LAPLAND LONGSPURS!!!

Nine of at least 12 (!!!) LAPLAND LONGSPURS, Pine Island 2/7/14.
Nine of at least twelve (!!!) LAPLAND LONGSPURS, Pine Island 2/7/14. Three birds were cropped out of this photos, see below for all 12 in one shot.

I had an awesome evening of birding today after work. I headed to the Pine Island area, as I have for the last three evenings; it has been very active with good numbers of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings being seen. Today, my travels were rewarded with quite the treat- at least 12 LAPLAND LONGSPURS feeding on the roadside. While I was in the field I estimated 15 birds, but the most I have in any of my photos is 12. What an experience seeing these birds and to also be able to get some decent photos!

Lapland Longspur in the snow, Pine Island NY 2/7/14.
Lapland Longspur in the snow, Pine Island NY 2/7/14.

Just before sunset I headed over to Wallkill River NWR to see if the Short-eared Owls were flying. The owls were up early and putting on a show. I took some photos and I would guess that while I was there, 7 or 8 owls were up flying, all very close to the viewing platform. There were also many Northern Harriers present, I counted at least 8 which is the most I’ve had out there in a while.

Short-eared Owl at Wallkill River NWR, 2/7/14.
Short-eared Owl at Wallkill River NWR, 2/7/14.
SEOW in a nice sunset light. Wallkill River NWR, 2/7/14.
SEOW in a nice sunset light. Wallkill River NWR, 2/7/14.
Here's the top photo with less of a crop - showing 12 Lapland Longspurs in one shot. Pine Island NY, 2/7/14.
Here’s the top photo with less of a crop – showing 12 Lapland Longspurs in one shot. Pine Island NY, 2/7/14.

 

 

6 thoughts on “LAPLAND LONGSPURS!!!”

  1. I am so jealous, while you were seeing wonderful birds I was making OT on call!!!

    I really like the SEOW picture.

    I have found another person’s pictures to keep checking out and she does an amazing job, too

    1. Isn’t the worst when the birding is good and you have to work? At least you were making OT! Hopefully you’ll get out this weekend? Take care. Matt

  2. Nice shots of the longspurs! I esp. like the cropped one as it gets the road out of the picture. I love the lighting on the 2nd owl shot, too.

    1. Thanks Marianne – it was awesome to have someone there to share it with! See you soon, I’m sure. Matt

  3. Its great to get to see them in good numbers, we don’t get that chance very often. Nice Shots!

    1. Thanks John, I would have been happy with just a couple, but twelve!? And I had five more in Goshen on Saturday! Very exciting. Hope to see you soon, it’s been way too long. Matt

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