People
Worked the plowed fields along Kuhlwein Rd. (Darby Creek Rd. south of
Broad) for over an hour this morning.......Finally, after some time, did
see a restless flock of Lapland Longspurs take flight, racing low along the
frozen ground, rise rapidly in a urgent bounding flock, they wheeled,
checked every corner of the large bare pasture, returned to the middle
ground, streaking in a undulating flock very low (the darker background
offering fairly good views), abruptly dropping to ground, without warning
blasting off again, repeating whole thing; for 20 min.  This time the
changed direction with purpose and headed toward us, closing fast and
passing directlly overhead, onward to the large field N of rd. where they
were lost somewhere.  I counted 27 longspurs, unusually quiet.  We saw a
few Horned Larks and American Pipits and a striking Snow Bunting -- the
later calling in the air, finally seen approaching passing overhead,
striking white underwings with black outer third.  It continued somewhere
to the north.  Then, the longspurs returned but were restless and behaved
as before.  Even at long range, we were able to note the strike rusty wing
panel, how obvious it was -- a unique feature to Lapland Longspur.  No
invasive finches dispite searching, save a few House Finches.  Did see five
cowbirds working the soft cones near the top of a mature hemlock in a
residential spot.

Best of birding
David Tan
Columbus
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