yes, it is that loud, and maybe louder. That’s not a vocalization, but a sound made by vibrating tail feathers—a sound heard, supposedly, at dusk or dawn. Unfortunately for me, at this time of the year, dusk and dawn make up almost the whole night.
A snipe hunt is sounding like a good idea right now. Lucky for the noisy bird, a nap sounds even better.
Reader Comments (5)
Well It's a good thing that wisdom reigned and a nap was taken. I wouldn't want to have report threats on the life of a Snipe to a Conservation Officer. They're right in your neck of the woods too.
Saw the "car" part of Carcross (Caribou Crossing ) running along the beach this morning and then swimming across the river. He executed a joyful jump as he left the waters. Skeptics might say he was shaking off but I know what I saw.
This seems to be the time of year for wildlife. I had a fox in the yard last week, and there is at least one moose in the tank farm.
I think we must be going through similar colds. I'm not all that sick, but the congestion and sluggishness I have been feeling made outdoor work a no-go.
I listened the sound of the bird you're talking about. I'm pretty sure that the bird I hear every morning isn't the same, but the song sounds a little similar.
I feel your misery. For the past five days, I've had a miserable spring cold. Our youngest started with it a week and a half ago, then passed it on to our son, who was kind enough to share it with me! What a loving family. On Thursday, I could literally feel my sinuses filling up, my throat getting all scratchy and it settled it hard. Oh, how I longed to "call in sick" on Sunday, but I'm the pastor... seldom do we get to do such things! Besides, I took last week "off" and another gentleman preached for me... I just "sat in the pew" and worshiped like normal folks.
Anyway, I pray you experience God's mercy during this bout and patience is gained through it all.
I have never been snipe hunting, but I am familiar with that great tradition. Perhaps if you take after the cowardly lion, "Oh, I do believe in snipes. Oh, I do believe in snipes. Oh, I do, I do, I do, I do, I DO believe in snipes," that mean old snipe will have mercy on you.
Feel better soon.