Elusive jack snipe delights birdwatchers at hide

Jack snipe are also known as half-snipe due to their size

An "elusive" and rarely seen wading bird has proved to be a highlight of the autumn migratory season for birdwatchers at a nature reserve.

Birds including the jack snipe have been arriving at RSPB Saltholme, near Stockton, to spend the winter or to have a rest while enroute to warmer climates.

The small species usually prefers to remain camouflaged in dense wetland vegetation, but one started feeding right next to the Wildlife Watchpoint Hide.

Assistant warden Adam Jones was thrilled to spot the jack snipe and pointed out its "characteristic bouncing motion while feeding" to visitors.

Mr Jones said: "The bird was busy feeding in one of the rides cut into the vegetation which provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to spot elusive reed bed species.

"The characteristic bouncing motion of the feeding jack snipe made it easier to point out to visitors, many of which were thrilled to have spotted this species for the first time.

"To top off the experience from the hide we also had a kingfisher land on one of our viewing perches with the autumn sunshine enhancing the electric blue colours on its back."

A kingfisher also landed at RSPB Saltholme

Jack snipe are a winter visitor to the UK, spending their summers on waterlogged bogs in northern Europe.

They are very small, about 19cm (7.4in) long, and they probe along the reed beds for food with their long bills.

The number of wildfowl and waders at RSPB Saltholme has been increasing over the last few weeks with 1,000 wigeon and 600 golden plover recently spotted.