The amazing drumming sound of displaying Snipe is one of
‘thee’ sounds of the Lower Derwent Valley in spring. The drumming sound is the
result of the vibration of the stiffened outer tail feathers which are held out
at right angles to the body, as the birds (having climbed up to a height)
suddenly dive towards the ground, causing air to rush over them. Although drumming can be heard throughout the day, it is more
commonly encountered at dawn and dusk, we were fortunate last week to watch an
individual partake in this display act, before settling into a field full of
buttercups, pictured here. We’re pleased to report that it appears to be a
good year for Snipe in the valley, with a number of birds regularly being seen
and heard displaying from the hides at Wheldrake Ings and North Duffield Carrs.
Our nationally important hay meadows are not only home to Snipe, but also to a number of pairs of Lapwing. Lapwings, also known locally as Pewits (after the
sound of their call), are one of the commoner breeding waders in the meadows of
the Lower Derwent Valley, as well as being equally at home on surrounding
arable fields.
To try and help maintain our local population, which are facing
a national decline, we’ve been working hard over the last few years clearing
scrub from the site to open it up, reducing perches for crows which can take
eggs and young chicks, and managing vegetation and water levels to provide suitable
conditions for successful breeding. The early results from this year’s
survey work suggest this hard work is delivering the results we were hoping,
with in the region of 100 pairs breeding on the Ings across the valley –
showing that breeding success is higher than in recent years. Whilst we’ve been
out and about working in the meadows we’ve been fortunate to come across a
number of broods, and have ringed over 20 chicks so far.
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