When, What to My Wondering Ears Should Appear

But, the sounds of spring. You know it's spring when you start hearing the songs of the Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)--their scientific name sounds so disconcerting, doesn't it? The Meadowlarks have returned to the ranch with their sweet, melodic tunes. Every time I go for a walk or a hike I hear the welcome call of a Meadowlark.

Here at the ranch you often see Meadowlarks perched up on tall sagebrush. However, you often hear a Meadowlark way before you see it. They are about the size of a Robin and they have a bright, yellow chest, the yellow extends up their neck and spills over onto their face. They also have a distinctive, black, V shaped chest strap. In addition, they have brown streaks that run down their white/gray backs. These birds are easy to identify, both by sight and sound.

Western Meadowlark: from wikimedia

Meadowlarks nest on the ground and often cover their nests with a grass roof. Typically, they live in open country and can be found in grasslands, agricultural fields and the high desert. They like to eat insects, grain and seeds.

you can hear the song of the Meadowlark here: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Meadowlark/sounds.

Resources:
Western Meadowlark, (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2010 from All About Birds: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Meadowlark/id.

National Geographic Society, 1987. Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 2nd Edition. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society.