Ok, despite the fact that it’s turning colder again this week I’m now convinced that spring has arrived because two days ago I finally got close enough to photograph a singing Western Meadowlark – my first of the year.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
I was sure the bird would fly off as I approached, just as all the others have this spring, but this one stuck. I like the somewhat different head angle in this shot.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
I probably have more trouble with framing this species than any other because their legs are always longer than I think they are when they’re buried in the perch like this and I typically don’t leave enough room for at least one of them. This time I think I did.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
When the bird would break out in song it truly lifted my spirits, as it always does. They’re just so enthusiastic about it and when you’re close the sound can go right through you – in a good way. I’m always impressed by the size of their mouth which seems to be exaggerated some by that long beak.
I suspect there are a few of my regular readers who are unfamiliar with the call of this songster (Elephant’s Child in Australia, for example) so I’ve provided a link to their song if you’d like to hear it (scroll down about half-way).
These birds (and their song) always make me think of my childhood on the Montana family farm. So many good memories…
Ron
I love the song of the Meadowlark, have got my tapes of bird calls and songs out and am listening to them. Great photos!
You are not only and amazing photographer, excellent commentator, but a kind and thoughtful man. I so enjoyed this series!
Charlotte
Lively, hopeful little harbingers of spring! Thanks for the wake-up! They are so very pretty both in song and in color.
Those are beautiful photos. The vocalizing capture is perfect. Sad that we don’t see or hear this bird in Eastern Iowa.
Ron, these are so beautiful (it seems like I say this in all my comments). It makes me feel happy just looking at them. The link to the song was lovely as well. Thanks!
Excellent shot!! You’ve captured the essence of this species. Wonderful song, brings back memories of when my family went camping throughout the west. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Dick. I suspect this bird brings back good memories for a lot of folks.
Thank you so much for the link. I loved hearing it – and its bell-like tones could only herald spring. And yes, you did capture its relatively giraffe-like legs in all of these shots. A stunning little bird. That is such a pure yellow in strong contrast to its coffee and caramel coloured feathers.
I figured you might enjoy the sound clip, Elephant’s Child. There’s a lot more of that yellow on the breast but at this angle (sun and pose) it’s hard to see well.