I was able to get out to Strickley Rd this morning and I spotted a group of 30+
Horned Larks flying by nearby and in my 10x Zeiss Binocs I was easily able to
pick out a slightly smaller, lighter bird with a large white patch on the wing.
The flock including Snow Bunting disappeared behind some barns, but 5 minutes
later I was looking at a Snow Bunting in my scope. Although I didn't see it
fly back, I'm assuming it was the same bird. As I reached for my camera, the
flock took to the air and I never saw the Bunting again.
I would conservatively estimate that there were 50 Horned Larks and also 10-12
Pipits. All this activity was along Strickley Rd near Custard Ln, where the
Longspur was seen in December.
Good birding,
Gabriel Mapel
New Hope, Va
