This past Sunday, I finally got my first Snow Buntings of the year. I know that folks have been seeing them throughout the black dirt region, but I somehow kept coming up empty. After Karen Miller and I tried unsuccessfully for the Ulster County Gyrfalcon in the morning, we decided to head back to the black dirt region to try for Snow Buntings. We did well, finding 6 in a flock of approximately 75 Horned Larks.
Then, today after work I received a text from Linda Scrima who had a couple of Lapland Longspurs in the black dirt. I met her out there and took some photos before heading over to the Wallkill River NWR Liberty Loop viewing platform, where it was relatively quiet. For the first time in a long while I did not see any Northern Harriers. We did get good looks at a dark morph Rough-legged Hawk, one distant Turkey Vulture and several Red-tailed Hawks. It was getting pretty dark when the Short-eared Owls got up; I counted four of them.
Love the chorus line. The longspur on the bottom of the hill looks as tentative about walking up the slope as I do.
Guess we reversed gears this weekend: you had the buntings & larks Sunday while we got the gyrfalcon, vice versa from Saturday.
Thanks, I always enjoy your interpretations of my photos, Marianne. Good to see you last night. Matt
Matt, where did you see the Longspurs? I hope to get there this weekend.
Peter did you try for the Longspurs this weekend? How did you make out? Matt
Great shots Matt
I still need to see the longspur and the bunting with good light. Hopefully sometime this winter.
I really lucked out greatly at the Rio creek yesterday with the eagles. I got fantastic shots with my new lens!!!
Wilma
Awesome that you are enjoying your new lens Wilma! It’s likely just a matter of time before you get the LALOs in good light. Matt