I can’t resist our Western Meadowlarks when they’re singing in springtime.
1/5000, f/7.1, ISO 640, Canon 7D, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I found this one four days ago on Antelope Island. It was singing from a gnarly old sagebrush stump that is a favorite meadowlark perch this time of year. There are lots of these birds on the island now but they’re usually difficult to approach so my camera settings (high shutter speed and ISO) were meant for take-off shots but this bird stood its ground.
As common as meadowlarks are on the island I try to be extra careful with them during nesting season which is fast approaching. They are quite sensitive to human interference during nesting and females flushed from the nest during laying or incubation typically abandon the nest and eggs. Once the young are hatched the adults are a little less susceptible to disturbance but human intrusion near the nest will often cause them to delay feeding visits to the youngsters. This bird was perched within a few feet of a road and is apparently acclimated to traffic (I photographed it from my pickup).
Ron
Great photo-I love hearing them , it so says Spring to me.
Wonderful shot Ron, thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
I can almost hear him.
Once someone hears that song they usually don’t forget it, Pam.
Great image to look at this morning with my coffee. Heard that wonderful, clear song yesterday morning just after sunrise. You’re right, can’t get enough of a Meadowlark!
They were out in force on the island again this morning, Wally. Most of them are sure hard to get close to though…
Oh my. Oh my oh my. I cannot imagine how wonderful it would be to see and hear that ecstatic welcome of a new day. Thanks Ron. It is far too early here, and our dawn will not break for some hours, but this image has brightened the darkness. Thank you.
I think you would love meadowlarks, Elephant’s Child but you Australians have remarkable birds too so I don’t feel too sorry for you…
sNOw is forecast for us in a couple of days…Is Spring REALLY here? When I see your joyful-looking Meadowlark, Singing his heart out from that wonderful, gnarly silver stump, , I think maybe it is!!!
Sorry about your coming snow, Patty. We’re supposed to see our first 70 degrees of the season on Tuesday – colder after that but no snow forecast.
he is a colorful boy, and you’ve captured him in full song!! a wonderfully uplifting and delightful image Ron!!
Thank you, Lois.