Posted to MDOsprey by request:
Subject: Lapland Longspurs in Frederick Co., Oland Road
On Tuesday, March 3, the day after the recent snow, I visited Frederick Co.,
Md. looking for open country birds. The snow covering was relatively light;
with many open areas, some of the snow having blow away and/or already
melted.
I slowly surveyed New Design Road, Oland Rd, and the Buckeystown Pike (Rt.
85) for birds.
Finally a small flock of birds flew across Oland road, and joined some birds
already on the ground, on the north side, that I had not noticed. From the
car I was able to observe the birds from about 1:15pm until 1:45pm, about 50
feet north of the road. The birds were foraging in deep corm stubble, so
that they would often completely disappear from sight. I was able to
identify at least five different Lapland Longspurs among the many Horned
Larks. When the flock flew I estimated at least 65 birds in the flock. Two
of the Lapland Longspurs where getting into very fine plumage with the
reddish brown nape showing.
David Bridge
Alexandria, Va
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