A startled Horned LarkStartled Horned Lark – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

A few days ago on Antelope Island State Park I was photographing White-crowned Sparrows and a Horned Lark near the group campgrounds in beautiful morning light. My main focus at the time had been on the White-crowned Sparrows simply because there were quite a few of them and they were very active but I focused on the male Horned Lark for a bit hoping it would do something interesting.

While I was focused on the lark a small bird; presumably a sparrow, zoomed past and I captured an image of a startled Horned Lark who reacted by raising his wings and calling while he moved down the rock a bit. Right after this image was taken the lark moved back to the top of the rock and continued singing in the warm rays of the sun.

Life is good.

Mia