[cobirds] observations of Lapland Longspur and Greater Roadrunner, SE Colorado

Dear CoBirders,

While visiting southeastern CO earlier this week Karen Strong and I had  interesting encounters with these two species that we wanted to share on briefly.

On 1/18 we stopped at Sheridan Lake in Kiowa County. The playa was of course dry, and plowed, but there is a more permanent man made ditch-like pond with water at the north side of the playa. This was partly frozen, but with much open water and puddles of water were in pocks on the ice surface. Soon after we arrived we spotted a flock of about 75 Lapland Longspurs flying about, interested in the pond and coursing here and there. We figured they were interested in drinking, and indeed they did land briefly now and again and some drank then, but mostly the flock kept flying around and around the area, and they seemed to be expending lots of energy and not getting the drinks of water they were seeking. At intervals they flock would course low over the water, at full speed, dipping down very low to the water. At these times they would give a chorus of varied calls, erupting in quiet longspur notes all gathered into a burst of the flock talking. Karen was able to get some cool photos, and they reveal that the birds were actually drinking on the wing while passing low over the water at full speed. To drink the birds would put feet and legs into the water and dip their head and bill in for a drink as they flew. A couple photos are here.

Link to Lapland Longspur checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S79506404

On 1/19 at Higbee Road in Otero County we were excited to find three Greater Roadrunners foraging in a stubble field on the south side of the road not far before reaching the stream flowing from Vogel Canyon. The roadrunners were moving slowly through the field picking at prey items from the surface. These were too small to see, but perhaps an invertebrate larvae, like cutworm. Dave Leatherman comments that several small prey items are possible. As they hunted whatever they were after, they'd walk a bit, stand, stare, assume various postures and crestedness. Mountain Bluebirds were hover foraging in the same fields, perhaps eating the same things as the roadrunners. Great fun to watch. We mention this as maybe they are regular in that field now.

Link to Greater Roadrunner checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S79570975

David Suddjian and Karen Strong

Littleton CO

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