The Elusive Meadowlark Although it is a year-round resident in coastal North Carolina, the Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) has eluded my camera for years. These are shy birds, mostly hiding behind the tall grasses of pastures and rural fields, where they are well camouflaged. When disturbed, these birds quickly fly away. Determined to photograph one, I started stalking around potential locations, seeking grassy places where they might be feeding. I looked near the margins of the local airport, around the golf club, and within various unmowed parcels of land (such as the one pictured below) on the outskirts of civilization. Then totally by accident one day, I stumbled upon this sign for “Meadowlark Apartments.” Sure enough, in a grassy field adjacent to this apartment building, I encountered the namesake bird. My patience had paid off and I managed to get a few pictures of the Eastern Meadowlark in its natural habitat. That’s how the Eastern Meadowlark looks when viewed from behind. Turning to reveal the front view, the vibrant yellow and black chest is always a breathtaking sight… Eastern Meadowlark in breeding plumage Moving through the grass, the meadowlark was probing for insects with its long, sharp bill. After pushing the closed bill into the ground, he would open his mandibles to disturb the dirt and expose grubs and worms before eating them. Climbing to a slightly elevated position, this male began singing. Maybe he was establishing his territory here, as the breeding season was already underway. I have read that the male Eastern Meadowlark typically has two or even three mates at a time. Notice how he seems to be tilting his bill upward as he sings, exposing his bright yellow breast. Maybe he’s showing off to attract a female. The Eastern Meadowlark builds its nest on the ground, often in a shallow depression and hidden by dense vegetation. Glancing around the flat, grassy fields, most of the land looked vulnerable to a lawnmower. A possibility was perhaps locating a nest under some adjoining shrubs … Although they were once called “Meadow Starlings”, Meadowlarks are not related to European Starlings at all. However, they do belong to the blackbird family (Icteridae). Here are a couple of local blackbirds that also forage in grasses… Boat-tailed Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Eastern Meadowlard Unfortunately, Eastern Meadowlarks are a species with declining population. This is due to the gradual disappearance of grasslands, thanks to development. For more photographs of birds like the Meadowlark, check these: Birds of Black >>Insect Eaters >>Steeple Sitters >>Birds Perched on Gravestones >> Please follow and like: Share this:FacebookXLike this:Like Loading... Post navigation A Mother’s VigilHello, American Oystercatcher!