Photographing this Western Meadowlark on Monday on my way back to I-15 from Bear River MBR was so much fun for me that it probably ought to be illegal.

Back view of Western Meadowlark in fall, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahBack view of Western Meadowlark in fall – Nikon D500, f8, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Why? Because the meadowlark seemed to be posing like a model just for little ole me! The meadowlark started off by giving me a great back view with an over-the-shoulder look directly at me and my camera.

Side view of a roadside Western Meadowlark, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahSide view of a roadside Western Meadowlark – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Next up came a striking side view, with one foot raised and lovely eye contact. The simple, out-of-focus mountain and sky background placed all the attention on the sharp looking meadowlark.

Western Meadowlark profile view with a head turn, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahWestern Meadowlark profile view with a head turn – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

A profile view with a head turn was the next pose the feathered poser gave me. The stern look in the bird’s eye of course, was all in my mind.

Puffed up head on Western Meadowlark, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahPuffed up head on Western Meadowlark – Nikon D500, f8, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Soon, the meadowlark turned and faced directly towards me. Yes, I know I didn’t get catch lights in the bird’s eyes, but this look was so funny I felt that I simply had to share this photo.

Squatting Western Meadowlark with flipped feathers, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahSquatting Western Meadowlark with flipped feathers – Nikon D500, f8, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Before long, the meadowlark changed poses again and squatted down. A light breeze flipped up some of the feathers on the left flank of the bird. By then, I was laughing and was having trouble trying to stop my laughter.

Puffed up and scrunched down Western Meadowlark, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahPuffed up and scrunched down Western Meadowlark – Nikon D500, f8, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I held my breath to stifle my laughter, and in the very next frame, this is what I saw. I gave up and laughed some more. I won’t even mention what I thought it looked like the bird was doing in this part of the series of images.

Western Meadowlark frontal view but looking sideways, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahWestern Meadowlark frontal view but looking sideways – Nikon D500, f8, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

When the meadowlark straightened up, I had a frontal view of the bird looking sideways. Yes, it was as if this bird was modeling just for me, showing itself at all angles.

Fall Western Meadowlark at Bear River MBR, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahFall Western Meadowlark at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f8, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

My last images of the meadowlark were all of this pose with just slightly different head angles. By that time, my stomach was letting me know it needed food, so I thanked the meadowlark, turned my Jeep on, and headed towards home.

This Western Meadowlark amused, enchanted, and delighted me the entire time I had it in my viewfinder. Maybe having that much fun should be illegal. Nah, I’m only kidding about that. I live a life filled with birds that fuels my passion for them.

Life is good.

Mia

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