Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus), Babbitt Tank, Coconino County

Two Lapland Longspurs were discovered at this site on 09 December 2010 by John Coons and Jason Wilder.  Photographs were taken by Jason Wilder on 13 December 2010 and Eric Hough on 12 December 2010.

Casual transient and winter visitor to the state with fewer than 15 accepted records. Monson and Phillips (1981) mention records for northern Arizona from Meteor Crater, western Navajo tribal lands and at Round Rock, and east of Holbrook and at Petrified Forest National Park. Jacobs (1986) also mentions two birds reported from Many Farms Lake on the Navajo tribal lands.

The dark auricular region outlining the face and chestnut nape can clearly be seen. The smudgy black chest, white belly, and yellow bill are consistent with Lapland longspur

13 December 2010, photo by Jason Wilder

12 December 2010, photos by Eric Hough

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer