Close up of a singing Western MeadowlarkClose up of a singing Western Meadowlark – Nikon D810, f13, 1/500, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It was chilly yesterday on Antelope Island but the Western Meadowlarks were singing from perches on rocks and on top of sagebrush. They are still acting skittish and won’t allow close approaches for the most part but this meadowlark was right next to the road and didn’t fly off when approached but the problem was that it was too close for my 500mm with the TC on so I decide to just take close ups while it was singing. I could have removed the TC and switched to FX mode or used my backup body with the Nikkor 70-300mm VR attached but it isn’t often that I have the opportunity to take portraits of meadowlarks so I jumped at the chance.

The calls of the Western Meadowlarks have changed over the past few weeks and now they seem to be using the calls that they use when looking for a mate. It is still a bit early but it has been such a warm winter that many of the birds are acting like it is time to breed.

Maybe they too are tired of the “winter that wasn’t” and want spring to arrive like I do.

Life is good.

Mia

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