Gould commented 'To the sportsman this little snipe is ever an object of interest; for it seldom rises from the marsh without attracting his immediate attention. Why is it so small an object (for its weight is not more than two ounces) commands so much anxious regard? It is more secluded in its habits, is less easily raised from the ground, and seems to depend for safety more on the harmony of its colouring with that of the surrounding herbage than on powers of flight.'

The white-flowered bog plant is the Parnassia palustrus.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds in north Eurasia from Scandinavia east to north and central Siberia. Winters from west and south Europe, central Russia and Japan south to tropical Africa and Indonesia. Winter visitor to Britain