Snipe Drumming

Shooting the camera between raindrops yesterday, the sky was filled with the sounds of Snipe. I sat in the parking lot at Goose Lake Prairie as the rain gently came in and the Snipe took to the air for their aerial display. During breeding season, they first fly up high and then plunge downward vibrating their outer tail feathers (As seen in the photos) to produce a curious whirring sound called drumming.

Note: Although the photography isn't of good quality, I couldn't put the camera down, as I was addicted to the moment. I saw at least a dozen performing and lots of chasing. I also heard a Wilson's Snipe, but couldn't find it.