Just a quick note for those wondering whether to brave the cold and
rain. The Chestnut Collared Longspur was still present in its usual
place (N side of the central pond) this morning (Saturday) between 8 and
9 AM. It was very cooperative. Like everyone else I haven't the
slightest idea whether it was a male or female. The black on the belly
is quite extensive and solid and not terribly difficult to see. Black
higher on the chest is present but usually hidden. At one point it was
preening for about 30 seconds (Gene -- this was right after you and your
group left). I was so fascinated by being able to see
the tail feathers spread out (though the bird was facing me so the angle
was poor) that I forgot till the last minute that I was supposed to be
looking at the wing coverts for white edging. So ... I can say that some
of the wing coverts do have white edging but I am not sure that I saw
white edging on the lesser coverts. I believe I did see white edging on
the median coverts. As for the chestnut in the nape, at certain angles
with the feathers spread just right there is a bit of chestnut on the
border between the ear patch and the nape but I wouldn't want to say
which side of the border. Also I noted that the Master Audobon Guide
claims that females have chestnut in the nape so I am not sure it even
matters whether there is chestnut in the nape.

Jim Elder
Seattle, Wa