Both birds shown here have a migration path that is well to the east, and so they normally do not pass through this area. However recently, they were both in different parts of Kokanee Creek Park. They were soon on their way.
The Lapland Longspur nests along the Arctic coast and winters in central U.S. Its migration path is usually east of the Rocky Mountains. (Seen Oct. 15th.)
The Pectoral Sandpiper also nests along the Arctic coast but it winters in South America. Its migration is usually similarly east of the Rockies. (Seen Oct. 5th.)
Nice finds.
Thanks for the rewarding views of your open & observant eyes!
Great sightings and photos. Interesting that they are so far off course but there was a major storm in the prairie that may have affected their path, I wonder?