[Birdnet] 23Nov07-Lakefront: LAPLAND LONGSPUR, Red-necked Phalarope, LTDU, THGU

[tanager at timaverybirding.com]

Today (11/23) I birded several Salt Lake County lakefront locations.  I started
at Decker Lake where a 1st winter THAYER'S GULL was present.  I next stopped at
Lee Kay Ponds, which was teeming with gulls, but nothing of note. I drove along
the south end of the landfill, and took 7200 West to I-15.  Along 7200 West
about 200 yards south of the railroad tracks a flock of about 50 Horned Lark
flew across the road.  I pulled over to look through them and as I rolled down
my window I heard the rattling I had hoped to hear of a Longspur.  It took
about 5 minutes looking through the flock to find a winter plumaged LAPLAND
LONGSPUR.

I then headed to Saltair and sat for a short lakewatch.  Lots of gulls were
moving east to west, and a few ducks were darting back and forth through the
waves.  An adult male LONG-TAILED DUCK passed the marina heading east around
11:30am. And as odd as it always seems, there were 3 WESTERN GREBE sitting on
the water about 200 yards off shore.

Next I had to conduct a survey on property in northwest Salt Lake County.  I was
able to locate yet another LAPLAND LONGSPUR with  a flock of Horned Larks.  I
also managed to pick out a "Bewick's" Tundra Swan from a flock of Tundra Swan:

http://timaverybirding.com/photos/nove07/tusw_07.jpg

Perhaps the best sighting of the day was a single Red-necked Phalarope.  This
may not seem all that great of a bird, but it was basically still in full
breeding plumage...

http://timaverybirding.com/photos/nove07/rnph_01.jpg
http://timaverybirding.com/photos/nove07/rnph_02.jpg

Finally, I stopped by the International Center and checked the ponds.  Nothing
unusual... well except for the adult Ring-billed Gull with a dark iris...

http://timaverybirding.com/photos/nove07/rbgu_00a.jpg

Good Birding

Tim
Salt Lake City, Utah
tanager at timaverybirding.com
http://www.timaverybirding.com