Yet another sign of approaching spring.
1/8000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Three days ago I spent the morning on Antelope Island and for the first time this year I noticed a significant increase in bird presence and activity. Magpies were building nests, Chukars were calling from atop their rocky perches, Horned Larks were engaging in flight battles, I saw and photographed my first Sandhill Cranes of the year and Western Meadowlarks were singing on territory. In warmer years many of our meadowlarks are resident in northern Utah year round but very few stuck it out this winter.
This probable male was singing on territory from a perch that has been a favorite of the species for years. He was sticky and allowed me a close approach. In my experience meadowlarks are generally skittish for most of the year but once their hormones begin to flow in the early spring they’re more reluctant to vacate a favorite perch and that’s a good thing for bird photographers.
This bird was likely a male establishing his territory before the females arrive several weeks later. Whatever the case I spent four minutes with him as I enjoyed his distinctive and lusty song.
1/8000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Not long before he eventually flew off he stretched his right leg and then performed this half-hearted wing stretch.
He’s a chunky fellow, isn’t he. Sometimes I wonder how meadowlarks can even become airborne.
Ron
Beautiful shot Ron! I envy your shooting area.
We used to see Eastern Meadowlarks, not so much anymore.
Ron,
I was out there this week before the snow as well. Found the same species that were real good sports about posing and staying put. I hope it means it will be a good summer! Magpies almost climbed in my Jeep. They were bathing and stayed so close I had to move my Jeep to remove its shadow. Good day!
I have a question. You posted your first good bird shot from years ago–a hawk as I recall–a few weeks ago. You said that you then went out and bought a prime 500 mm lens. I have wondered if that prime lens improved your percentage of “keepers” compared to the zoom? I just laid out cash for a 500 prime myself hoping it might help (Nikon). Thoughts? (I can still cancel the order.)
Stephen
It sure did improve my keeper rate, Stephen. Dramatically! I’m confident you won’t regret your decision if it’s Nikon’s f/4.
Ron,
Argh, 5.6.
SEC
Stephen don’t necessarily be discouraged by what I said. I’m familiar with Nikon’s 500 f/4 but I’m not with their newer 500 f/5.6. You may be very happy with it but I can’t vouch for it personally.
In the first photo the little guy looks like he is really belting it out to stake out his claim. In the second he’s looking like “that oughta do it”.
Sounds like the birding season is picking up and you along with it..
Yup, with spring approaching, more birds and me feeling a little better I’m perking up a little.
Ron, glad you saw signs of Spring at Antelope Island. Here in Sandy, we saw snow, snow and more snow. Alta and Snowbird got a little over 2 feet in 24 hours…wow!
Glad to hear you were ‘out and about’ – enough to take these photos. Thank you
Thanks, Alice. It’s beginning to warm up so our valley snow should be gone soon. I’m fine with that!
I like the composition of these shots. The yellow really pops against the background. Looks like he had to reposition his left foot to allow for the right leg stretch. He’s also showing off his little “naked” axilla in the second shot. I’ve always found that lack of feathers fascinating for some reason.
Marty, I see those nearly bare wingpits on meadowlarks more often than I do with any other adult birds.
Yup! That’s definietly a Meadowlark! I can trll by the yelliw, but mostly because it’s singing…It’s also a very, very beautiful image of one…color, composition, background…detaild…all of It!!!!
I’m glad you like it, Patty. Thanks.
Always look forward to their arrival, but have not seen one yet. Both their color and their songs are a sign that spring is close by.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
🙂
Great shots! So happy that spring is almost here and the birds are singing again.
Thanks, Joanne.
He is chunky – glad he cooperated! Their song is lovely. This one seems to have more of a gold color then we see here. 🙂 Most often see them on fence posts by the road here – don’t slow down tho! 😉 Nice to know they may be on their way – early here yet and conditions certainly aren’t good yet. Glad I wasn’t living in Colorado yesterday with their Bomb Cyclone!
You’re right, Judy – there is a bit of gold in that yellow. I hadn’t noticed.
My sister Sheila lives in Montrose, CO. I haven’t heard that they had that terrible wind but I think most of it was on the front range.
Just have to love their song! While they are not real beauties with their busty chests and longish angular beaks, I think their bright yellow coloring and beautiful song is always welcoming. I do like that half hearted wing stretch…both photos are excellent the way they really stand out against the paleness of the background. 😍 I have been looking for them but have not seen one yet…only dozens and dozens of Horned Larks on every road I travel and drive with open window as they have really been singing their hearts out. They must know better than I that spring is around the corner.
Thanks, Kathy. I’m curious, do you ever see Snow Buntings mixed in with the flocks of Horned Larks? We get a few of them here but I don’t think I’ve ever photographed one.
Yes, they both mix in with them and they fly about in their own flocks, usually a dozen or more at a time. They are quite plentiful right now…probably getting ready to leave and are ‘herding up for the flight’. They are one of the ‘flightiest’ bird I have tried to photograph. They usually only land for a few seconds and are off playing ‘catch me if you can’. I find them close to farm yards foraging. Also the Lapland Larkspur will occasionally be in the mix…their non breeding colors mix in with the group well. I have a few photos of the SnowBuntings that I really had to work for!
I’m jealous!
He’s so striking ..especially against that muted background…beautiful….thanks Ron
Thank you, Steve. I wondered of all the out of focus twigs in the background would put folks off…
Great shots Ron! You must be on the mend from your surgery, that’s great! Hope it was sucessful.
Charlotte
I’m mending pretty well but it’s a slow process with many ups and downs. Thank you, Charlotte.
What a handsome fella! They are a bit like a tennis ball, aren’t they?
They sure are. Once they get into the air they’re surprisingly agile but becoming airborne often seems to be a bit of a struggle for them.
It’s all muscle, he says!
It must be to get that portly bird into the air!