This was the strangest behavior I’ve ever seen from a meadowlark, though it was difficult to capture photographically. I encountered this bird three days ago on Antelope Island. It was perched on top of a bush in low light so I had to get a little creative to mostly freeze its twitchy movements. I dialed in camera settings that gave me as much shutter speed as possible and then amped it up a little more by deliberately underexposing the images and hoping I could compensate later during processing. It seemed to work out reasonably well.
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
The meadowlark wasn’t preening, at least not in the normal sense. This may seem a little crazy but it looked exactly like the bird was trying to bathe in nonexisting water. It repeatedly put its head down, crouched, fluffed and shook, just like it was standing in shallow water and bathing. It repeated the pattern for at least a minute. It was pretty bizarre to watch but difficult to photograph because each time it did so its head and the left side of its body was shaded. I guess you had to be there…
1/1600, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
In-between “bathing” bouts the bird would droop its wings, stand more erect and look about. I actually like this image quite well.
1/1250, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D, 500 f/4 II, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I include this shot because I’m not sure I’ve ever noticed this yellow on the outside wing-margins of meadowlarks. It may be a quirk of this individual bird or it may be very common and I’ve just missed it in the past (or forgotten, which does seem to happen a bit more frequently these days…).
Ron
Note: For the next few days I’ll be out of town on my first camping/photo trip of the season so I won’t be able to actively participate in any discussions that may pop up in the comments (though I will be reading them on my phone).
Love these photos. Your description of what the bird was doing made me laugh. The first photo looks exactly like a bird taking a bath. Amazing.
Great series, Ron. In the second image, the bird is obviously “drying” his wings after his virtual bath. 🙂
In that first shot he looks a bad tempered little bird. Scowling at the interloper who is rude enough to photograph his ablutions. Amazing captures – as always. And, even more amazing, an image that you are happy with!!! Some day (perhaps) you will be less self critical. Yes, I know, unlikely.
You mention not previously noticing the yellow edge to the wings, Ron – but I can’t say I’ve ever realized how orange they are under the wings and over the eyes. At first I thought perhaps it was the light, but the chest is still bright yellow. Interesting!
One of my sisters lives on Bald Head Island, off the coast of North Carolina. This winter the temps. There were actually lower than South Dakota and parts of Alaska, The large planter saucer she uses as a birdbath, froze solid, but that didn’t stop the “regulars” from trying to bathe. They slipped, slid and fluttered on the icy surface,…going through all the motions of bathing, anyway. Then shuffled their feathers and flew off. A few years ago, I noticed a commotion in the top of one of our maples. A bright red cardinal was thrashing around through the leaves. At first I thought he was in trouble, then realized to my delight that he was “bathing” in the dew-damp leaves. I’ve seen birds sip dew drops from leaves before, and done so myself, but never saw this behavior before. It was a lot of fun to watch. When was done, he shook himself off, flew to a sunny branch and preened.I wonder if that’s what your little guy was doing. great photos of one of my favorites, anyway.
Very interesting and sensational shots of the behavior Ron! I can never get close enough to even get a decent shot! These are really fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing!
Charlotte
Yes, they’re often a challenge to get close to. Thanks very much, Charlotte.
Great shots! The mustard color is wonderful. Like you, I like the 2nd photo, but like his expression in the first. Interesting observation – and as always, thanks for including the background notes.
I like that silly posture/expression too, Patricia. Thank you.