Last summer, working out in our island of plants, I kept noticing a bird that resembled a robin. It would hop along the ground, seemed agitated, but was not afraid to be close to us. Some time passed and this activity continued. We kept noticing the bird around the property line and always on the ground. One day, with robins around, we could see some distinct differences. He was bigger than the robins with a shorter tail and his colors were more orange. He was more “grounded” and didn’t fly up to the trees like a robin, nor would this bird splash about in a puddle or frequent the bird baths like our American robin – and there was an interesting black mark around it’s neck. This was a bird of a different family that I had not seen before.
Bird books came off the shelves and google was employed for information.
Bird books and internet searches – how I love doing research!
Image taken from the Illinois State Museum site. A lithograph from an original painting done by Richard Sloane.
Meadowlarks build their nests in the ground and feed primarily on insects and seeds. They are known to live in weedy orchards, which makes our property a good environment for them to set up of housekeeping.
On Monday, looking out the livingroom window, I saw what, at first sight, looked to be several robins. My excitement mounted when I saw the difference in the body size, color, which is more subtle than this picture, and the wonderful black bib that Mr. Meadowlark wears.
I was glad to see the meadowlark’s return and am hoping to discover a nest, or two as the male often takes two mates.
My heart sung at yet another sign that spring was in the air as I pulled the bird books out again and read about the meadowlarks and marveled at how much more there is to see and learn about in this world of ours.
How lovely. We always have meadowlarks around. I heard a pheasant make his aaah-eee rusty gate sound this morning. We don’t have as many as we used to because of the coyotes, but I still enjoy hearing them. The quail haven’t started looking for Bob White yet, but I expect them soon. I always get a kick out of their insistent call. I hear from my family in Marion, Il. that they are seeing Easter lillys in bloom already. I love spring.
Let me know when the quail finds Bob White. This is something I have not heard, but hope to some fine day. I remember seeing pheasants all they time on that long, boring ride from Chicagoland to Normal on old 66. Both are rare sites from my vantage point this days.
I love spring too. Such a hopeful time of year.