Juvenile Western Meadowlark on the shore of the Great Salt Lake – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I have already seen Sage Thrasher chicks on Antelope Island State Park and I suspect it won’t be long before I see juvenile Western Meadowlarks learning how to fly and feed on their own.
Three summers ago I spotted this juvenile Western Meadowlark by the marina on the island and loved how the blue waters of the Great Salt Lake were in the background.
Juvenile Western Meadowlark and the Great Salt Lake – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
The Western Meadowlarks were at the shoreline feeding on brine flies just like the shorebirds often do. This young meadowlark took a few seconds to check me out before it went down a slop where I couldn’t see it.
The brine flies make for easy pickings for many of the birds that come to the shore of the Great Salt Lake.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Meadowlark photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great images and comments by all. Partly wet and cool lately in northern Utah.
Alert, gawky, charming.
And I love (as always) Patty’s comment. Perhaps this bird is the exception which proves the rule?
Terrific images of a future operatic star! How wonderful to see young birds and to know how beautiful they will soon become!
Hope your new week will be filled with peace!
Wally – Hot and Sticky in Florida
Mia, That can’t possibly be a young Wrstern Meadowlark….It’s beak is closed….it’s not singing!!!! I don’t think REAL Meadowlarks afe EVER quiet…unless they’re flying….Otherwise, these are wonderful shots!!! I particularly like the second with its spraddle-legged stance. Happy holiday!!!