Hi all,

After exchanging a few emails with Bill Whan, and listening to a few more
recordings of Lapland and Smith's longspurs via http://macaulaylibrary.org/,
it looks like (1) "buffy" Laplands do occur in Ohio this time of year, and
(2) Laplands can also make vocalizations like those I heard at Deer Creek
yesterday.  Compare, for example,

   Smith's:  http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/flashPlayer.do?id=131481
   Lapland: http://macaulaylibrary.org/audio/flashPlayer.do?id=107239

Given that I was unable to get great looks at the birds (especially the
belly color and other details), I can't rule out Lapland or Smith's
Longspurs so I think the "official" ID is going to have to be "C.
lapponicus/pictus."

Good birding,
Paul Hurtado

PS: I wrote up a quick report using the OOS rare bird report form that
basically concludes "Lapland or Smith's Longspurs." I'll therefore probably
not bother turning it in to the records committee, but if anyone wants to
have a look I'd be glad to send a copy via email (just contact me off-list).

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