Lapland Longspur

The sun was shining, but it was still chilly with a little snow left when I headed out to Brunswick point this afternoon. The plan was to look for the American Tree Sparrows again and maybe a chance to see the Gyrfalcon. On arriving and speaking with a couple of birders about to leave, they informed me of two Lapland Longspur that had been sighted in the farm field below the dyke. So the plan quickly changed. On my first pass along the area they had been seen I was only turning up Savannah Sparrows. Then while backtracking for a second pass,

Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspur

… I spotted the two Lapland Longspur.

Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspur

They were busy foraging for food in the frozen farm field.

Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspur

Other birders passing by were also delighted to see these two. A pleasant surprise on a beautiful day.

Rough-legged Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk

Bonus shot of the day was this Rough-legged Hawk that was busy over the marsh and occasionally roosting in the trees beside the trail.

Brunswick Point
Brunswick Point

The sun setting at Brunswick Point as I was making my way back.

Lapland Longspur

There have been up to five Lapland Longspur being seen for several days along the Tsawwassen ferry causeway, so that was today’s destination.

Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspur

After walking for a while along the north side,

Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspur

… I located two Lapland Longspur.

Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspur

They were busy feeding in the grass.

Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspur

These two birds were more than cooperative.

Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspur

So much so, I had to back up a few times. A birder and regular visitor from England arrived looking for the Lapland Longspur, spotted me and then the birds. This sighting was a life list addition for him. We had a nice chat while standing back watching them continue foraging and make their way around my camera and tripod.