hello all,I drove down to the northern neck this morning hoping for longspurs.
I parked at the General Training Lab (GTL...1623 Leedstown road) with
permission from a nice guy that worked there...he said he was used to birders
coming there. Setting down the road on foot I found myself having to pick
through all the pipits to find something else (never thought I'de ever have to
pick through pipits). The first "non-pipit" i came across was a LAPLAND
LONGSPUR. I was shocked how close he was...very cooperative. I snapped a bunch
of pics before a car came by and he took off. I watched him circle over a field
and return to the same spot in front of me! I decided to give the camera a rest
and simply watch him feed about 10 feet away. Another car soon passed and
spooked him again...he circled the area some more and decided to forage further
up the road. I kept walking hoping for more, but was soon overwhelmed by dozens
of Horned larks, Savannah sparrows, many
more pipits, and several Eastern meadowlark...Pics can be seen here:
http://ryanswildlifepics.shutterfly.com/198It's going to be tough to hang up
the binoculars for the next few days...Merry Christmas.Ryan Kelley,Oakton, VA