Fly Over ID Help Please

[anatum]

Had this guy fly over in Elgin County on Monday. At first I thought Snow Bunting but it is lacking the black wing tips. Merlin suggested two options, #1 Bobolink and #2 Lapland Longspur. I don't remember it flying in a flock but there were lots of species on the move that day.

[thouc]

I'd go with #2 Lapland Longspur. Facial pattern look good. Bobolink would be very late.


/Thomas

[anatum]

Thanks Thomas. I was leaning that way too until a friend of mine says the wings need to be darker for Lapland Longspur. The face/bill sure looks right to me and they are moving through now. Lapland Longspur is a lifer for me.

[thouc]

The wings look very light in this picture I found online.

[anatum]

Indeed you are right; they are pretty light. I am very pleased to have gotten a lifer when I was really just testing the autofocus on my 10 year old camera on a fast moving subject. I was just expecting to see another goldfinch or waxwing when I took the shot. Thanks again Thomas!