Date: 9/27/25 5:40 pm From: 'Kurk Dorsey' via NHBirds <nhbirds...> Subject: [NHBirds] Lapland Longspur in Durham
Birders
I spent about an hour at Moore Fields today on NH 155A in Durham, with the highlight being a very early Lapland Longspur. It was skulking along the edge of the eastern plowed field, and I was right on top of it when I first noticed it. I was unable to measure the length of its spur. It flew off a short distance, making its distinctive rattle call, and I lost it in the grass. A few minutes later it popped up, made a mix of rattling and musical calls, and flew off in the direction of Tecce's, presumably in search of the apple crumble. It landed in the grass closer to the road, so I expect that it will be there tomorrow.
Other birds present were at least 2 Lincoln's Sparrows, 17 Savannah Sparrows, 3 Meadowlarks, 30 Pipits, and a Merlin hunting the pipits.
Goose hunters have been present there, and there were two dead geese in the field. I have no idea what their cause of death was, but hunters had means and motive.
