I didn’t photograph many birds at Bear River MBR yesterday because it was windy. I did take photos of this handsome Western Meadowlark at the refuge though.
Western Meadowlark on a windy morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I found the meadowlark on the flats of the last leg of the auto tour loop, about 1/4 of a mile from the end of it. The meadowlark wasn’t close, and I had to hurry to take photos of it because I could see a vehicle quickly catching up to me in my rearview mirror.
The wind was supposed to have died down by 8 am. That wasn’t the case. The wind was an issue the entire time I was at the refuge, and at some areas of I-15 on the way home, the wind buffeted my Jeep too.
Wind can keep birds ‘down’; and with the exception of Northern Harriers, gulls, and ducks, it did just that yesterday. The harriers looked like they were simply enjoying the wind as they flew above the wetlands. The gulls seemed to be focused on some kind of hatch, way out in the marsh.
I did take a few videos yesterday and wanted to share this one that was taken on the west side of the auto tour loop to show how windy it was. There were whitecaps on the water! I don’t often get to see waves on the water at the refuge.
The wind really bothered my eyes yesterday, and I didn’t come home with many bird photos. Still, I enjoyed the scenery and the solitude I find at the refuge. It felt great to be there.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Meadowlark photos plus facts and information about this species.
The Meadowlark is beautiful. The detail is extraordinary. As for the video…I can practically feel the wind coming off the water. Wonderful! Thanks Mia.
Definitely windy. Which I am glad to see rather than experience. Like cats and children wind gets under my tail and drives me batsh*t crazy. Love the seemingly unphased meadowlark.
You have seen the large pieces of land and reeds the water action can actually push up onto the dikes out there. I have seen the wind blown dirt berms 5 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.
Handsome bird and background. Also good to see the landscape in action. —Jeri S.
Impressive wave action, almost like the ocean. Sad to see a length of plastic wrap floating near the shore. Worse stuff below the surface, as you have found. Cold wind really get to my eyes as well, stinging and watering stops use of binoculars and camera.
Kenneth, when I was videoing I thought about the wave action on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
What looks like plastic is actually foam created by the wind action on the water, thankfully. If it had been plastic I would have tried to use my net to get it.