Lapland Longspurs flying over Montrose Point (click to see the larger version)

A large movement of Lapland Longspurs took place at Montrose on the morning of December 15. Multiple flocks totaling about 150 birds and ranging in size from a handful to 60 made their way south over the Point and Lake Michigan. Some were far offshore and just a few feet above the water. This isn’t unusual in late fall and early winter, but the numbers are. Interestingly, these birds were flying into a strong southwest wind, which seems counterintuitive, especially considering how small longspurs are. Flocks of Lapland Longspurs are fairly easy to recognize – loose groups of sparrow-like birds with a noticeable bouncy flight.

Does migration ever really end? It’s down to a trickle at Montrose, but as of mid December we’re still seeing birds that can justifiably be called migrants, like these Lapland Longspurs. The only time migration isn’t easy to detect, at least here in Chicago, is the period from mid January to early February.