A stop at McKinley Beach this morning in Milwaukee provided nice views of a Lapland Longspur. It seemed to be hanging with a couple of Killdeer. It continually fed in a short grass near the beach area eating seeds and then moved to a parking area. That is where the Killdeer went and so did it. The Killdeer just acted like it was a bitter cold day and did nothing, just stood there. The Lapland Longspur fed still eating seeds along cracks in the parking area and where weeds grown in cracks that held presumably a seed bank. A nice surprise to see this bird this morning but then we do see them this time of year along the lake, just once in awhile. No other unusual birds to note this morning along that part of the lakefront. A cold morning out with stiff winds from the northwest, very little sun with temps around 50. Interesting, first saw them last year at Lakeshore State Park on October 15. FOF winter hat, winter coat along with a scarf! Images were taken on October 10, 2017.
Finding seeds to eat along weed filled cracks in the parking area…
Lapland Longspur
Binomial name: Calcarius lapponicus
Category: Lapwings and Plovers
Size: 6.25” long, 11.5” wing span
Weight: 0.95 oz
Cool facts: This common bird breeds in the Arctic tundra, and winters in open fields across most of the United States and southern Canada.
Finding weed seeds…
Finding more weed seeds…
Finding seeds in the grass to eat…
Finding seeds…
To the ground for seeds…
In the short grass area…
Great photos of a colorful bird! Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful images Jim.