#snow lark bunting

[heaveninawildflower]

Snow Lark Bunting (adult and young) taken from ‘The Birds of America’... Vol. III by  J.J. Audubon.

Published 1841 by J. B. Chevalier.

Image and text information courtesy NYPL Digital Collection.

[speakingofnature]

Horned Larks and Snow Buntings

Flocks of Horned Larks dot the Iowa farm fields in February. The snow still covers much of the available food so a supplement of grain is helpful. Snow Buntings are sometimes seen together with the lark gatherings as here two buntings join in the feeding.

[dansnaturepictures]

Focus on seeing the Long-eared Owl at Cley Spy, Glandford on 17/02/2023 

As part of my new era of posts on here something I will aim to do, probably not that frequently, is do a focus on post that goes into more depth about a recent wildlife sighting or experience. I wanted to do one for the Norfolk trip last week and could have picked a number of birds or mammals to do it on, but woke up this morning fancying doing it for the Long-eared Owl we were so lucky to see. My journey with this bird began whilst watching BBC Winterwatch in January where they showed the bird and I was impressed by it and enthused about hearing that it had turned up at a birding/optics store. I had never seen a wild Long-eared Owl at that stage. Weeks earlier, following the sad loss of our dog Missy at the end of last year whilst sat in the woodland hide at Blashford Lakes on our week off of year list foundation laying, we decided it might be an idea to use two days leave the 17th and 20th February we had booked for all three of us to go to Norfolk for a couple of nights. I hadn’t even thought whilst watching Winterwatch, if this bird is still around when we go we might go to try and see it. But in the week leading up to the trip it became apparent to us via social media that this bird was still being seen. The excitable thoughts then crossed my mind of could we maybe see this. 

Then the day of the much anticipated trip beginning arrived, and we were tuned into Cley Spy’s extremely helpful Twitter updates saying if the “LEO” was there or not each morning. The day before it was a no, so we set the directions to Blakeney from Hampshire when setting off that morning where we wanted to try and see our first ever Twites and did achieve that on the day after seeing the owl with the idea of keeping track of the Twitter and and dropping into Glandford at some point in the weekend anyway. When on the motorway I checked Cley Spy’s Twitter and the Long-eared Owl was there. The directions were soon changed to Glandford. As had been suggested to us by a man we know from Facebook who had seen the bird days before, we rung the shop when about half an hour away to see if the bird was still there and it was. In hindsight the bird would turn up every day we were in Norfolk, but even if we had the superpower of seeing into the future it would not have stopped us going there straight away on the Friday as we really wanted to see this bird. 

We went into the shop and spent a glorious half an hour or so spellbound by this majestic bird. We got absolutely stunning views of it, making out its sweet mottled back, stripy chest, peach coloured face, entrancing marble eyes and iconic antler like ear tufts. It was beautiful to see some of its feathers caressed by the soft winter sunshine. We were in our element watching and photographing this bird. What a powerful and splendid bird to see, we were so taken with the bird. It was a pleasure to be surrounded by others watching and the staff at Cley Spy in a wave of enthusiasm for the bird. As I said in my round up of the Norfolk trip post on Monday Cley Spy have been so good, they’ve really gone above and beyond to not only post the news of the bird each day but allow access to see the bird keeping the bird’s welfare at the heart of it in exchange for donations to the Oriental Bird Club a great cause which we were happy to contribute to. 

It was a phenomenal bird to see for the first time ever for us, alongside the Twites making it a memorable day my first day with more than one bird life tick since 2018. Seeing it made me think back to my early birdwatching days as a kid and the books I’d have where the five owls were; Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl and Little Owl. I’ve had an interesting history with owls, first seeing little, short-eared and barn in 2008 then not again until 2016 but seeing at least two of the three in every year since. In the latter intervening years I achieved a dream of mine of finally seeing a Tawny Owl in 2014 and 2015 (the same one in the New Forest each year) making it my favourite owl outright for a time due to the goal of seeing it, not seeing one again until 2021. In 2021 and 2022 I was over the moon to see all four of the owls that I had at that stage seen in my life with the other three all taken to my heart a lot more by that point. So it feels like a great path to this moment of finally seeing number five the Long-eared Owl, and there is just such a warm sense of excitement and satisfaction for me that it has happened. I’ve already seen Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl in 2023 on the week off to start the year, and the latter we also saw again briefly on the Norfolk trip, so it’s been an amazing start to the year for these birds of prey I love seeing so much and am fascinated by and Long-eared Owl is a truly a bird of my year so far.

When the plans for this Norfolk trip were in the infancy Shore lark was the main aim at Holkham and we did see them so well on the trip there and enjoyed that, but were not the main target due to the Milford-on-Sea bird turning up and us seeing it in late January. Snow Bunting took over as the trip’s main target and I was overjoyed to see this bird at Holkham too. But I think Long-eared Owl, the first bird of the memorable and sensational trip, was the standout bird of the trip if I had to pick. And from the moment we decided to do this trip, it all aligned for this bird to be the star and perhaps it was meant to be. As I write this a check of Cley Spy’s Twitter reveals the Long-eared Owl has not been seen since Sunday, which makes me feel even more lucky we had the honour of seeing this bird on a big weekend for it there. The seven pictures in this photoset are the ones I took the bird.

[mmwm]

INDEPENDENCE DAYS #69

[whatsthebird]

What's the Bird?

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Date: November

We ask that discussion under questions be limited to how you came to your conclusion, not what your conclusion was.

Happy Birding!

Keep the game alive! Submit a bird HERE

[outofangband]

Birds of Dorthonion

Flora, fauna, geography and environment of Arda Masterlist

Dorthonion was a region north of greater Beleriand. It was a cool region covered in steep slopes, conifer forests and Heath covered highlands. The mountain range Ered Gorgoroth bordered it on the south and above it was the fields of Ard Galen. It was inhabited by the Arafinwëan host following Aegnor and Angrod and later, the human host following Bëor. Nomadic and semi nomadic groups of the northern Sindar and Avari also possibly lived there

As always I included world building notes at the end so it’s not just a list of species

In the conifer forests: black grouse, willow tit, goldcrest, mistle thrush, pine grossbeak, common tree creeper, common redstart, black woodpecker, chiffchaff, coal tit, common raven, crested tit, wood grouse, goshawk, spruce grouse, black throated thrush, pine bunting, boreal owl

The highlands and around Tarn Aeulin: graylag goose, common nightjar, common kestrel, snow crane, hen harrier, tundra swan, horned grebe, common crane, blue duck, water rail, black francolin, northern pintail, velvet scooter, great bittern, pallid harrier, rough legged hawk, little egret, wood lark, corn crane, black necked grebe (migratory), garganey, Merlin

The cliffs and slopes: see see partridge, rock dove, great bustard, long legged buzzard, common quail, black headed bunting, booted eagle, chukard, barred warbler, northern wren, little owl, white throated dipper (near Rivil’s well), black winged kite, steppe eagle, roller

The mountain border: bearded vulture, red fronted serin, black stork, snowcock, horned lark, rock bunting, wallcreeper, blue rock thrush, red kite, peregrine falcon, golden eagle (rare), white wagtail

World building notes:

-The vague images of pine grossbeaks were embroidered on the blankets of Bëorian children using a diluted version of the dyes created from blood madder and coal. The name in Bëorian Taliska translates to pine song bird.

-The Arafinwëan host of Dorthonion as well as some of the Avarin groups hunt with birds of prey which are also used by some of the scouts. Kestrels and Harriers are the most commonly used species. The practice is less common than among the Noldor of Eastern Beleriand however.

-Feathers (usually of peregrine falcons or common kestrels) were also used as a method of communication among Arafinwëan scouts during the times of year where weather would allow for this, left in strategic locations, lodged into the earth or tucked into trees to indicate presence or dangers.

-Eggs of various ground species were eaten by the Bëorian population and there was a practice of burying the eggshells. This was learned from the elves of Ossiriand prior to their settling in Dorthonion.

-Birds eggs appear in Northern Sindar art, in or separate from nests. Though the eggs of certain species have different meanings, they are commonly associated more generally with fragility and defense. Their images may be created through pigments made from certain actual eggshells as well as minerals and plant based dyes. One common motif involves a nest of eggs upon a steep slope or cliff.

-Birds appear throughout Bëorian songs and poems. Most commonly mentioned are the general name for the “fisher birds” (wading and diving birds) seen on and around Tarn Aeulin, as well as several of the smaller songbirds found in the pine forests such as pine grosbeak, tree creepers, and thrushes. After the Bragollach the names for some species became lost or translated differently.

-Also it’s been a headcanon of mine for awhile that Baragund would take Morwen when she was a young child out to the cliffs to watch the birds. He would teach her to identify them by their call. She remembers a lot of them, even as an adult though they are called different names and their habits are often unfamiliar.

[barry-kent-mackay]

I REALLY wish I had a high resolution of this painting, another in oils, from quite few years ago.  It is approximately life size and shows Horned Larks, Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs (and in fact, also as they would appear in February).  It sold quickly to that collector in Maine.

art may be used for non-commercial purposes with attribution

prints and original art for sale on Fine Art America

support barry kent mackay on ko-fi

[hersheyfont]

painted buntings are heckin bright. the females are more sedate but still beautiful greens and yellows

in fact, all the buntings are very colorful! check out this cutie, the varied bunting:

or the lazuli bunting:

or even the rose-bellied bunting:

other bunting species you can look up: indigo bunting, snow bunting, lark bunting, a funny little sparrow-patterned bunting called Dickcissel, etc. All of these little guys are in the same family as cardinals!

speaking of painted buntings, they are struggling a little population-wise due to habitat loss and window collisions, among other things.

Protect your birds! put stickers and window collision prevention stickers on your windows, and make sure all feeders are a good distance from any windows! (feeders can also be very close to windows, as that seems to work for birds)

another set of colorful songbirds you can find are the tanagers, btw

it irritates me to no end when people say north american birds are dull in comparison to other countries’ birds

blue jay

american kestrel

painted bunting

yellow-throated vireo

cerulean warbler

baltimore oriole

american goldfinch

northern cardinal

x

[domianick]

Alouette hausse-col (Eremophila alpestris), en anglais " Horned Lark'' sont de magnifiques oiseaux fréquemment accompagnés des Plectophanes des neiges. Des visiteurs qui agrémentent nos longs hivers. Quebec, Canada 🇨🇦

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Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) are magnificent birds frequently accompanied by Snow Bunting. Visitors who enhance our long winters. Quebec, Canada 🇨🇦

#bird #birds #birdphotography #birdsofinstagram #nature #naturelovers #wildlife #wildlifephotography #snow #winter www.domianick.com

[incaseyouart]

More morning birbs!! Really enjoying making these~ 

American Redstart, Snow Bunting, Horned Lark, Common Redpoll, Fairy Wren, Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Prothonotary Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Common Yellow-Throated Warbler.

[dansnaturepictures]

18/02/2023-Holkham and Cley, Norfolk 

Pictures I took in this set: Three views and Grey Partridges and one of four Muntjac Deer at Holkham it was sensational to get such close and quality views of both of these key species of our trip, a view at Cley later in the day, the wonderful Long-billed Dowitcher there what a smashing and thrilling bird to see, a wave at Cley, a Curlew at Cley and another view at Cley.

Other key species seen at the beautiful Holkham were my first Snow Bunting of the year and excellent views of Shore larks and Skylark as well as Red Kite. At Cley a surprise Whooper Swan for us my first of the year an extraordinary bird, Spoonbill and a few Ruff were nice to see as well. After our sighting of our second ever of the species with the one that turned up in Hampshire earlier in the year the Shore larks seen at Holkham five or six was the most I’d ever seen and it was great seeing more than one having seen a single bird the first time we saw one in 2016. It was also a notably high amount of Ruffs for us to see at once at Cley I thought which was nice. There were notable moments on journeys as there often is in Norfolk such a wild county seeing Red-legged Partridge, Egyptian Geese, Hares and Spoonbill on journeys. 

[lupine-publishers-oajess]

The Role of Photoperiodic and Climatic Conditions in the Formation of Bird Biodiversity in Northern Eurasia

Lupine Publishers- Environmental and Soil Science Journal

Abstract

The southern limits of the distribution of the Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis in Eurasia are determined by the light regime of the region - outside the zone of the polar day the birds will not come to a state of sexual activity. Northern limits of the range of Snow Bunting in the modern climate of the Arctic is not. The limits of Penetration to the North of the Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris glasses are determined by a set of biotopic, fodder and temperature minima, allowing to penetrate into the Arctic, but not to master most of it. The southern limits of distribution of the Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus are limited by the zone of the polar day defining maturation of gonads, mountain tundras of the polar Urals and bogs of the West Siberian plain. The Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis has no ecological adaptations to the subarctic conditions, but develops its southern half, moving along the forest-tundra and shrubby tundra to the East, which is facilitated by the warming of the climate in Western Siberia. The prospects of changing species habitats in a changing climate are discussed.

Introduction

The biosphere approaches critical for the animal and vegetable world of the period of rapid increase renesemee temperature. The likely consequence of” global warming “ for the North of the Ural region will be the promotion of taiga in the forest-tundra, foresttundra- in the tundra zone, the displacement to the North of the tundra subzones, the disappearance or reduction of the Arctic deserts. All this has already been observed in the period of thermal maximum 9-5 thousand years ago [1]. Changing landscapes will be accompanied by changes for the animals inhabiting them. As forest-tundra-tundra strip is the world of birds (177 species of terrestrial vertebrates 215 of the Polar Urals and Peninsula Yamal), changes in the greatest measure will affect this group the possible advancement to the North common species, kinds, mastering the sub-Arctic, the retreat to the North of the species-subarctic and Arctic species. At the same time, there may be no direct connection between habitat changes and changes in distribution and shift of habitat boundaries. For example, the fauna of the waterfowl forest-tundra lakes of the Lower Ob differs from the fauna of the tundra lakes Of the middle Yamal [2] in the absence of differences or insignificance of differences between the lakes. The aim of this work is to generalize the data of observations and experiments on a number of Passeriformes species in the Polar Urals, Lower Ob and Yamal Peninsula to predict changes in the range boundaries within the region.

Study Area

The study of birds started at the forest-tundra the hospital, “Harp”, located 13 km from the town of Labytnangi (66°30N 66°25E.), continued in the polar Urals (the Sob ‘ hospital, 66°40N 60°50E.), then research was moved to the valley of the Ob river, on the left a native beach in the vicinity of Oktyabrsky 5 km below the city of Labytnangi (Figure1). The boundaries of the ranges of the species discussed on the Yamal Peninsula were determined during expeditions in 1974-1982 to the southern, Middle and Northern Yamal.

Figure 1: Location of the research area.

Method of Research

On the inpatient Sob and October, we carried out the trapping of passerines lines spider nets and large traps. On the test sites, nests were found, ingots were banded with aluminum and colored rings (more than 1,300 Chicks of 8 species were ringed), and the movement of broods was observed, and later - for individual birds marked with colored rings. All captured birds underwent a single complex of in vivo testing: weight, fatness, wing length, sex, age was determined; the state of plumage was described according to the known technique [3]. Analysis of the replacement sequence of the entire plumage requires the division of the molting process into a number of stages- stages. When you complete the molt over the stage taking the period from the loss of a single primary feather up to the moment of loss following [4]. In this case usually stands 11 stages, with a partial molt stage are to participate in various pteryla [5]. Depending on the number of pteryla, which is replaced by feathers in the partial moult allocate from 2 to 8 stages.

Experimental work was carried out in 1985-1989 and 1999- 2012 on birds taken from nests found in the Lower Ob and middle Yamal. From 10-14-day-old Chicks or adult birds to Supplement with formula or fed artificially. The aim was to form three groups of birds of 5-20 individuals: short-day photoperiod (16C:8T), photoperiod, natural for the latitude of the Polar circle and longday photoperiod (24C:0T). The purpose of these studies is to study the features of photoperiodic and temperature control of the summer part of the annual cycle of birds with different types of development of high latitudes - penetrating the Subarctic, mastered the Subarctic, mastered the Subarctic and the Arctic. In the processing of quantitative materials used conventional statistical methods to assess the reliability of differences used student criterion. Differences were considered significant At p < 0.05. All calculations are performed in Microsoft Excel 2003 and Statistica V. 6.0 (StatSoft, Ink., 1984-2001).

Results and Discussion

Environmental Determinants of Latitudinal Boundaries of the Habitats of the Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris and Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis

The southern boundary of the habitat of the Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris and Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis on the maps of the Yamal Peninsula conducted at the same points parallel to the southern border of shrub tundra. On the Ural ridge, the area of the Northern subspecies of the Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris (Figure 2) does not extend beyond the latitude of the Polar Circle (66°30´N). Most South registration litter of Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis in the Subpolar Urals in the hillside Sable (64°30´N) [6]. To the North, the occurrence of these birds in the mountains increases, at the end of the Polar Urals, at the outcrops of rocks, the Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis are ubiquitous [6]. On the plain of the Yamal Peninsula, the Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris are found from the southern subarctic tundra to the Arctic tundra of the Northern tip of Yamal and The white island. Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis in the wild, on the plains of Yamal, is found in the Northern half of the subzone of the Arctic tundra and on the island of White in accordance with Figure 3, mainly, along the coasts [7].

At the Bottom Ob the first Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis flew between 24.03 and 2. 05, average 7.04 (n = 39). Night temperatures these days fell to -23°C, the day was somewhat warmer. The average temperature in the first decade of April was -15.9° ± 1.2°C. (n = 10) the Flight lasted until the end of May - beginning of June. The first flocks included only males, the last - females with a small share of males. No changes in the start of the flight over the past 40 years have been detected, in contrast to the terms of the flight of Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris. In the 70’s-the first half of the 80’s. the Larks of Eremophila alpestris are met between 1.05-29.05, the average date of the first meeting is 13.05 (n=11), the mass flight was observed before the ice drift and intensive snow melting on plakor. By the mid-1980s, the migration of this species had shifted from the first half of May to the second half. In the 90-ies [8] arrival of these larks Eremophila alpestris began between 11.05-30.05, the average date - 22.05 (n = 13). Currently, Eremophila alpestris‘ horned larks often fly over an icefree river and snow-free tundra. The average daily temperature on the day of the first registration of Horned Larks in the period 1978- 1983 was 9°C ... -3.1°C, an average of 1°C (n = 5).

Figure 2: Distribution of Eremophila alpestris in the Lower Ob-region and Yamal.

Figure 3: The distribution of Plectrophenax nivalis in the Lower Ob- region and in Yamal.

Nesting sites at the polar stations of the Middle and Northern Yamal males Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis held in April. Females arrived much later, in May. Migrating flocks Of Eremophila alpestris larks included birds of both sexes; some pairs may be formed on migration. Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis from pairing to the laying of the first egg as the weeks pass, larks-days. Despite the early occupation of the nesting areas, the bunches of Plectrophenax nivalis laid eggs in time, common with other passerines, including larks Eremophila alpestris, in some years somewhat earlier. In Northern Yamal oviposition was found in the nests of Plectrophenax nivalis and Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponica in 1974 he started and 17.06 22.06 (calculated according to the age of the Chicks). In the polar Urals, south of the Arctic circle, the Plectrophenax nivalis fledglings occurred after 10.07. 2000, and fledglings of other birds, the estimated start date of oviposition of Plectrophenax nivalis June 2-3, [6]. On the middle Yamal in 1990, the author observed simultaneously fledglings plantain Calcarius lapponica, Motacilla alba, Plectrophenax nivalis and Eremophila alpestris between 5-9.07. From the Passeriformes of Yamal, the Horned Larks of Eremophila alpestris had a minimum laying size of 2-5 eggs, with an average of 4.12 ± 0.06 eggs (n = 98). 4-7 eggs were found In the nest of Plectrophenax nivalis, with an average of 5.42 ± 0.18 eggs (n = 19). Differences between species are significant at p ≤ 0.05. Larks Eremophila alpestris begin to hatch from the 2nd egg when laying 3-4 eggs. Duration of incubation from the first egg to the first nestling is 11-14 days, average 12.8 ± 0.42 days (n=7); duration of nestling - 9-12 days, average 10.4 ± 0.6 days (n = 9). The total duration of the period from the first egg to the last nestling is 21-24, on average 22.3 ± 0.48 days (n=6). For North Рasseriformes this is the shortest period. The Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris is the only one of the Passeriformes subarctic species, part of the pairs of which after feeding the Chicks of the first brood build a new nest and feed the second brood. Nenets name of the species “Sidnigy” translates as “nesting twice.” On the middle Yamal Peninsula of 8 ringed with coloured rings couples twice on his site bred 2 pairs [2]. In case of loss of the first nest birds also nest again on the site. After leaving the nest, the broods were fed for a decade, so the breeding season of Eremophila alpestris, considering the second clutch in the subarctic tundra of Yamal, lasts more than two months (65-75 days) and ends in mid-August. The breeding season of the Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis lasts less than two months (35-45 days). Females began incubation with the last egg, some earlier; incubation lasts 12-13 days, nestlings sit 9-15 days, more often 12-13 days. The total duration of the period from the first egg to the departure of the last chick is 27-33 days.

In the annual cycle of larks Eremophila alpestris one molt, postjuvenile the first years, postnuptial adults in the breeding range. In the annual cycle of Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis two molting: postjuvenile young, postnuptial adults in the breeding range, prenuptial moult from immature and adult individuals in the field of hibernation. Postjuvenil molt at larks Eremophila alpestris full. Examination of the two extracted on the middle Yamal young birds, and inspection of the tail of the carcasses of young North lark (n = 5) of the ornithological collection of the Zoological Museum of Moscow state University shows that the flight feathers in birds, Northern populations are replaced completely, probably completely replaced by contouring and feathering, at least in birds, moulting in normal terms. The age of the beginning of molting is not established, but the first-year Eremophila alpestris caught in the area of Seyaha settlement (70°10N 72°30E) 1.08 was at the 4th stage of molting (from 11 stages). Based on the terms of hatching in this area, the age of the bird was 30-35 days, ie molting he started at the age of not older than 30 days. Replacement of plumage in Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris, due to the large volume, cannot last less than 45-55 days. At birds of the second brood, (hatching 20.07-30.07) at duration of a molt of 40-45 days, for timely departure the beginning of a molt has to be shifted on age 25-30 days. Probably, the timing and pace of this shedding is controlled by the photoperiod, i.e. the shorter the day, the sooner it starts and ends faster, which is especially important for the second brood. Molting individual’s Balkan subspecies of the horned lark Eremophila alpestris began in 38 days (26.07), lasted 80 days, to 14.10. [9].

Viewing the carcasses of adult northern larks Eremophila alpestris from the ornithological collection of the Zoological Museum of Moscow University (n = 13) and a small number of birds shot on the middle Yamal (n = 5) indicate the beginning of post-marital molting from 10.07 to 10.08. The average calculated duration of molting - 68 days, beginning -2.07, end - 7.09. In birds with a second clutch, shedding should be combined with feeding the Chicks. In a cage of four birds contained in the spring. Two males of Eremophila alpestris began moulting in the second decade of July, two - in the third, and finished it in the third decade of September, after 65-75 days. The female began molting 12.07, finished after 68 days, 18.09. The post-marital molt of the Balkan subspecies began on 22.06 and ended on 92 days, on 22.09 [9]. Postjuvenile molt of Plectrophenax nivalis partial. As a result of its individual wears a mixed first winter outfit consisting of a youthful flight feathers of the wing, the wing, tail feathers and succeeding in a result of shedding of part of the wing coverts, contour feathers of the head and torso. In a cage under short-day birds have not replaced the large upper coverts of the secondaries, i.e. the completeness of molt is determined by photoperiodic conditions. In the natural photoperiod of middle Yamal, molting of young birds began at the age of 33-44 days on average 37.4 ± 2.1 days (n =5), between 24.07- 30.07. When the photoperiod 16C:8T Snow Buntings have started moulting to 29, 31, 32 days, an average of 30.7 days. Despite a small sample, there is reason to believe that the timing of the molt is controlled by the photoperiod, because with a short day molt began earlier. The molting rate is also controlled by the photoperiod. Under lighting conditions close to the natural Middle Yamal birds replaced plumage for 48-51 days, an average of 49.4 ± 0.6 days. and finished it between 10.09-15.09. With a short day of molting lasted 37, 39, 40 days, an average of 38.7 days, ie. the shrinking day stimulates not only a shift in the timing of the beginning of molting on earlier dates, but also earlier its end (24.08-30.08) by reducing the number of replaced feathers. Very early on 5th or 6th molt stages (7 stages), poultry has gained the “average” fat reserves. In early October, 3 young birds were examined in the forest-tundra. Two of them have finished shedding, one was in the last stage; in the middle of October all 6 examined birds were in the new feather. The period of post-juvenile molting in the population of Yamal punches of Plectrophenax nivalis continues 2-2.5 months.

Postnuptial moult of Plectrophenax nivalis full. In enclosures hospital October Snow Buntings (n=7) started moult between 12.07-25.07 average date 18.07. In Yamal male moult apparently begins in the third decade of July, but some birds can start it in the second decade. Perhaps some males, like other Northern Bunting [10], started the replacement of feathers prior to fledging from the nest; with supplemental foods juvenile moult must combine all males and some females because of the summer time, it remains small. In Greenland [11] some moulting males fed female and nestlings always combined with supplemental foods moult juveniles; females always started moult after leaving the nests hatchlings. Molting of Plectrophenax nivalis aviary punches lasted 51-65 days, on average-57.8 ± 2.0 days (n=7), which is twice the duration of molting of Plectrophenax nivalis in Greenland (720 N) - 28 days [11]. Usually in the aviary molt is somewhat delayed, but two-fold differences in the rate of molting Plectrophenax nivalis indicate that the Yamal birds shed really slower than the Greenland. Starting molting in late July - early August, they finished it in mid- September, at the same time with young birds. However, they did not lose the ability to fly, unlike the birds of Greenland [11]. Through the Bottom Ob the adult birds are flying without a trace of molt.

Departure of larks Eremophila alpestris from the forest-tundra falls on the period from 18.09-15.10. Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis appear in the forest after the first snowfall, in the third decade of September - early October. The main period of migration Plectrophenax nivalis mid-late October, ends in November. Near the city of Labytnangi the average duration of the migration period of Plectrophenax nivalis 23 days. The unifying features of the ecology of the studied species include, first of all, high resistance to low air temperatures. It is supported by wintering in the lowsnow continental zone, where night temperatures -20°... -30°C are very common. Arriving in spring to the North of the subarctic and Arctic, Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis and larks Eremophila alpestris do not go beyond the lower limits. Resistance to low temperatures and, probably, dense hatching, allows early risers to keep the eggs and Chicks in a relatively shallow socket with low thermal insulation qualities. By the Ural mountains Snow Buntings penetrate to the South to the highlands without going down to the foothills, where there are mountain tundras, but apparently too warm. Horned Larks need to better endure summer temperatures than Snow Buntings because other species inhabit the lower latitudes, but in the subarctic region South of the July isotherms 12°C they do not nest. High density nesting of Eremophila alpestris within July isotherms of 5-10°C, Plectrophenax nivalis - 2-5°C . No. Beetles [12] revealed similarities to the southern boundary of the area of the Eremophila alpestris with the isotherm of July 10°C. Perhaps in the Arctic lark Eremophila alpestris and Plectrophenax nivalis for stimulation of oogenesis enough temperatures close 0°C. or required additional signals (ready biotope, abundance of feed).

A significant role in the formation of the fauna of the subarctic is played by the duration of the frost-free period. When feeding two broods in part of the larks Eremophila alpestris breeding period should last up to 2 months. On the white island and on Novaya Zemlya (73°N) the second brood is probably not present, because the frost-free period is short there. In Western Siberia, the area of larks Eremophila alpestris is in the limits of frost - free period 70 days (68°N) - 35 days (75°N.), that in the subarctic tundra allows you to feed two broods in the Arctic-one.

A characteristic feature of high latitudes - summer polar day. Northern migratory birds with increasing length of the day faced on the wintering grounds and during spring migration. But already on approach to a Polar circle they get to conditions of constant 24- hour day. The reduction of the day length in the subarctic begins much later than in the temperate latitudes, in the middlelate summer, and in the Arctic - in late autumn. In the spring-autumn part of the annual cycle of Northern birds there are two critical points depending on the length of the day: the period of gonad formation and the period of molts. For full maturation of gonads, based on the photoperiod of the extreme southern nesting point in the circumpolar Urals, Plectrophenax nivalis need a short stay (exposure) at the photoperiod 24C: 0T (occurs only during the summer solstice), so nesting should begin at the end of June. Indeed, G. Boyko [13] in XP. The saber (the southernmost nesting point, 64°30N60°E), met several adult punches of Plectrophenax nivalis with ingots 3.08, i.e. the oviposition of these birds began after the summer solstice. North of the Arctic circle, where the polar day begins in the first decade of May, the registration of broods falls on the first - second decade of July, birds were exposed long before the summer solstice. On the Arctic Islands, where the polar day lasts almost six months, the photoperiod does not prevent the early start of egg laying, but there are no external nesting conditions: weather, fodder, biotopic. Horned Lark for the maturation of the gonads is necessary more long stay under continuous light. In spring the birds fly over the forest-tundra at the photoperiod of 24C: 0T to the southern border of the area in the tundra zone, where the gonads reach full maturity. The period from the appearance of an individual in the polar day zone to arrival at the nest site in the shrub tundra, due to the very slow migration through the forest tundra, lasts a few days; to the Arctic tundra larks Eremophila alpestris fly 5-10 days (based on the dates of arrival in North Yamal). The likely duration of exposure 24-hour day for sexual activity-3-5 days.

Molt of Snow Bunting in the polar Urals and flows starts with shrinking the bottom, in the Northern sub-Arctic and Arctic-at a constant 24-hour day. Photoperiodic control of the time and rate of post-juvenile molt is adaptive to the light conditions of the polar Urals, where in August the day is rapidly decreasing, but in the Northern and main parts of the area photoperiodic control does not work, i.e. there is no need for such a reaction. Age and rate of molting in the bottom of the Arctic controlled by the endogenous, but the young from the second egg laying and their parents with the onset of dark nights enabled the photoperiodic reaction. In the Arctic, due to the need for departure in late September - the first half of October, but before the beginning of the dark nights in mid-October, shedding should occur accelerated endogenously controlled pace. In this regard, an interesting 28-day duration post-nuptial moult, Plectrophenax nivalis in Greenland. G. Green, R. Summers [11] in discussing such moult rates suggested that they increase to the North, because Greenland, unlike Iceland, punches Plectrophenax nivalis lose the ability to fly due to the rapid moult of the flight feathers, which “indicates further adaptation to a shorter season at higher latitudes.” The moult of Eremophila alpestris in different photoperiodic conditions has not been studied, but probably in the southern tundra the terms and rates of molts are controlled by the decreasing day, and in the conditions of the long polar day (in the Northern subarctic and Arctic tundra) the terms and rates are controlled endogenously, by the internal rhythm. Only in this case the larks Eremophila alpestris at 75°N (range limit on the island of Novaya Zemlya) are able to finish a complete molt and fly away for the winter in the middle-end of September.

Ecological differences between species belong to the nesting period. Acquiring resistance to low summer temperatures and adaptation to the light regime, larks Eremophila alpestris did not change the requirements for breeding habitat, have not started to build a warm and sheltered from the winds of the nest, but for food for the Chicks learned to fly in the floodplain, to find earthworms, larvae and imago Tipulidae, larvae of sawflies, i.e. the preference for large invertebrates. The expansion of their range at the expense of the Arctic Islands prevents the whole range of Arctic conditionsthe lack of suitable for nesting biotopes, the lack of the required number and mass of large invertebrates, a short period of positive temperatures. Plectrophenax nivalis are distinguished by nesting in shelters and a large nest, which protects the clutch and brood from low temperatures, a wide range of feed biotopes, from garbage dumps to sea shores and the composition and size of invertebrates - from the tailings to beetles and sea crustaceans. The nesting of Plectrophenax nivalis on all Arctic Islands indicates that there are currently no limiting factors for the species.

Environmental Factors that Determine the Latitudinal Boundaries of the Areas of Red-throated Pipit and Meadow Pipit

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus is associated with the origin of the Subarctic, its nesting area is mostly limited to the forest-tundra strip, sometimes penetrates into the Northern taiga. In our area nests (Figure 4) in the band from the Northern tip of Yamal (73°N) to the Western Saleda ridge (65°N) in the polar Urals. Tundra Red-throated Pipits everywhere, with the exception of riparian forests, and avoided deciduous woodland of placore. In the southern subarctic tundra, Anthus cervinus skates were found in all biotopes, in the Northern subarctic tundras they were found regularly in floodplains, and in open tundras on plains and on the southern slopes of hills and ravines. In the South of the Arctic tundra of Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus was recorded in dry lichen tundra, cut by ravines of small streams and in areas of bumpy rather dry tundra.

Figure 4: Distribution the Anthus cervinus in the Lower Ob- region and in Yamal.

Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis at the beginning of the twentieth century. nesting to Salekhard (66°31N 66°53E), but not North; in the middle of the century skates nesting in the middle reaches of the river Pike (67°N) [14]. In 1974-1976 nesting Pipits greeted us at the village of Mys Kamennyy (68°40N 73°10E.) and to the North, the middle reaches of the R. Mardiah (69°50N.). But they were not on the 70th latitude on the West coast near the polar station of Marre-Sale, on the East coast near the village of Seyaha (70°10N 72°30E) and 30 km from the coast, in the middle reaches of the Yasaveyaha river [2]. In 1988-1990 Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis continued to meet in the middle reaches of the river Mardiah, and in 2006 they are found nesting in the vicinity of the settlement of Seyakha [15]. Thus, over the last 100 years, the species has moved to the North by more than 300 km, to the 70th parallel (Figure 5). At the same time, the area to the East is expanding. The Eastern border of the Anthus pratensis nesting in the middle of the last century was carried out along the Ob valley (63°50N).; somewhat later, the species was found in the upper reaches of the Kazym and Nadym rivers [16]. Currently, as a rare breeding species Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis found on the right tributary of the lower Pelvis-p. Russian (67°20 n 82°E) [17].

Figure 5: The distribution of Anthus pratensis in the Lower Ob-region and in Yamal.

The arrival of the first Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus in a neighborhood of the city of Labytnangi in the period 1971-2014 was observed between 10.5-7.06. The earlier spring began, the earlier the first birds appeared. The air temperature on the day of registration of the first bird in the forest tundra was 0.1-5.8°C, on average 2.3°C (n=6); in Yamal, the arrival also began at positive temperatures. For the forest-tundra period 1970-2004. the average date of the meeting of the first Anthus pratensis-25.05, the earliest date-3.05.1982, late-4.06.1978. the air Temperature on the day of the meeting of the first bird was 0.2°C...-11.4°C, an average of 3.0°C (n = 8), in the late spring birds flew with the first wave of warm air. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis always arrived before the Anthus cervinus for 1-10 days. Easter S. [18] showed that in the Lower Ob area of Meadow Pipits and Red-throated Pipits in 1986-2001. began to arrive significantly earlier (P ≤ 0.05) than in the previous 15 years.

In Red-throated Pipit from the first in the season of birds encountered before oviposition, forest tundra passed 13-20, an average of 16.0 days (n = 8), in the middle Yamal this period lasted 7-13 days, an average of 10 days (n = 4). In the Meadow Pipit the duration of the pre-breeding period in the forest-tundra, from the first in the season encountered birds to the beginning of laying in the forest-tundra reached 12-27 days, an average of 7 years-18.7 ± 2.1 days. Oviposition in Anthus cervinus began after 8-13 days, an average of 9.8 days (n = 5) after the transition of the average daily temperature through 0°C the average Daily temperature on the day of the beginning of egg laying in the forest tundra in different years was 6.0-11.5°C (n = 5). In the Lower Ob the earliest date of the beginning of the period of egg laying by the Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus 9.06. 1973, the latest-21.06.1972g, average 16.06. (n = 5). On the Middle Yamal these dates are as follows: 5.06.1990 - 29.06.1987 and 1992, the average date is 14.06 (n = 9), on the North Yamal 9.06.1988 - 1.07.1992 and 1994, the average date is 21.06 (n = 6). In some years, with the advance to the North, the timing of the beginning of egg laying is also shifted to later dates. In 1990 at the 69th parallel oviposition began 5.06, 70 10.06, in the 71st - 13.06. In other years, the delay in the beginning of the egglaying season on the 71st parallel compared with the 69th was 4 (1988) - 15 (1991) days.

In the Lower Ob in 1971-1990 the first eggs in the nests of Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis appeared between 7.06.1989 and 18.06.1971, the average for 9 years of observations the date of the beginning of oviposition-14.06. On the Middle Yamal Peninsula in 1974-1992 years and the earliest date of oviposition - 13.06.1989, the beginning of masonry in Ob - 8.06.1989. The latest date the beginning of masonry on the Middle Yamal - 19.06.1974, with the beginning of oviposition in the Lower Ob - 16.06.1974. Masonry of the bulk of females begins in the first 6 days: in the forest tundra 98 masonry of 112 (87.5%); in the middle Yamal 126 of 160 (78.7%), in the North Yamal - 12 of 26 (46%). The total duration of the laying season in the forest tundra is 14-21 days, average 16.8 ± 1.3 days (n = 5), average 9.8 ± 1.0 days in the tundra of the middle Yamal (n = 9), 13-28 days in the Arctic tundra of the Northern Yamal, average 18.8 ± 2.9 days (n = 5). The stretch of the season connected with the finding of subsequent clutches.

In the masonry of the Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus 2-7 eggs. In The lower Ob in the clutch was 5.34 ± 0.06 eggs (n = 209): in the Northern Yamal the average size of the clutch was 5.46 ± 0.14. The increase in masonry from the forest-tundra to the tundra Of the Middle Yamal is highly significant (t ≤ 11.1) and is associated with an increase in the proportion of masonry with 7 eggs, but in the Northern Yamal masonry value decreases again due to the reduction in the proportion of nests with 7 eggs. In the nests of Meadow Pipit in the Lower Ob ‘ region and in the Southern Yamal Peninsula was 5.41 ± 0.09 eggs (n = 101). On the Middle Yamal there were 5.88 ± 0.06 eggs (n = 58). The differences are significant (t = 4.7, P ≤ 0.01) due to the absence of clutches with 2-4 eggs in the sample. Thus, both types of skates with promotion to the North, the number of eggs in a clutch increase.

According to the results of instrumental measurements, the female of the Red-throated seahorse Anthus cervinus starts to incubate regularly after laying the 2nd-3rd egg with 5-6 eggs. The duration of incubation from the last egg to the first nestling on 28 nests is from 10 to 13 days, on average 11.5 ± 0.15 days. Hatching is stretched for 1-3 days, more often for 2 days, on average 1.8 ± 0.15 (n = 13). The Chicks sat in the nest 9-13, on average, 11.6 ± 0.29 days. (n = 26), ingots from large broods left the nest earlier. The duration of the breeding season Anthus cervinus tundra 36-43, on average, 38.8 ± 1.0 days. (n= 6). At the meadow ridge incubation begins with the penultimate or last egg. From the last eggs before the first Chicks in the control nests of meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis took place 12-15 days, an average of 13.9 ± 0.19 (n=16). In the nest the Chicks were sitting 9 to 14 days, on average 10.9±0.4 days (n = 16). The total duration of the breeding season at the Polar circle latitude from the first egg to the departure from the control nests of the last nestling in different years: 38-44 days, on average - 41.5 ± 1.6 (n = 8). On the Middle Yamal the breeding season of Anthus pratensis lasted 43-50 days, on average 46.7 (n = 3).

Up to 20-22 days of age, Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit fledglings were in the area of the breeding area and were fed by adult birds. The disintegration broods Red-throated Pipits occurs at 23-25 days and the birds leave the nesting area in the process of dispersion of the dispersion. Older this age re-caught 2 seahorses at the age of 35 and 39 days. In the forest tundra adult Meadow Pipits was worried at nesting sites until the beginning of August. Of the 20 ringed Chicks in the nests in the area of the nesting area, 2 birds were caught at the age of 33 and 54 days, i.e. after the disintegration of the broods, most of the young birds are included in the dispersion spread, but some remain in the birth area for a long time. Postjuvenile moult Red-throated Pipit partial, minimal among the Northern Motacillidae completeness: replaced a part of the contour feathers of the head and trunk down on apteryx and some wing coverts. Postjuvenile molt Meadow Pipit partial, but more complete than the Red-throated Pipit. Coverts moult of the head and torso, grew up in the nest, and part of wing coverts, where everyone is viewed on the secondary stages of molting birds were replaced by a small upper-coverts of secondaries, upper and lower opacity brush, wing-coverts, tertials coverts lower, secondary lower coverts of secondaries.

The moult of the Anthus cervinus begins at an early age, in birds older than 20 days of age. Of the 11 skates ringed in nests and caught at the age of 20-38 days, molting was 4 individuals: the horse at the age of 25 days was at the 1st stage, at the age of 28 days at the 2nd stage, 2 birds at the age of 33 and 38 days were at the 3rd stage.The rest, at the age of 20-25 days did not shed. In experimental conditions molting began in 22-25 days at a short day (23.4 ± 0.4; n=8), in 24-25 days at natural (24.4 ± 0.2; n = 5) and 24-26 days (25.0 ± 0.2; n = 9) at a long day, i.e. the age of onset of moult in this species is controlled by endogenous. Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis, ringed in nests and caught in nature at the age of 22-30 days, did not start molting. Skates, fed and overexposed at the natural day, began shedding at the age of 36-45, an average of 38.0 ± 1.4 days (n = 6). Under short-day molt started no earlier than 27 (27 to 36 days, averaging 31.8 ± 1.1; n = 8), the long - not later than 50 (45 to 50 days, averaging 46.7 ±.0; n = 5). The differences in the age of molt onset are significant between all groups: short-day and natural day (t-criterion = 4.04, P ≤ 0.01); natural day and long-day (t-criterion = 4.53, P ≤ 0.01); short-day and long-day (t-criterion = 10.1, P ≤ 0.01). Thus, the timing of post-juvenile molting in meadow skates Anthus pratensis controlled photoperiod, in contrast to the Anthus cervinus.

The rate of shedding is controlled by the photoperiodic response in both species. Molt Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis under short-day regime molt lasted 30 to 36 days, averaging 34.0 ± 0.8 (n = 8); natural 37-40 days, averaging 38.5 ± 0.8 (n = 5); the long-day regime 40-55 days, averaging 45.0 ±1.6 (n = 9). The differences are significant between the groups of short and long days (t-criterion = 3.0, p ≤ 0.05). the period of post-juvenile molting in the population of Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus of The lower Ob should last 45-55 days. By the time of its completion, the young skates fly away from the Lower Ob. Molt Anthus pratensis under short-day molt lasted for 35-45 days, an average of 39.7 ± 1.2 (n = 8); natural 44-49 days, averaging 46.0±1.6 (n = 6); the long - 58- 62 days, averaging 59.5 ± 0.5 (n = 6). The differences are significant between the groups of short-day and natural day (t-criterion = 3.15, p ≤ 0.05); natural day and long-day (t-criterion = 8.08, P ≤ 0.01); short-day and long-day (t-criterion = 15.2, P ≤ 0.01).

Young Red-throated Pipit usually started shedding without leaving the nest surroundings and the last stages of shedding the skates combined with migration. Migration from Meadow probably starts after the completion of the moult, because in the third week of September in the vicinity of Labytnangi appeared regularly flocks are skates; in 1982, in the last five days of September caught 7 birds, 3 of them have finished molting, 4 were in new plumage. Season postjuvenile shedding Anthus pratensis in the tundra lasts 2 months, a third longer than the Anthus cervinus. Full post-nuptial molt in both species, Anthus cervinus partially simultaneously with the feeding of the Chicks. In the second half of the molting period, the skates partially lose their ability to fly [19]. According to the results of the regression analysis, the average date of the beginning of the post - marital molt of the Red - throated Pipit Anthus cervinus falls on July 22, the end of the growth of the flight feathers-on August 19, the duration of the molt of the flight feathers-29 days, contour plumage finishes molting not earlier than a week. The actual duration of the post-nuptial moult is 37-45 days. It is necessary to pay attention to high rates of replacement of flight feathers: in 25-30 days after its beginning birds are able to begin migration. The slow rate of formation of contour feathers does not prevent flights. The season of post-marital molting in the population of red-throated skates Anthus cervinus of The lower Ob region lasts 45-50 days. Post-marital molting in Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis began in the second half of July - early August. The first shedding pipit caught 23.07, the average calculated date of the beginning of molting - 27.07; in the old plumage of birds caught up to 5.08. The duration of molting in the first beginners of her skates 45-50 days. Males, overexposed from spring (n = 4) in the aviary, shed 56-65 days, on average 59 days; female, taken with Chicks, completely replaced the plumage for 49 days. The average end date of molting in nature 3.09, the average duration of molting regression 39 days, the duration of the season of post-marital molting 60-70 days.

Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus fly away from the forest before the meadow. Maximum span in 1975 was observed 2.09. The last meeting of the young birds on the tour in 1975 have on 17.09, adults - 8.09, the departure period lasted about a month. In 1980 from the Enzor-Yakha and Baydarata rivers (68°15N 69°10°E) the departure of red-throated skates Anthus cervinus ended in the last days of August [20]. The departure of the Anthus pratensis begins at the end of August and ends at the end of September. The most recent meetings in the Lower Ob are 21.09.1980, 28.09.1982, 25.09.1984. One flock met on the first snow. N. N. Danilov [21] attributed the Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis species have mastered the southern sub-Arctic. Currently, in Western Siberia, the species is developing the Northern subarctic And quite well mastered the “middle” Subarctic-sub-zone of the subarctic tundra of Yamal and Tazov Peninsula. V. S. Zhukov [12] the Northern boundary of the range of Anthus pratensis correlates with the isotherm in July is +6°C. V. A. Utkin [22] when building the model, the gradient of the range of Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis southern border holds for the boundaries of the territory with a relatively short summer nights and the July isotherm of + 20°C. July isotherm of the southern border of the Red-throated ridge -15°C, the Northern border of the area-3°C. the Main part of the area lies in the polar day from mid-May to late July, i.e. photoperiod 24C:0T. The southern limits of the area pass through the territory of the polar day only during the summer solstice.

In the forest-tundra and southern tundra Anthus pratensis arrive with developed gonads in connection with the stimulation of” long “ day on the approach to the Arctic circle, they can engage in reproduction in the forest-tundra and southern tundra, especially in late spring or return of cold weather, which is not uncommon in the North. But in the early spring, which happens more often, birds continue to migrate and expand the area to the North. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus have higher requirements for the length of the light phase, as arrive with underdeveloped gonads. The polar day probably stimulates an increase in the fertility of both types of skates, because on the middle Yamal the number of eggs in the clutches of both species is higher than in the Ob.

The timing of the post-juvenile molting of the Anthus cervinus is associated with age (22-25 days), the molting rate is high, which allows birds to start flying before the onset of cold weather even from the southern Arctic. Adult birds combine molting with reproduction, conduct it at a high rate, which also provides a fairly early flight. Photoperiodic control of moult in the meadow ridge Anthus pratensis shifts its origin in the forest-tundra to the first decade of August, in the Northern subarctic tundra to the second decade. Despite the low completeness postjuvenile molting, it lasts more than a month even in the tundra - to mid-September, and in the Northern tundra, in connection with the late start and the slow pace at longer bottom until the third decade of September, in some years until early winter. Adult skates are also in no hurry to start shedding, because they separate it from feeding. But since the rate of post-marital moult of Anthus pratensis is very high, the late departure is probably also associated with the late formation of the migration state, as in the first years. For this reason, the migration starts later than the departure of other insect-eating birds of the tundra.

The penetration of meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis in the taigatundra part of Asia is facilitated by the absence of interspecific territorial competition [23] and increased fertility in the zone of Sunny nights, creating a sufficiently high abundance for movement to the East. Currently, the North-Eastern tip of the area reaches the Ob-Yenisei watershed, and the entire part of the area in Western Siberia is in the zone of white nights. It is unlikely that there are factors that significantly impede the expansion of the species range to the East, at least on the plain to the Yenisei. But further, the movement in Central Siberia, with its mountainous terrain, also should not be an obstacle, because in the mountains of the Northern, polar and Polar Urals Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis one of the background species.

Conclusion

The southern limits of the distribution of Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis are probably determined by the light regime of the region, outside the zone of the polar day birds will not come to a state of sexual activity. Additional requirements of Plectrophenax nivalis average July temperature below 10°C. the Northern limits of the range of Plectrophenax nivalis in the modern climate of the Arctic, actually, no. In conditions of further warming, the punches of Snow Bunting may fall from the list of breeding species of the polar and Polar Urals.

The limits of penetration to the North of the Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris are determined by a set of biotope and feed factors and temperature lows, allowing to penetrate into the Arctic, but not to master most of it. In the conditions of further warming the larks of Eremophila alpestris will master all Arctic Islands but will drop out of the list of birds of the southern subarctic tundra. The southern limits of distribution of the Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus are limited by the zone of the polar day defining maturation of gonads, mountain tundras of the polar Urals and tundra-like bogs of the West Siberian plain. The limits to the North, apparently, the readiness of biotopes to the beginning of arrival (the presence of invertebrates, thawed tundra). As heat moves to the North, replacing the tundra Arctic deserts, the species will expand its range.

The limits of penetration to the North of the Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris are determined by a set of biotope and feed factors and temperature lows, allowing to penetrate into the Arctic, but not to master most of it. In the conditions of further warming the larks of Eremophila alpestris will master all Arctic Islands but will drop out of the list of birds of the southern subarctic tundra. The southern limits of distribution of the Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus are limited by the zone of the polar day defining maturation of gonads, mountain tundras of the polar Urals and tundra-like bogs of the West Siberian plain. The limits to the North, apparently, the readiness of biotopes to the beginning of arrival (the presence of invertebrates, thawed tundra). As heat moves to the North, replacing the tundra Arctic deserts, the species will expand its range.

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[ameryth74]

Louis **** Title Generator Tool

** **** it 

LOL.... go!

Two letter words:

There are 107 acceptable 2-letter words listed in the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary, 6th Edition and the Official Tournament and Club Word List:

AA, AB, AD, AE, AG, AH, AI, AL, AM, AN, AR, AS, AT, AW, AX, AY, BA, BE, BI, BO, BY, DA, DE, DO, ED, EF, EH, EL, EM, EN, ER, ES, ET, EW, EX, FA, FE, GI, GO, HA, HE, HI, HO, ID, IF, IN, IS, IT, JO, JU, JY, JZ, KA, KI, KO, LA, LI, LO, MA, ME, MI, MM, MO, MU, MY, NA, NE, NO, NU, OD, OE, OF, OH, OI, OK, OM, ON, OP, OR, OS, OW, OX, PA, PE, PI, PO, QI, RE, SH, SI, SO, TA, TE, TI, TO, UH, UM, UN, UP, US, UT, WE, WO, XI, XU, YA, YE, YO, ZA

Two letter contractions: I’m, I’d

Four letter verbs:

abet, abut, abye/aby, ache, alit, ally, ante, arch, aver, avow (10).

baby,  bach, back, bade, baff, bail, bait, bake, bald, bale, balk, ball, band, bang, bank, bant, barb, bard, bare, barf, bark, base, bash, bask, bate, bath, bauk, bawl, bead, beam, bean, bear,    beat, beck, bede, beef, been, beep, bell, belt, bend, bent, bere, best, bias, bide(archaic usage), biff, bike, bilk, bill, bind, bird, birl, birr, bite, bitt, blab, blat, blaw, bled, blet, blew, blip, blob, blot, blow, blub, blue, blur, boak, boat, bode, body, boff(vulgar usage), boil, boke, bomb, bond, bone, bong, bonk, boob, book, boom, boot, bore, born, boss, boun, bowl, brad, brag, bray, bred, brew, brim, buck, buff, bulk, bull, bump, bung, bunk, bunt, buoy, burl, burn, burp, burr, bury, bush, busk, buss, bust, busy, butt, buzz (117).

ca-ca, cage, cake, calk, call, calm, came, camp, cane, cant, card, care, carp, cart, case, cash, cast, cave, cede, cere, chap, char, chat, chaw, chid, chin, chip, chop, chow, chug, chum, cite, clad, clam, clap, claw, clay, clew, clip, clog, clop, clot, cloy, club, clue, coal, coat, coax, cock, code, coif, coil, coin, coke, comb, come, comp, cone, conk, conn, cook, cool, coop, cope, copy, cord, core, cork, corn, cosh, cost, coup, cove, cowl, crab, cram, crap, crew, crib, crop, crow, cube, cuff, cull, curb, curd, cure, curl, curr, cuss (90).

dado, daff, damn, damp, dang, dare, dark, darn, dart, dash, date, daub, dawn, daze, deal, deck, deed, deem, defy, deke, dele, demo, dent, deny, dial, dice, died, diet, dike, dine, ding, ding, dint, dirk, disc, dish, disk, diss, dive, dock, doff, dole, dome, done, doom, dope, dose, doss, dote, dove, down, doze, drab, drag, draw, dray, dree, drew, drip, drop, drub, drug, drum, duck, duel, duet, dull, dumb, dump, dung, dunk, dupe, dusk, dust, dyke (75).

earn, ease, echo, eddy, edge, edit, emit, envy, espy, etch, even, exit (12).

face, fade, fail, fake, fall, fame, fard, fare, farm, fart, fash, fast, fate, fawn, faze, fear, feed, feel, fell, felt, fend, fess, fete, feud, file, fill, film, find, fine, fink, fire, firm, fish, fist, fizz, flag, flap, flat, flaw, flay, fled, flee, flew, flex, flip, flit, flog, flop, flow, flub, flux, foal, foam, foil, foin, fold, fond, fool, foot, ford, fork, form, foul, fowl, frag, frap, fray, free, fret, frig, frit, fuel, full, fume, fund, funk, furl, fuse, fuss, futz, fuze, fuzz (82).

gaff, gage, gain, gait, gall, game, gang, gaol, gape, garb, gash, gasp, gast(obsolete), gate, gaum(US), gave, gawk, gawp, gaze, gear, geld, gibe, gift, gild, gill, gimp, gird, girt, give, glad(archaic), glom, glow, glue, glug, glut, gnar, gnaw, go by, go on, goad, golf, gone, gong, goof, gore, gown, grab, gray, grew, grey, grid, grin, grip, grit, grow, grub, gulf, gull, gulp, gush, gust, gybe, gyre, gyve (64).

hack, haft, hail, hale, halo, halt, hand, hang, hare, hark, harm, harp, hash, hasp, hast, hate, hath(archaic), haul, have, hawk, haze, head, heal, heap, hear, heat, heed, heel, heft, held, helm, help, hent(obsolete), herd, hewn, hide, hike, hill, hint, hire, hiss, hive, hoax, hock, hoke(slang), hold, hole, home, hone, honk, hood, hoof, hook, hoop, hoot, hope, horn, hose, host, hove, howl, huff, hulk, hull, hump, hung, hunt, hurl, hurt, hush, husk, hymn, hype, hypo (74).

idle, inch, iris, iron, isle, itch (6).

jack, jade, jail, jape, jazz, jeep, jeer, jell, jerk, jest, jibe, jilt, jink, jinx, jive, join, joke, jolt, josh, juke, jump, junk (22).

kayo, keek(Scots), keel, keen, keep, kept, kern, kick, kill, kiln, kilt, kink, kiss, kite, knap, knew, knit, knot, know (19).

lace, lack, laid, lain, lair, lake, lamb, lame, land, lard, lark, lase, lash, last, lath, laud, lave, laze, lazy, lead, leaf, leak, lean, leap, lech, leer, left, lend, lens, lent, levy, lick, lift, like, lilt, limb, lime, limn, limp, line, link, lisp, list, live, load, loaf, loan, lock, loft, loll, long, look, loom, loop, loot, lope, lord, lose, lost, loup(Scots), lour, lout, love, lube, luck, luff, luge, lull, lump, lure, lurk, lust, lute, lyse (74).

mace, made, mail, maim, make, mall, malt, mark, marl, mart, mash, mask, mass, mast, mate, maul, maze, mean, meet, meld, mell, melt, mend, meow, mesh, mess, mete, mewl, miff, milk, mill, mime, mind, mine, mint, mire, miss, mist, moan, moat, mock, moil, mold, molt, moon, moor, moot, mope, moss, move, muck, muff, mull, mump, muse, mush, muss, must, mute (59).

nail, name, near, neck, need, nest, nick, nigh, nill(obsolete), nock, nose, nosh, note, nuke, null, numb (16).

obey, ogle, oink, okay, omen, omit, ooze, open, oust, over (10).

pace, pack, page, pain, pair, pale, pall, palm, pang, pant, pare, park, part, pash(Austral), pass, pave, pawn, peak, peal, peck, peek, peel, peen, peep, peer, pelt, pend, perk, perm, pick, pike, pile, pill, pimp, pine, ping, pink, pipe, piss(vulgar), pith, pity, plan, plat, play, plod, plop, plot, plow, plug, pock, poke, pole, poll, pond, pool, pore, port, pose, post, pour, pout, pray, pree, prep, prey, prim, prod, prog, prop, puff, puke, pule, pull, pulp, pump, punt, purl, purr, push, putt (80).

quad, quip, quit, quiz (4).

race, rack, raft, rage, raid, rail, rain, rake, ramp, rang, rank, rant, rape, rase, rasp, rate, rave, raze, razz, read, ream, reap, rear, reck, redd(dialect), rede(archaic), redo, reed, reef, reek, reel, rein, rely, rend, rent, rest, re-up, rice, rick, ride, riff, rift, rile, rill, rime(archaic)/rhyme, ring, riot, rise, risk, rive, roam, roar, robe, rock, rode, roil, rolf, roll, romp, roof, rook, room, root, rope, rose, rout, rove, ruck, ruff, ruin, rule, rush, rust (73).

sack, said, sail, sale, salt, sand, sass, sate, save, sawn, scab, scam, scan, scar, scat, scud, scum, seal, seam, sear, seat, seed, seek, seel, seem, seen, seep, sell, send, sent, sewn, shag, sham, shed, shim, shin, ship, shit, shoe, shog, shoo, shop, shot, show, shun, shut, sick, side, sift, sigh, sign, silk, silt, sing, sink, sire, site, size, skew, skid, skim, skin, skip, slab, slag, slam, slap, slat, slay, sled, slew, slid, slim, slip, slit, slog, slop, slot, slow, slub, slue, slug, slum, slur, smut, snag, snap, snip, snow, snub, snug, soak, soap, soar, sock, soil, sold, sole, solo, soot, sorb, sort, soup, sour, sown, spae(scottish), spam, span, spar, spat, spay, spec, sped, spew, spin, spit, spot, spud, spur, spurn, stab, stag, star, stay, stem, step, stet, stew, stir, stop, stow, stub, stud, stun, suck, suds, suit, sulk, sung, sunk, surf, swab, swag, swam, swan(brit), swap, swat, sway, swig, swim, swob, swop(brit)/swap, swot, swum, sync (155).

tabu, tack, tail, take, talc, talk, tame, tamp, tang, tank, tape, tare, task, taut, taxi, team, tear, teem, tell, tend, tent, term, test, text, thaw, thin, thud, tick, tide, tidy, tier, tiff, tile, till, tilt, time, tine, ting, tint, tire, toil, toke, told, tole, toll, tomb, tone, tong, took, tool, toot, tope, tore, torn, toss, tote, tour, tout, tram, trap, tree, trek, trim, trip, trod, trot, trow(archaic), true, tube, tuck, tuft, tune, turf, turn, tusk, twig(Brit), twin, twit, type (79).

undo, urge (2).

vade, vail(archaic), vamp, vary, veal, veer, veil, vein, vend, vent, vest, veto, vide, view, vine, visa, vise, void, vote (19).

wade, waft, wage, wail, wait, wake, wale, walk, wall, wane, want, ward, ware(archaic), warm, warn, warp, wash, waul, wave, wawl, wean, wear, weed, ween, weep, weet, weld, well, welt, wend, went, wept, were, wert(archaic), wham, whap, whet, whid(Scottish), whip, whir, whiz, whop, wick, wile, will, wilt, wind, wine, wing, wink, wipe, wire, wise, wish, wisp, wist, wite, wive, woke, wolf, wont, wood, woof, word, wore, work, worm, worn, wove, wrap, writ(archaic) (71).

x-ray (1).

yack, yank, yard, yarn, yaup, yawn, yawp, yean, yell, yelp, yerk, yeuk, yock, yoke, yowl, yo-yo(informal), yuck (17).

zero, zest, zinc, zing, zone, zonk, zoom (7).

IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT IT

(yes there are 28 ITs)

[ceekbee]

When you are overcome with worry, call on your inner faith to carry you through it. Do not burden yourself with unknowns or allow your imagination to get the best of you. Change your mind to reflect positive and healing thoughts, and in turn, change the vibrations around you to help bring you peace and comfort.

Snow Buntings and Larks ... ceekbee Jan 28/19

[outofangband]

Love, love, love the birds worldbuilding in Himring.

I've actually been digging through links looking for birds that occupy Nan Elmoth and the surrounding area - Himlad, northern Estolad, the banks of the Celon.

Any thoughts about the flying critters living around there?

I’ll start with Himlad!

Flora, fauna, geography and environment masterlist

Himlad was a realm in Eastern Beleriand, bordered on the West by the river Aros and on the East, its tributary, Celon. It means ‘cool plain’ in Sindarin and was described simply as a cold region, likely due to its proximity to the March and thus to the Iron Mountains, the cold fronts of which extend throughout the surrounding regions. 

I have imagined it as a steppe environment with an ecology similar to Mongolia. We have little information on environment other than the description of cold but some speculation can be done due to the habitat and through looking at similar real habitats, mostly in Northern Europe and temperate parts of Asia as well as parts of North America which Tolkien was inspired by the prairies in (source: The Flora of Middle Earth)

As always I include world building notes at the end so it’s not just a list of species! And as always please consider the list incomplete! There are so so many birds and I often go back to add more. Feel free to request a more specific prompt to focus on or a more specific family of birds

In the plains and steppe: tawny pipit (migratory, traveling west in the winter), David’s snowfinch, brown accentor, Siberian stonechat (also found in shrubs), rosy starling, swan geese, steppe partridge, pallas’s sandgrouse, great bustard, common cuckoo (migratory), cornrail (migratory, avoids the more arid parts), bearded vulture, crested lark, golden eagle, steppe eagle, imperial eagle, grey faced buzzard, ring necked pheasant, hazel grouse, black grouse, blue rock thrush, common quail, horned owls, gray partridge, desert warbler

Roosting in the sparse trees and shrubs: Yellow browed bunting, common rosefinch, fieldfare, stock dove, common nightjar, little owl, pine bunting

River shores: snow bunting (migratory), red necked crane (migratory), greater painted snipe, osprey, coturnix quail, grey heron, hen harrier, white throated dipper, bank swallow

Other: fork-tailed swift (migratory, mainly aerial), white headed duck, house sparrow, brambling (migratory), song thrush (migratory), black billed caper, northern wren

World building notes:

-Hunting with eagles and other birds of prey is more common than in the other Fëanorian realms (though most utilize birds at least sometimes). Golden and steppe eagles are used primarily by Celegorm and his loyal servants; these are huge and beautiful birds whose use is in some ways a boast of the skill of their handlers

-Celegorm’s knowledge of the language of birds is highly utilized for the defensive and offensive projects of Himlad. Though his followers do not for the most part have this gift they are highly skilled in using tracks, traces and conditions to understand the presence of local birds and the implications thereof. They know what to make of the stray tail feathers of a steppe partridge versus the presence of molt. They know the difference between the tracks of

Of course this applies to other creatures besides birds but as this post is about birds…

-Grouse and quail are sometimes kept for meat and eggs though different species of quail then are kept by the Marchwardens of Doriath. Some of the species are brought from Estolad, Ossiriand or Western Beleriand. The birds are housed in large open pens with small nesting boxes. 

-There are also domestic species of chicken, peacock and quail like birds that are kept for similar reasons. Hybrid species, sometimes with native species, occur naturally and through planned breeding projects during the Long Peacd

-The camouflage of steppe creatures including birds is often used in the fashion of Himlad’s soldiers.

-The various sections of archers among the army and scouts are distinguished by varying types of feathers used in their arrows. For example, Swan goose feather is used for the scouts that patrol the borders and rivers, swift feathers are used among the smaller more specialized groups and golden eagle feathers are reserved for the archers who will be first in the lines of offensive movements.

-Game birds are hunted for meat though all parts are used. Bird bones are actually highly utilized by the host of Himlad, in jewelry and headwear as well as whistles and other tools.

As always please feel free to ask more!

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Fun fact: Outside the breeding season, the grey-crowned finch can form flocks with other birds, including snow buntings and horned larks, that can reach sizes of up to 1,000 individuals.

the gray-crowned rosy finch is a small passerine bird found through alaska, canada, and the northwestern united states. these birds are rarely seen, as they prefer habitat rarely accessed by humans; they are almost entirely found in tundra & elevated mountain environments. it is believed they may breed at a higher elevation than any other north american bird. they are seed eaters, with a preference for thistle. females are more drab in coloration than adult males, and resemble the juveniles of the species.