Roger's Birding Adventures: Three Species of Longspurs Continue in Santa Fe County

On March 23, 2014 I found a cattle tank, in southern Santa Fe County, slopping water into a field with cattle. The poopy seep was a perfect spot to look for longspurs as they migrate north. I didn't have to wait long as a flock of approximately 100 longspurs flew in!

I could easily identify the Chestnut-collareds as many of them were nearing breeding plumage. They were stunning with their black bellies, creamy yellowish throats, striking bold striping on their faces and crowns, rufous napes, and distinctive tail patterns (white with black triangle). I could also hear their cool flight songs "kiddle kiddle kiddle."

There weren't as many McCown's, but they were beautiful too with grayish undersides, a black breast band and a red wing patch. I could see their distinctive tail patterns, mostly white with a black "T." Some of the McCown's were still in 1st winter plumage and closely resembled a female House Sparrow!

When I got home that evening I was working through the pics and was surprised to see a Lapland Longspur! I actually had quite a few pics of it. They are unmistakable with a black triangle on the face, rufous nape, black breast band, streaking along the sides, rufous in wings including a patch bordered in white, and black malars. The tail is mostly dark with only the outer two feathers having white.

I have been back to this site four times and each time have located all three species, including today, April 1st. The Lapland is a stealthy loner and does not hang out with the rest of the birds, but luckily hangs out near the road for better looks, and pics!

Also in this area is a singing Eastern Meadowlark.

My friend, John Vanderhagen, and I also found a pair of Burrowing Owls today. We are thinking that we may be the only birders, EVER, in NM that have seen all three species of longspurs AND Burrowing owls in the same day!!