Western Meadowlark Posing In The Snow

Western Meadowlarks can be quite approachable when they’re singing on territory in the spring and summer but they’re generally shy at other times. So I was quite surprised yesterday morning when this one allowed a close approach as it preened on a snowy perch.

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Barn Owl Looking Even Goofier Than Usual

In my experience Barn Owls can look pretty goofy, even on a good day. With their conspicuous facial disc, small (for an owl) deeply set eyes and their long, ivory colored bill pointing almost straight down, they look, well… different. But I certainly don’t say that disparagingly. They’re magnificent birds and I love’m to bits.

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Plumage Development Stages Of Male Mountain Bluebirds

While photographing a juvenile male Mountain Bluebird in Montana last week I was struck by the interesting variation in color and patterns of the adult male in breeding plumage as compared to those of the juvenile male. I thought some viewers might be interested in a photographic comparison of some of their development stages.

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Horned Larks

Horned Larks aren’t one of the “glamour species” for many, probably partly due to the fact that they’re so widespread and common.  They’re found  throughout most of North America and much of Eurasia.  One of my scientific heroes, Carl (Carolus) Linnaeus, assigned the Latin name Eremophila alpestris (meaning “lark of the mountains”) to this bird, despite the fact that they commonly inhabit prairies, farmlands and deserts. These were the most common birds, by far, on the Montana farm where I grew up and they always bring back fond memories for me.  Many folks think of them as just another “mostly brown little bird” but when you get close their colors and patterns really stand out.  I really enjoy their soft, subtle call and have spent many hours watching them up close through my lens. These photos were taken on Antelope Island in the last few weeks.    1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not set up or called in  The sexes are similar, though the colors of the males are more vivid and the namesake “horns” of the female are less evident than those of the male.  This is the female.      1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not set up or called in  She posed for me for quite a while before flying off.      1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not set up or called in  This is the male, in a setting that shows more habitat.  Often the black horns are laid back flat on…

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