I kinda expected to experience a fallout of seed-eating birds out in Weld, but no luck. I guess those big numbers of sparrows with a goodly sprinkling of longspurs at Chatfield, Boulder Res was due, perhaps, to the effect of birds hitting snow and the wall known as the Rocky Mountains, and thus stacking up along that edge. Interesting
As for the mystery longspur, I am not a Smith's Longspur expert, but it is undoubtedly an odd bird. Two things make me feel queasy about Smith's: female Smith's in all plumages should be whiter on throat and buffier in chest. This bird seems as buffy or buffier on throat. Also, most Smith's, even females, should show more white on upper wingbar. I wonder if this is an odd CC Longspur. Any photos showing primary projection well (therefore, a photo in which wing not drooped) would be quite helpful.
In Weld, I was mostly blinded by blowing sleet. Highlights included
20 WHIMBREL at Loloff Reservoir
1 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER at WCR 59 Ponds
2 RED-NECKED GREBES and 1 GLOSSY IBIS still at Firestone Gravel Pits
I did start my day at Golden Ponds. No sparrow fallout there, but hundreds of YR Warblers. Little else, though.
Good birding
Steven Mlodinow
Longmont, CO
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