First Western Meadowlark of the year, Qu'Appelle Valley

Western Meadowlark in the valley © SB

Western Meadowlarks are back in Saskatchewan. We saw one yesterday along Rte 99, east of Craven in the Qu'Appelle Valley, and then heard another singing several kilometres on. (Still snow in the fields, so roadsides might be the best place to see many spring birds.)

These native birds, while not true larks (as opposed to the Horned Larks, for those who are into such things), are amazing songbirds, and their trills and melodies were among the first I learned when I started watching for Saskatchewan birds.

I love the sound so much that I once taped a Western Meadowlark singing, over the wind in Grasslands National Park. (With my little Flip camera. And did I mention the wind?)

The song of the Western Meadowlark means summer on the prairies to me, and the sight of their bright yellow V-marked throats makes me happy.

I'm also impressed by their camouflage markings... When I got home and downloaded my pictures, I had to search to figure out which one had the tiny Meadowlark, hidden in dead grasses!

Look left, then right, then cross the road. © SB

What are these? Western Meadowlarks.

Location: Near Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Photo dates: April 13, 2013.

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Western Meadowlarks - Prairie Fence Post Birds

East of Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada: Driving along the valley today, we heard the songs of meadowlarks. Spring must be here, even if snow remains in the forecast.

We passed at least three Western Meadowlarks sitting on fence posts beside the road. This meadowlark was so well lit that we pulled over and took a few pictures from across the road.

Fencepost Western Meadowlark, slightly obscured by grasses. © SB 

What is this?  Western Meadowlark. 

Location: Northeast of Craven, Saskatchewan, along Route 99.

Photo date: April 14, 2012. 

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Song of the Western Meadowlark: Grasslands

Grasslands: The Western Meadowlark perched high on top of a power pole at the edge of the park, and sang its downward trill above the buffeting winds. I couldn't see the meadowlark until it swooped down and away across the waving grasses.

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