Up to 300 Snipe did their own version of a Starling murmuration on the Adur Estuary RSPB reserve this week, with ‘wisps’ of these gorgeous little birds dashing around above the incoming tide.

Snipe are common in the winter on the RSPB reserve (by the Norfolk Bridge) although due to their incredible mottled brown camouflage they are usually only spotted when a high tide pushes their numbers onto the remaining patches of vegetation.

Numbers this big are somewhat unusual for the reserve and gave those lucky enough to watch them a spectacular treat, with up to 100 Lapwing also joining in.

Thanks to Tim Holter for the photos.