[Ontbirds]Longspurs in breeding plumage- Melbourne

[Doug/Ann]

There are a good number of Lapland Longspurs on Hyndman road west of Melbourne, which have apparently stayed for a week in the same field.  It is a great photo-op for serious photographers to get them in breeding plumage without going way north. From 401, west of London, go north on Melbourne road, to Hyndman. Turn west,(left), and travel along Hyndman to where the hydro lines cross the road.Just before you get to them, on North side of road, there is a cornfield. The birds can be seen between the rows. I was there yesterday evening and found a good spot to watch was where there is a pond by the fence on the south side, in a ploughed field. The birds frequently fly across the road, visit the pond and sit around on clumps of dirt.  They can be heard singing.
Melbourne can also be reached from highway 2 locally. Travelling east or west on #2, go north in Melbourne to Hyndman, (second road,) and turn west.
Ann White