Smith's Longspur
Calcarius pictus
Galbraith Lake, Alaska, USA - June 12 2016
Male of Smith's Longspur.
The Smith's Longspur has become increasingly difficult to find at its former sites along Denali Highway. Most birders that goes there seems to be unable to find this bird nowadays. However, a long and somewhat adventurous drive north from Fairbanks took us to Galbraith Lake in the Brooks Range. Here they are still common, and they live side by side with its congener Lapland Longspur. Before the trip I feared that I was not being able to find this striking longspur.
The Smith's Longspur has become increasingly difficult to find at its former sites along Denali Highway. Most birders that goes there seems to be unable to find this bird nowadays. However, a long and somewhat adventurous drive north from Fairbanks took us to Galbraith Lake in the Brooks Range. Here they are still common, and they live side by side with its congener Lapland Longspur. Before the trip I feared that I was not being able to find this striking longspur.