Snow Bunting!

Although it was very cold (17° F when I left), I decided to go birding after I got off work to see what I could see before I get snowed in from the approaching winter storm. I headed down to East Fork hoping to find a rarity, as there has been some good stuff showing up at other places as of late. I did not find any rarities for say, but I did find a bird that I haven't seen in years. :-)

As soon as I got out of the car, I scanned the gulls, but found nothing "good". The lake was devoid of waterfowl likely due to duck season being in. There was only one Common Loon on the lake that I could see.

As I walked along the beach, I heard and then saw Horned Larks. I heard a call that was different. They took flight and I could see the white wing flashes of a Snow Bunting. As soon as I was able to relocate the bunting against the snow, a lady with a dog came down and told her dog to "get da' birds". She knew that I was looking at birds. The flock took flight and briefly landed close enough for me to get these shots of the bunting.

Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting with Horned Lark

A bird that makes the cold and snow worth it! (well maybe ;-)

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