Featured Image - Fall 2001

Eastern Meadowlark 

Fall in Oklahoma means Eastern Meadowlarks are no longer paired but are now in large flocks in preparation for migration. Maybe they feel safety in numbers, but it's the only time I can approach even halfway close to these normally skittish birds. Last week, I found a flock early one morning in mostly tall grass at the edge of a large open field. Most of the birds could be heard foraging on the ground, and a few sentries were posted about. This is one of them. He allowed me to get to the edge of the tall grass without signaling the "Danger" call to his flock. He calmly sang while watching me. I have only seen them assume the striking "head thrown back" pose during the spring on territory.  I had to work my way in slowly hoping for a decent opening. This is the best I could get. Later in the morning I returned, and I stayed in the vehicle that time. They let me get to within 20'.

Every spring, I hold a bird photography workshop at Great Salt Plains in northwest Oklahoma. We always find Eastern Meadowlarks there returning to their territory to mate and proliferate the species. Their song is lovely and their colors beautiful.

     Technical Data