Smith’s Longspur at Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane County Wisconsin on April 25, 2016

Bill Grossmeyer and I made the trip out to Brooklyn Wildlife Area in Dane County this morning with hopes to see Smith’s Longspurs that have been reported recently by Steve T and others, thanks all. We both knew this was like looking for a needle in a haystack. After about 3 hours of a lot of walking, up and down corn rows Bill with his keen vision spotted a female, then a male. It was an exciting moment. A little stressful when a birder standing next to you can see a life bird, and you cannot. That is how good the Smith’s Longspurs blend in with the surrounding area. Life birds for both of us and a great time too. Images were taken on April 25, 2016.

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Smith’s Longspur, male

Smith’s Longspur

Binomial name: Calcarius pictus

Category: Longspurs

Size: 6.25” long, 11.25” wing span

Weight: .91 oz

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Smith’s Longspur, male

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Smith’s Longspur, male

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Smith’s Longspur, male

Smith's Longspur, male in a fly by

Smith’s Longspur, male in a fly by

Smith's Longspur, male in a fly by

Smith’s Longspur, male in a fly by

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