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Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

Photo by Cody.conway
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

This colorful member of the blackbird family flashes a vibrant yellow breast crossed by a distinctive, black, V-shaped band. Look and listen for these stout ground feeders in grasslands, meadows, pastures, and along marsh edges throughout the West and Midwest, where flocks strut and feed on seeds and insects.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (12)
Debbie Stewart
Its good that you have them for that extra bit of reach with your lens though, they wouldn't work with mine as its an M4/3rds (Panasonic G3). I went to bed singing last night after you mentioned Amarillo ha!
Cody.conway
thanks Debbie - This was taken with the 5D Mk II and my 500mm F4 with the 1.4x TC to retain clarity and AF. The 2x was not used during this trip as most subjects were close enough to encounter without the need for the extra reach at the loss of IQ. I have a lot more shots uploading in the next couple of days from the trip up to Amarillo / Canyon. All the shots I post will be with this same setup. This image was from a good distance away - so it is slightly softer than I'd like, but still came out great! Thanks.
Debbie Stewart
wow, great detail in its feathers! did you use your tele converter lens again?
Cody.conway
Thanks GatorFellows and Sandra! Just to find one singing in the snow now and I'll be complete :-)
Cody.conway
Thanks Ava and Yuko. I was really happy with how the BG came out on this image, regardless of the artificial perch - even though it seems to be the most natural perch for Meadowlarks.
Ava T-B
I love most birds-on-barbed-wire pictures, but this one is particularly wonderful.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Texas Wildlife Photographers
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 25, 2013

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