Large numbers of birdwatchers, photographers and nature-lovers have been visiting Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve, near Welwyn Garden City, following the presence of three rarely seen wading birds.

Over the past few weeks, and on and off since October, three Jack Snipe have regularly been seen at Lemsford Springs - the first record of the species at the site for over six years. Jack Snipe are usually very difficult to see due to their preferred habitat of dense wetland vegetation combined with plumage which camouflages them well, so the sight of three out in the open for prolonged periods of time is very unusual and hence the public interest. Whilst the three birds disappeared from Lemsford Springs on 23 January when the weather became milder, two have now returned.

Barry Trevis, Warden at Lemsford Springs Nature Reserves says: 

The Jack Snipe is a winter visitor to the UK and spends its summers breeding on waterlogged bogs in northern Europe. Well camouflaged, the small wading bird can spend most of its time wintering in the UK hidden in thick marshland vegetation, such as the watercress and sedgebeds that are found at Lemsford Springs. Here, it probes the mud for food, using its long bill to find invertebrates. The bird’s constant bouncing action is a key identifier, making it look as if its legs are on springs. The only real species that the Jack Snipe could be confused with is the Common Snipe which is also present at Lemsford Springs but that bird has a longer bill and is twice its size.

You can find out more about Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve here, and click here for more information on our Jack Snipe visitors.