There were two Lapland Buntings along the storm beach and machair just north of Lough Naparka, near Castlegregory, this evening.
Lapland Bunting, Lough Naparka, 13th September 2016 (click the image for a closer view) (Michael O'Clery).
Despite being relatively tame, on the ground they blended in well with their surroundings and were all but invisible when not moving.
Lapland Bunting, Lough Naparka, 13th September 2016 (Michael O'Clery).
Lapland Bunting, Lough Naparka, 13th September 2016 (Michael O'Clery). In North America, this species is referred to as 'Lapland Longspur', a reference to the long hind claws.
Lapland Bunting, Lough Naparka, 13th September 2016 (Michael O'Clery).
Both birds were very vocal, calling frequently. One even sang a few times, the brief outbursts resembling a mix of Linnet and Skylark song.
An astonishing 84 Lapland Buntings were recorded on Tory Island, Co. Donegal today, so there is clearly something of an influx occurring at the moment.
