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The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is not common in Calgary outside of spring and fall migration months, preferring more of the open prairie environment. The Meadowlark nests and feeds on the ground, and can blend into the grassland very well when it isn't singing from an open perch such as a fence post.

Deb says that while she can't remember ever seeing one clearly in Alberta, the Meadowlark's song "sounds like summer" at her parents' acreage east of Edmonton. Our best views of the Meadowlark have come while traveling in the U.S., particularly Colorado and New Mexico. Adults with their brilliant yellow coloration are really quite amazing, and you wouldn't think they could hide so effectively down on the ground.

Resources where you can find out more:

I've got my eye on you, bubba...

I came across a Western Meadowlark while tracking a Western Kingbird, August 10, 2002 in the Inverness tech center area on the southern outskirts of Denver. Although the field I was moving through was very dry and dead-looking, it and the immediately surrounding play-ground and park-like area proved to contain a surprising number of birds.

By its plumage, this Meadowlark appears to be a juvenile. Regardless, it was very difficult to see in the tall dead grass. When it popped into view just beyond a bit of netting in the field, I managed to get a couple of clear shots. Very quickly the bird moved off at a run and I wasn't able to get any more decent photos. Fortunately, I was able to return to the Kingbird and a few others over the next couple of hours.

It was so hot in the sunlit field while I was tracking these birds that not only did I get a bit of sunburn, the LCD on my black cell phone cracked as it cooked in the heat while attached to my belt!

Photo info:

  • 320 x 370 true color
  • Exposure time: 10/12626
  • F-stop: 7.4
  • ISO speed: 400
  • Focal length: 71.2000 (plus 1.5X teleconverter)
  • Exposure bias: 0.0000
  • Metering mode: Pattern
  • Exposure program: Normal
  • Compression: 6
  • Camera make: NIKON
  • Camera model: E5700

I bet I can win at hide & seek!

Another photo of the Meadowlark from August 10, 2002.

Photo info:

  • 320 x 353 true color
  • Exposure time: 10/12755
  • F-stop: 7.4
  • ISO speed: 400
  • Focal length: 71.2000 (plus 1.5X teleconverter)
  • Exposure bias: 0.0000
  • Metering mode: Pattern
  • Exposure program: Normal
  • Compression: 6
  • Camera make: NIKON
  • Camera model: E5700

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