Western Meadowlark on a Bison manure perch – Nikon D500, f9, 1/800, ISO 320, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed this Western Meadowlark one year ago today on Antelope Island State Park and seeing the new growth of the grasses felt great after a long winter.
Western Meadowlarks are year round residents in northern Utah although I have noticed that their numbers do decrease somewhat during the winter. The meadowlarks have already begun to perch up high on bushes, shrubs, rocks to sing and could already be attempting to find mates. Two days ago on the island I noticed new growth of grasses and even the Red-stem Filaree has begun to show signs of awakening after the winter. When I photographed this Western Meadowlark last year it was catching caterpillars on the ground near this poopy perch and it consumed one of the caterpillars on top of it. I’d bet there are caterpillars emerging right now on the island too.
The weather forecast for the rest of this month looks dreary for me as a bird photographer because of cloudy skies but it looks like we will be getting some rain and possibly a few snow flurries which will help with spring green up. It also looks like I will need to be ready to dash out the door when a sucker hole opens up if I want to take photos of birds with some sunshine the rest of this month. I doubt I will stay home even on days that look iffy for bird photography because I know that spring migration has begun and I’d rather not miss it even if the light isn’t going to be all that great.
If this Western Meadowlark can make the best of the bison manure perch I’m sure I can make the best of some crappy weather.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Meadowlark photos plus facts and information about this species.
Well, he chose a nice “stool” for his performance! Beautiful crisp image!
Sorry everyone, I was trying to set up a plugin on my site and it was interfering with comments showing up right away
Terrific shot Mia and, as usual, your narrative is wonderful. The meadowlark is a beautiful bird with a great name. Smart too…bet there are some yummy bugs in that Bison poop. Thanks.
My comments don’t show up gor some reason…love this image so will Try again…bison meadow muffin looks like old, weathered wood…quite pretty.
That beautiful bird definitely “polishes the turd.” 😉 Thank you for sharing such a lovely image for today!
Bison meadow muffins, twisted, weathered wood—who cares…..BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL image!!!!!!!!!!!
Spring is an exciting time of year isn’t it?
And love the way the Meadowlark decorates its perch.
Lovely colors despite the perch. I like to go out on these early spring cloudy days just for the smells and sights, especially when the clouds can part and show a spectacular blue patch.
Nice