Lapland Longspur, Mission Bay F.I., 21 Oct 2021

A Lapland Longspur was at the Fiesta Island Dog Park, near western side, a bit north of north-end of ‘Least Tern’ fence.  Seen about 11:00 today. Also a continuing Vesper Sparrow.ID notes- looked to be winter-male.  Strong-dark-bordered auricular patch (boldest in back of patch).  Buffy supercilium extending behind auricular patch, then- otherwise mostly white underneath, with some blotchy black in top of breast.  Distinct rufous in tertial (and primary coverts) wing feathers.  Nape (still) showed trace of dark-red color.  White outer tail feathers (unlike Che-col and Thi-Bil) NOT very distinct, on flying bird or on the ground.  Not an expert on vocals, but- ‘tew’ call-note and ‘dry/flat’ rattle-call seemed best for Lapland.Paul ChadUniversity City