Western Meadowlark perched on snow – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had a great time photographing a Western Meadowlark in snow yesterday on Antelope Island State Park near the White Rock Bay campgrounds. The meadowlark was perched on one of the snow-covered sagebrush that I photographed and posted here. It wasn’t as chilly yesterday as it has been recently but the meadowlark seemed to be warming up in the warmth of the sun and it stuck around.
Western Meadowlark stretching on snow-covered Sagebrush – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There was another Western Meadowlark nearby but the light on this one was wonderful. After a bit the meadowlark stood up and started to stretch its legs so I knew some action might follow this behavior. I locked my focus on the bird and waited for what was to come. I wasn’t sure of the meadowlark was going to take off, preen or simply settle back down on the snow.
A Western Meadowlark on a puff of snow – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As the meadowlark began to stretch its wings the snow beneath its feet crumbled a bit which resulted in this goofy, unbalanced pose that I like a lot. There is even bits of snow flying near its neck and past its right wing.
A Western Meadowlark wing lift – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Western Meadowlark very quickly regained its balance on the puff of snow it was perched on and lifted its wings just slightly above its back…
A Western Meadowlark on snow-covered Sagebrush – Nikon D810, f8, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Before it settled back down on the snow-covered sagebrush it was perched on. I can’t help but laugh at this image and the other ones I took after the meadowlark settled back down because when it fluffed itself up it looked like the meadowlark had swallowed a tennis ball because it was so round.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Meadowlark photos plus facts and information about this species.
Nice series of images, but my favorite is the one in a fluffy ball trying to keep warm.
Stunning images Mia! Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2016.
Amazing. And beautiful.
Beautiful colors. Isn’t nature the ultimate artist!
Beautiful shots Mia. Have a Merry Christmas! (and keep the wonderful photos coming!)
Isn’t he just a little ball of sunshine on the snow? Love him, Mia and your gifts you share with us. Thank you!! 🙂
Very nice series! You got him good! Merry Christmas!
What a great series Mia… Well done!!!
And by the way, have a great holiday…
Take care, be safe, and stay well.. ;-)))