Meadowlarks have been arriving in good numbers for several weeks now but they’re quite difficult to approach in early spring. Once breeding behaviors begin in earnest they seem to be a little less skittish.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Each of these images was taken just over a week ago on Antelope Island. Here I like how the bird has deliberately (apparently) grasped a large number of rabbitbrush stems in order to support its weight. The background is the Great Salt Lake. These birds spend so much time with their long bills buried in dirt or mud as they forage that it’s fairly unusual for me to get a such a shiny, clean bill.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This messy beak is more typical of the species. In both of these images the perch is a little busy but I like the backgrounds and the contrasts in the two poses.
It won’t be long until the hills of Antelope Island will be literally ringing with the songs of the meadowlark. I sometimes pull off to the side of the road, turn the engine off and take a short walk just to enjoy the glorious sound of their calls over the stillness of the morning.
That’s an experience I could have later this morning if these blasted clouds would ever clear out!
Ron
I am happy you didn’t mind my comment. I think most of us wish we had the skill, time, lens power, knowledge, etc to photograph at your level. Then you give yourself a bit of trouble over what appears to be a terrific image. I guess as photographers we always see room for improvement. I think these are beautiful.
Of course I didn’t mind, Wendy. I appreciate your input. It’s a character flaw that I’m so critical of my images I guess but I can’t help myself…
Terrific photographs, Ron! Love the contrasting backgrounds…and beaks!
Our Eastern Meadowlarks have brightened in color as the breeding season approaches and they seem to be singing everywhere we go. Just like you, I enjoyed a morning cup of coffee the other day leaning against the truck and just listening to that clear, sweet song!
When I grew up in the avenues of SLC, I didn’t have far to walk to see and hear these melodic creatures. Now they have fled to greener pastures, and I am lucky to hear them once again in Teasdale. Thank you for the memories. I truly love these birds.
Lovely images. I saw one Eastern Meadowlark in Costa Rica and think you’re lucky to have these beautiful birds close by at times.
Yes, I am lucky in that regard, Sonja. I really enjoy meadowlarks and we have lots of them.
The yellow on the plumage just epitomises sunshine doesn’ it? And that song…
I am hoping that the clouds have gone back to bed and given you the treat of listening to them. Even briefly.
Thanks, Elephant’s Child. I did get out for some shooting this morning but the clouds didn’t cooperate very well (nor did the birds).
Two great photos…almost makes me believe Spring may come again after all…maybe…eventually. Your comments ALWAYS help me notice something I would otherwise probably overlook, like the bundle that bird has latched on to. Happy news for me–just heard that a friend heard a Meadowlark in our area a few days ago!!! He’s a feet in the ground, eyes to the sky, ears alert, open heart experienced trained naturalist who has raised, rehabbed and “released” (in quotes because sometimes “release” is turned down and they just want to hand around)many critters, birds in particular. You might be able to see him on a video called “John, Ducky and Picky”. I haven’t seen or heard a Meadowlark in this area for YEARS! If John says he has, I have no doubts! Wonderful news!!!
Patty, One of the reasons (though not the only one) I notice details like that is because I spend a lot of time masking the bird for sharpening with the image “blown up” to a large size, so I do tend to see details that a cursory glance might not reveal.
Thank you for these wonderful shots of this beautiful bird, and thanks a lot for posting the youtube link of its song. I agree with you about taking a walk to just listen to them, or be inside the car, engine turned off, not to disturb their melodious call. I did that so many times.
I’m glad you enjoyed listening to (and watching) the meadowlark sing, Rima. Thank you.
What sensational shots! These are lovely birds, but I think they are extremely difficult to capture! Great work Ron!
Charlotte Norton
Thank you, Charlotte.
Ron, when I read your posts and you find a reason to say the photo isn’t quite what you want I have to smile. I prefer having the environment in photos of birds and wildlife and in the two photos above you have a bit of it there. It is exactly as you saw it and it gives us the realistic image of the bird in its habitat. In fact, I think it adds to what otherwise would be a beautiful, technically well shot and well lit pretty portrait. Makes it more interesting for me.
You make a valid point, Wendy. Thank you.
I couldn’t agree more, Wendy…I love seeing the context. As well as the subject…it “grounds” the image and makes it even more real to me….
Amazing photos, it seems spring is really kicking in across the western hemisphere (UK based myself)
A big thanks from across the pond, Ashley.
These are lovely, Ron! The colors of the first photograph wake-up the part of my heart that is reserved for springtime. I will have to look up the sound of the meadowlarks online…
Thank you, Alison. You can both see and hear one singing here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvAUgFb1cLY