{"id":138,"date":"2026-02-13T06:43:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T06:43:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/storiesfromthesurface.com\/?p=138"},"modified":"2026-02-13T16:20:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T16:20:47","slug":"my-first-iconic-bird","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/storiesfromthesurface.com\/?p=138","title":{"rendered":"My first Iconic Bird"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today I saw a Wilson’s Snipe!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thursday February 12 2026<\/em> – Oso Creek<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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_____________<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that’s the story of my first Wilson’s Snipe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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