Backyard and Beyond

For a while, I thought these were the best shots I was going to get of this Calcarius lapponicus foraging with Horned Lark at Floyd Bennett Field. (The bird was first reported Sunday). These shots were much better than the earlier ones I took, the birds being further away, but then I walked a big circle around here looking for American Kestrel (one female spotted) and Northern Harrier (nope). When I returned, the Lapplander was closer. And while I was there

The bird flew to the fence around the field the flock was foraging in. And even vocalized a bit. (The bright colors in the background: circus buildings.)

Not the only critter with an eye out for raptors.

I’ve never seen one of these before. I don’t keep a life list anymore, but this is the 368th bird species I’ve photographed for iNaturalist.