The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is one of the most
iconic birds of the prairies. They’re certainly hard to miss, easily identified
by their distinctive yellow chest, their abundance, and their sweet, melodic song
that echoes throughout the plains from sunrise to sundown. They seem to appear
out of thin air as soon as the snow starts to melt and the days start to
lengthen. Uplifting and cheerful, you can’t help but associate their song with
warm sunbeams and grasses blowing in a gentle breeze. Thus, the meadowlark has
come to symbolize the arrival of spring in the prairies, and I can’t think of a
more appropriate icon of springtime. When I arrived in Montana at the beginning
of March, I was already looking forward to hearing their buoyant tune.
March 3rd – The first day of field work introduces us to a typical day of harsh prairie winter: -20oF, cold biting wind, and a full blanket of snow on the ground. The only birds to be found are horned larks, rough-legged hawks, and the hardy grouse that persevere on the plains year-round. Warm days and meadowlarks seem a long way off…
March 10th – One week
water, temperatures hit the 60’s and we hike in t-shirts for the first time,
excited about the unseasonably warm weather. It’s certainly starting to feel
like spring, although noticeably lacking in birdsong.
March 11th – The first
three-flowered avens pokes its vibrant green leaves up through the thawing
earth, welcoming the warm temperatures. The meadowlarks are really missing out
on some prime springtime wildflower excitement here.
March 12th – Migratory
waterfowl start to settle in the ponds and marshes on APR. We observed northern
pintails, blue teals, goldeneyes and tundra swans. Surely the meadowlarks can’t
be too far behind?
March 13th – The first
butterfly floats through the gradually awakening landscape, searching for some
flowers and nectar. They’re a pretty good sign of spring, but still can’t
compare to the meadowlarks!
March 16th (morning) –
The first scarlet mallows and cinquefoils show their miniscule leaves on the
plains, fighting their way through last year’s litter. Many plants are sprouting up now for the
growing season, but it’s just incomplete without the meadowlarks and their lively
tunes.
March 16th (afternoon)
– Finally!! What a welcome sound! The first meadowlark breaks the silence of
winter with the song of springtime. Perched on a fencepost across the road, its
long-awaited voice rings throughout the plains and warms the heart of anyone
who listens. At last, the most iconic bird of the prairies has come back to its
home and brought with it the reassurance that springtime is indeed returning.
April 8th – The
meadowlarks are absolutely everywhere by now, and not a day goes by that I
don’t pause and listen to their cheerful melodies. In both an ecological and
cultural sense, they’re a ubiquitous and integral part of the prairie community
– life on the plains just doesn’t seem right without them. I also realized this
March while waiting for their return, that the meadowlark doesn’t only
represent the arrival of springtime, but also the hope and optimism that’s associated
with the changing of the seasons. Even during a token cold snap in April when
you wake up to a world of snow, you’re still in high spirits because as long as
there are meadowlarks singing, warmth and sunlight will assuredly return.
The herald of springtime and a
symbol of hope, meadowlarks will always be one of the best-known and best-loved
birds of the prairie. And every winter I will continue the patiently wait for
the day when that familiar, cheerful song rings once again through the
landscape, and then I’ll know that spring is just around the corner, the meadowlarks
are here to welcome it, and I am here to welcome them.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to peruse more of my photography fun at www.elainekennedyphotography.com :)
Thanks for reading! Feel free to peruse more of my photography fun at www.elainekennedyphotography.com :)
