Sometimes, at the end of a rough week of work, I just desperately need a good birding experience. That was the case this week, and and this morning Skinner’s Lane delivered. I went primarily for shorebirds, and it was good with five species present throughout the morning: Black-bellied Plover, American Golden-Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin, and likely White-rumped Sandpiper.
~Yes!!! One of the coolest birds in North America – LAPLAND LONGSPUR at Skinner’s Lane, 10/31/20.~
But, it was the mixed flocks of American Pipits, Horned Larks, SNOW BUNTINGS, and LAPLAND LONGSPURS that really made my day. Among a large number of American Pipits and couple dozen Horned Larks, I found three Snow Buntings, and 3 Lapland Longspurs. The Longspurs, of course made my day, especially when one came and landed on the road not too far from me. I put the word out and Rob Stone, Linda Scrima, and Bruce Nott eventually joined me and we enjoyed a really a good morning, which was just what I needed.
Sounds like a great day. Had a good day yesterday also. Started out with a juv. Northern Shrike and pipits that I needed for the year. While speaking with another birder in Allamuchyhe noted that he saw 3 Golden Eagles at Merril Creek. Even though I knew I would not get out there until after 3 I still took a chance of getting a late day bird . Thankfully one came over within the first hour I got there . I understand it was their 5th of the day . All in all 3 year birds bring me up to 262 for the year. I guess not too bad for still working a full time job
Any day that starts with a Northern Shrike is a good day in my book. Nice about the Golden too, and I’d say you are having one heck of a year. Oh, I picked up 3 year birds for Orange County today: Ring-necked Pheasant, Fox Sparrow, and Brown Creeper. That puts me at 219 for OC this year. Matt