Lapland longspurs, pipits, snow bunting at Patton Turf Farm

[Anna Urciolo]

Yesterday was the Loudoun CBC and several of us were counting the section in Montgomery County near White's Ferry. Andy Martin and cohorts had spotted many PIPITS and HORNED LARKS along the fields on River Road. He then received a call from Dave Czaplak who was also birding in that area. Dave had spotted a SNOW BUNTING in the Patton turf farm field nearest White's Ferry.

Andy and I went back to look for the bunting. After I left, Andy called me to say that he didn't refind the snow bunting but had spotted three LAPLAND LONGSPURS in that field.

Anna Urciolo
Rockville, MD

[Jim Moore]

Was there this Saturday morning after seeing Dave Cz's report of the
Snow Bunting on eBird. Did not find it, but was pleased to find the
three longspurs, which I had not known about and which are rare in the
county. They were a bit west of the turf farm just before River Rd.
begins to parallel the canal tow path. Hundreds of pipits around the
turf farm as well, as Anna says. There was also a Wilson's Snipe.

Good birding!
Jim Moore
Rockville, MD

[Jared Fisher]

Hi All, 

I went out to Patton and White's Ferry late this morning. I ended up finding two Lapland Longspurs and a Snow Bunting with 120 horned larks in the field at the intersection of river rd/whites ferry that Jim described yesterday.  The birds were active and conditions were tough. I spent over an hour following the flock around the field and only once were they all together where I could count numbers. Other times, birds would split up and some ventured into the field immediately south (across river rd). I had some luck using the treeline to the west as a windbreak and also scoped from my car. Also, this field is rather hilly, so it may take some patience and moving around to get on the birds. Thanks to all for the reports, 

Jared Fisher

Bethesda, MD

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[David Powell]

Hi Everyone,

 

I looked for over an hour before finding the flock flying on the southeast side of the road. Of course, they landed beyond a ridge line and I was unable to find any buntings or longspurs.

 

I did find the female Merlin further along River road.

 

Regards,

Dave Powell

Germantown, MD