Snow Buntings and Horned Larks

     Last evening I gave a presentation to the Stratford Field Naturalists Club and during the segment where people report their recent bird sightings, a fellow mentioned that he had seen a flock of about 1,500 Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis). This reminded me that I have not seen any so far this winter, but as soon as we get some serious snow cover they will start to appear, often in large flocks, and frequently in the company of Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris).  Flocks of the two species combined can sometimes reach staggering proportions and careful scrutiny will reveal a few Lapland Longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus) mixed in with them too.

Snow Bunting

Horned Lark

     If you ask me why winter in the north can be very pleasant, there is no better reason than that we get to enjoy these two species. 

     It sometimes confounds the imagination that they can make a living in a bleak winter landscape, but they are adept at finding seeds on grasses and dormant wildflowers poking above the snow, and exploiting micro climates wherever they find them. They can be found on rural roads feeding on minerals and grit, and in fields of corn stubble where there is  much food to be found. Corn spilled while loading trucks, or residue not harvested by mechanical means is quickly discovered and hundreds or even thousands of birds will descend to feed.

     Upon first encountering the birds they are generally quite skittish, but by remaining in a vehicle, which effectively becomes a blind, they will return and often feed quite close, sometimes walking right alongside the car.

     A few hardy folks brave the winter weather in the interest of science, retrieving and banding birds with bare hands, for these two species are easily attracted to a baited trap, where they feed merrily until removed from the cage. It always amazes me that some birds get banded, and on the very next round of the cages we find that they have re-entered. The lure of corn seems irresistible. 

     It is snowing right now. Maybe it is time for a drive through the rich farmland just north of here. Who knows what winter treasures may be awaiting us?

     

     I know that Miriam will be eager to grab her camera and binoculars to come along with me. How great it is to have a birding spouse!

     And come to think of it, we haven't yet come across a Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus), recently arrived from the Arctic. It really is time to get out there and search!