On the morning of the 25th, north of the Chesnut-collared Longspur (CCLO) were several huge flocks of shorebirds. Most were just Killdeer (357) but behind and among them were 156 Am. Golden Plover and 6 Pectoral Sandpiper. All were feeding in a freshly tilled field.
I also saw at minimum- 9 Savannah Sparrow. I did not see two CCLO at one time. The bird I saw was a male still molting or wearing the plumage in. the pale yellow in the face was beginning to show, the dark breast too. A Horned Lark gave sudden and unusual pursuit which reversed at one moment while longspur and lark chased each other. Outer tail feathers on the Longspur showed the typical pattern.
I suspect the longspur got too close to a HOLA nest.
This guy reminded me of the numerous breeders near my home in Montana.
Today, I drive quickly back and forth to nearly Eminence. When I came north from Houston last week, there were no swallows at road cuts, Today there were good sized groups of Northern Rough-winged Swallows.
South winds pushed me north and move many migrants at night. We should see quite a bit of change this week.
Tim B Mokane,. MO
------------------------------------------------------------ The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
