Fluffed up female Horned Lark in the West Desert, Tooele County, UtahFluffed up female Horned Lark – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

I photograph tons of male Horned Larks but don’t have that many images of female Horned Larks, I was happy to find this beautiful female dancing and singing on a boulder in early morning light yesterday in Tooele County, Utah.

Calling Horned Lark female, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahCalling Horned Lark female- Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

There was a male nearby who was singing too and maybe her dancing around on top of the boulder was part of their courtship. Females have paler faces and heads than males and their “horns” are nearly invisible.

Singing female Horned Lark in Tooele County, Utah.Singing female Horned lark in Tooele County- Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

She might not have the flash the males have but she really is a beauty. The horned Larks are singing everywhere lately and it is always wonderful to hear them and get close enough for photos.

Female Horned Lark singing in the West Desert of Tooele County, UtahFemale Horned Lark singing- Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

You can see green in the background because new grasses are springing up since the weather has gotten warmer. It felt wonderful to have the warmth of the sun on me and still see snow on the top of the Stansbury Mountain Range.

Moon setting over the Stansbury Mountains, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahMoon setting over the Stansbury Mountains – Nikon D300, f11, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

After photographing the female Horned Lark we drove up the canyon and stopped to photograph the moon setting over the Stansbury Mountains. I was zoomed to 400mm plus the 1.4x TC was attached which is why the moon looks so large.

Horned Larks, watching the moon set, yes, it was a great morning.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Horned Lark photos plus facts and information about this species.