Early this afternoon (1 Mar) I had 3 LAPLAND LONGSPURS on Hoster Rd just south of Cayuga Rd. These birds were by the side of the road loosely associated with small flocks of Horned Larks. They flushed as cars passed 3 times and returned. Viewed in bins and in spotting scope, viewing conditions excellent although at distance. Immediately apparent as distinct from the larks and also from any sparrow due to long wings and foraging habits close to ground. All 3 showed buffy tones and auriculars bounded by dark brown. One that appeared as a male had an obvious rufous nape and more distinctive contrast in its plumage. All showed white wing bars and streaky flanks and mantle, and some level of a dark breastband. Also heard distinctive rattle call amidst the Horned Larks while in flight. I was not able to get any useful photographs. Just north of Cayuga Rd (Co Rd 121) I had a small flock of American Tree Sparrows and a few juncos, but did not see the reported Field Sparrow. Another sparrow I did not get enough of a look to be sure, but I think it was a Savannah. I also visited several lakeside spots along the west of Cayuga Lake, with moderate numbers of the expected species. There were 9 TUNDRA SWANS just south of Wyers Point. Jared Dawson Trumansburg --
Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
