One or two pairs of meadowlarks sang and nested on the grassy field that was next to our Illinois condo before the land was cleared and graded for the new construction. The clear whistled song of the Eastern Meadowlark is generally interpreted as "Spring of the year!" They sing from the day they arrive in the spring until well into autumn, when most depart for points to the south. When we lived in New Mexico, the Western Meadowlark had a distinctly different gurgling or warbling song, which sounded to me like "Look at me, I'm a meadowlark!" I stopped the car to take these photos of one we saw at the side of the road just after going out our driveway. The light was rather harsh for this shot, but it is interesting to note that this bird's left leg has a swelling at the "ankle." I wonder what caused the malformation, whether disease, an injury or a developmental defect. While I have often captured only their brown backs, this is one of my favorite shots-- I love to catch them singing, as I did with this one at nearby Jones Meadow Park. Meadowlarks are abundant at Nelson Lake/Dick Young Forest Preserve about a mile away. This one seems to have responded to a command from the drill sergeant: "Left wing, Salute!"
Sweet stuff Ken. Meadowlarks are a group that continue to frustrate me photographically, especially because they're so conspicuous, and yet skittish as well.
Hi Ken, No that last one I waving 'good bye'! This is a lovely looking bird and you are right, it is wonderful to see it singing. I love the 4th shots best as he seems to be belting the song out!
Oh wow, brilliant photos Ken. What a gorgeous bird and you caught a great pose in that last shot. Thank you for identifying the Black Vultures in my post, I shall remember the white legs of the Black Vulture. Have a great weekend :)
Stunning shots Ken. The Meadowlark is a very beautiful bird and it must be a joy to get such superb pictures. The fourth one down is particulalry impressive - great bokeh.
I do so love meadowlarks....and their song. We don't have them this far south, but if we get up toward the N E part of Texas, out in the prairies, we can hear them. Beautiful images Ken.
I enjoyed every one of your awesome photos and had to smile at your indication of a salute in one. I'll have to see if we have meadowlarks where I live in Ontario, I think so.
I can't add any more to my comment that what I wrote to you yesterday {hootin' anni}...except "a second look at your meadowlark wonderment is phenomenal!!"
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Sweet stuff Ken. Meadowlarks are a group that continue to frustrate me photographically, especially because they're so conspicuous, and yet skittish as well.
ReplyDeleteNo problem for you, well done!
handsome devils! love them!
ReplyDeleteNice photos of this bird!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures -- this is a fabulous series. And as always mixed feelings of joy and sadness on your crops and clips posts.
ReplyDeleteHi Ken, No that last one I waving 'good bye'! This is a lovely looking bird and you are right, it is wonderful to see it singing. I love the 4th shots best as he seems to be belting the song out!
ReplyDeleteGlorious shots Ken of this songster in full vocal mode.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, brilliant photos Ken. What a gorgeous bird and you caught a great pose in that last shot. Thank you for identifying the Black Vultures in my post, I shall remember the white legs of the Black Vulture. Have a great weekend :)
ReplyDeleteStunning shots Ken. The Meadowlark is a very beautiful bird and it must be a joy to get such superb pictures. The fourth one down is particulalry impressive - great bokeh.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird. Sharp and clear images. Love to see their beaks open--they must be singing. MB
ReplyDeleteVery cute yellow bird.
ReplyDeleteI do so love meadowlarks....and their song. We don't have them this far south, but if we get up toward the N E part of Texas, out in the prairies, we can hear them. Beautiful images Ken.
ReplyDeleteGreat series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWOW, your meadowlark shots are awesome. It is a gorgeous bird.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed every one of your awesome photos and had to smile at your indication of a salute in one. I'll have to see if we have meadowlarks where I live in Ontario, I think so.
ReplyDeleteSuperb series on this colorful songster, Ken! I could listen to them sing all day.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of this pretty bird.
ReplyDeleteI can't add any more to my comment that what I wrote to you yesterday {hootin' anni}...except "a second look at your meadowlark wonderment is phenomenal!!"
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of a beautiful bird!
ReplyDelete