Smith's Longspur in Lake County
2017-09-28

'Rare Regular' in Minnesota - Five or fewer records in Lake County for the Fall season

Found in open grassy area below the black historical train in downtown Two harbors. Gave rattle call when flushed that was raspier than Lapland Longspurs it was with. Sandy brown overall appearance with out any rufous coloration on wings. Buffy brown unmarked underparts. White outer tail feathers more obvious in flight than nearby LALOs. Plain-looking face with obvious eye ring. Mostly pink bill thinner than nearby LALO. Skulked in edges of taller grasses without ever coming out into the open.

James W. Lind