There are three bird species that have been in residence at Misquamicut State Beach since early winter. These birds are not Usuals – what we birders call species we expect to encounter – although after this winter they may be. What’s not to love about Rhode Island? The three new species include: Snow Buntings, Lapland Longspur, and the Horned Lark. For now, because their presence so unusual, they have been dubbed The Misquamicut Trifecta.
The Snow Bunting is a small, skittish, mostly white and black bird that travels in a flock, sometimes with other birds. In fact, the Longspur I spotted hung out with the flock for a while. The Horned Lark is mostly a ground dweller with very short legs. The male has unique black and yellow markings on his head.
When rare or infrequently spotted bird species show up in a territory, there is usually a bit of a birding kerfuffle that follows. Birders drive from other states to see the rarities and add them to their Life Lists. The Misquamicut Trifecta has obviously created a kerfuffle. This morning, when I arrived for my daily dose of meditation and bird whispering, I found three large vans lined up in the parking lot, all bearing bird decals and New Hampshire plates. Since I was lucky enough to experience the trifecta before e-bird word spread across state lines, I don’t mind sharing Westerly and the state beach with my fellow avian aficionados; I just smile and observe all the ado.
Kerfuffles can be fun.
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