Judging by number of drumming males, Snipe seem to be flourishing at RSPB wetland reserve near Aviemore

                                            

Expansive - the huge Insh Marshes floodplain beloved of wetland birds

SNIPE seem to be faring well on the RSPB's expansive Insh Marshes reserve near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands.

According to the society's recently published reserves report for 2025,  a record 128 drumming males were recorded.

Sadly, the Spotted Crake seems to be a breeding species here no longer.

None was recorded at Insh Marshes - nor at any of its other 200-plus reserves apart from Ynys-hir, in Powys, North Wales, which had four.

Other wetland bird absentees from RSPB sites in 2025 included  Little Bittern and Baillon's Crake.

                                            

Image of drumming Snipe on 1937 cigarette card 

         

Harmony - two Snipe feeding together