My first Iconic Bird

Today I saw a Wilson’s Snipe!

Thursday February 12 2026 – Oso Creek

Like so many other boring times while working I took a brief break and had a peek at eBird to relieve my mind. This week I learned that eBird unveiled a new feature for hotspots called ‘iconic birds.’ This feature essentially indicates which birds make a particular location special, which immediately captured my curiosity. For instance, I know exactly where to visit in order to see a White-breasted Nuthatch or a California Gnatcatcher. However for some species, especially those less researched, they can easily stay hidden when you aren’t specifically looking for them.

After exploring the map for a bit and seeing iconic birds were consistent with expectations for some of my favorite birding spots, I looked at places I have visited but do not know quite as well. I searched a local trail hotspot we enjoy taking our dog for walks along the Oso Creek. I was drawn to this hotspot as this is where I saw my first Common Merganser, among other uncommon, but not unexpected sightings while casually birding.

To my surprise, a Wilson’s Snipe, a bird I’ve never seen before, came in at 43x more frequent at this location compared to the rest of the region. Now this makes sense given the habitat, but I also would not have thought of this creek, turned largely cement channel, that’s located behind a Costco, and nestled between two highways and railroad tracks, to be the place go look for this species either!

Truly a testament to the incredible resolve of wildlife making due in an increasingly polluted and urbanized world. Photo below of a very pretty winter sunset and the not so pretty environment where I saw the snipe:

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I first tried after work on February 11 with our dog Rangi, spending an hour scouring the vegetation in the creek bed. I came across a large group of Least Sandpipers and several Spotted Sandpipers but no luck spotting the sandpiper I was seeking. It certainly did not help that my eyes were far more focused on our 6 month old puppy! An enjoyable, but unsuccessful snipe search, I decided I would try again soon.

Today, I decided to give it another go immediately, this time solo. I did the same route, came across more least and spotted sandpipers, a shy Belted Kingfisher, and the usual ducks and wading birds of the creek but again, no luck on the snipe!

Back at my car and nearing sunset, I thought I might as well try the other side of the bridge. I decided to drive across the large and busy road rather than cross it by foot. I would typically walk such a short distance, but given the fading daylight and dangerous road, I figured driving across would be best. What I did not anticipate was lack of legal street parking on the opposite side. Annoyed, I contemplated giving up for the day, called Amanda, and after her encouragement, decided drive back across the intersection and try it again on foot.

Silly detour over, I safely crossed the road, pulled out my camera, and began again, scouring the creek bed. As luck would have it, within a minute, my eyes somehow glimpsed and darted back to a frozen tan object with black streaking, camouflaged exceptionally well against the creek grasses. Immediately knew I had my bird! This picture shows exactly the scene I looked at to see my first Wilson’s Snipe, the bird is hiding in this image!

I was immediately drawn to just how beautiful this bird’s feathers were. Not to mention the size of its long bill. I loved its barred flanks, buffy breast, white belly, and red tail feathers. For a sandpiper, this one really struck me as so interesting to admire.

The bird sat silent and largely motionless for the brief encounter I had with it. Shortly after spotting it, a Sharp-shinned Hawk came swooping in, sending the Least Sandpipers fleeing, yet the snipe sat motionless, successfully relying on its extraordinary camouflage to remain out of danger.

By now, it was getting dark and the bird was perched roosting with its head tucked. I left very happy that I had not given up on it and instead was rewarded with a new species. This, in large part thanks to the new iconic birds feature from eBird. I am so excited to see what other species are unveiled with this new tool moving forward.

And that’s the story of my first Wilson’s Snipe!