Snipe

 This is in Kirkwall at the edge of the Peedie Sea. Snipe often come in to the pond in the winter but mainly in frosty weather and we haven't had really any of that. So probably only a couple there today. It is easy to see here but really difficult to make out at the time. I stared at it for a couple of minutes thinking 'is that a snipe or another tuft of grass'? It trusted in its camouflage and stayed perfectly still and I backed off after taking its picture. Earlier I photographed a couple of whoopers by Inganess Bay, see extra