Horned Lark in early springHorned Lark in early spring – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/250, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Spring is springing up all over, I can see grasses turning green, the ice is melting off of the lakes and ponds and the snow is only thick in the high country. I photographed this male Horned Lark just two days ago and I’m tickled that I can see new growth of grasses in the frame.

Horned Lark fluffing in early morning lightHorned Lark fluffing in early morning light – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/400, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

The early morning light lit the bird, tiny grasses and the ground with a warm glow. I was bare handed and my fingers weren’t freezing! What a change for just over a week ago.

A male Horned Lark in early springA male Horned Lark in early spring – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/320, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

I saw flies, tiny moths and even a mosquito the day I photographed this Horned Lark. I’m not exactly looking forward to all of the bugs; I dread the start of the biting gnat season, but I am happy to feel the warmth of the sun and to watch as the hillsides and plains turn green. It all happens so quickly.

Mia