Lapland Longspurs are still around in fair numbers. This might not be a big
deal except for those who have never seen a male in breeding plumage.
Chestnut and black separated by white... Wow!
Planting is underway so any remaining corn stubble field west of Leamington
is worth checking. Today, May 10th. I had 20 [ 5 male in breeding] near
Merlin.
DIRECTIONS: Head east from Leamington on HWY. 3. Turn north past Port Alma
on County Road 7 to Merlin. Turn Left on the first N.W. road after Merlin.
After about 1 Km. there are 200 acres of corn stubble. The west edge had the
most activity. Longspurs are occasionally coming to the road and also
drinking from the ditch. There are several Vespers, Savannas, Horned larks.
and Bobolinks there also. The Bobolink numbers are quite high with winter
wheat fields in the area your best bet. Some males are displaying.
I also had 80 Black-bellied Plover with one lonely Ruddy Turnstone near
Merlin.
DIRECTIONS: Continue along this road and turn left. Turn right at the next
road and continue until you hit pavement. Turn right again and on your right
after 50 meters you will see a huge seeded field where the plovers were. You
might have to back track to the east a bit to get close. I also had 2 small
flocks fly over.
Good Birding.
Darrell Parsons
46 Mayfair Dr.
Sarnia. ON
