Male Horned Lark

Male Horned Lark at the edge of a road – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Two days ago while on Antelope Island I photographed a male Horned Lark that seemed to have a big attitude which was really about him defending his territory. When I first saw the male Horned Lark he was perched on a weathered, flowering shrub. When he saw another male Horned Lark move into his territory both males took to the air and chased each other around. After this male succeeded in chasing off the other bird he landed on the sandy road.

As I started taking photos of him I noticed that his posture looked like he had an attitude. Of course that is just me assigning a human attribute to his posture. He was most likely simply keeping an eye on the other male in the distance.

Anyone who has spent time observing male Horned Larks in the spring is probably aware that they are very territorial during the nesting season and that threat displays and chases are not uncommon. During threat displays the males stand erect, much like this male is doing, and will run or fly towards the intruding male. They can be pretty feisty.

By this time of the year Horned Larks may be working on their second broods. These larks start nesting as early as February or March here in northern Utah. I looked for young Horned Larks on the island two days ago and while I didn’t see any that could be because they blend into the habitat so well. To see young Horned Larks moving slowly through areas where they nest, breed, and rear their young is the best approach. Even with my keen eyesight and observation skills they can be difficult to spot and easy to miss.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Horned Lark photos plus facts and information about this species.