Waiting for the Meadowlark

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 3^rd – The first day of field work introduces us to a typical day of harsh prairie winter: -20^oF, 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 10^th – 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 11^th – 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 12^th – 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 13^th – 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 16^th (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 16^th (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 8^th – 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.



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