The ability to separate fact from fiction is foundational to a healthy society. But with so much information being generated and shared in today’s world, knowing what is real and what is not is becoming increasingly difficult. We have many who believe made up stories are real, while at the same time we have a seemingly equal number who are convinced real stories are made up. Let me offer my assistance, as a sort of public service, in clearing this up on at least one specific topic. We have to start somewhere, after all, and hopefully this one point of total clarity will be anchoring in our ambiguous world.
Snipe are not real. Except, of course, if you happen to be talking about the snipe that are real. But snipe hunting is, in fact, real. Assuming, that is, you are talking about the kind of snipe hunting that is made up. Or said differently, both snipe and snipe hunting? Totally fake (except when they are real). Or totally real (except when they are fake).
So there you have it. Total clarity on the topic of snipe. Hopefully that clears things up!
Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) | Hays Kennedy Park | Louisville, Kentucky
500mm | 1/2,000th second | f/8.0 | ISO 1000
No? Still confusing? OK, perhaps a little more detail… A couple young men recently asked me what I was looking for when I was out tromping around a pond with my camera. I told them snipe, and they laughed knowingly. One of them even admitted to falling for the classic snipe hunt joke. He had learned the hard way that snipe and snipe hunting are not real. Much to their surprise, I explained that a snipe is actually a real bird, and I had nearly stepped on one just minutes earlier. It had flown right in front of them. Not only is there one real type of snipe, there are seventeen species in all, including the pair of Wilson’s snipe my friend, Ron, managed to spot earlier this week before they spotted us (no small feat). Of course if someone invites you on a snipe hunt, they are probably talking about the made up kind, not the genus Gallinago (especially if they offer to let you hold the bag).
But then again, they could be serious. Snipe hunting really is a thing (although I cringe at the thought - these are really interesting, beautiful birds - one of my favorites). Nonetheless, hunting real snipe is where we get the word “sniper.” Real snipe are exceptionally well-camouflaged, and they are small, fast, erratic flyers. “Sniping” thus requires a very skilled marksman - a sniper.
And now that I have shared my discomfort with the idea of shooting (real) snipe, I’m going to go eat what was almost our national bird. Life is complicated. Happy Thanksgiving!
Greg