Eastern Meadowlark, Sturnella magna

Eastern Meadowlark

A beautiful [almost] spring morning meant I had to get out and see what had arrived already. I headed out to Rollins Savanna, one of my favorite birding places and wasn't disappointed with the number of early migrants. The most numerous (and boisterous) was the Red-winged Blackbirds, which although attractive, don't hold my attention for long.

Somewhat less obvious were the pairs of Eastern Meadowlark that were calling from time to time. But it didn't take me long to locate them and start aiming my camera at them. I was particularly pleased with the shot above as not only is it a flight shot, but it shows the color on the back of the bird (click on the photo for a larger version).

Red-winged Blackbird

Here's one of the many male Red-winged Blackbirds that have already arrived. The male Red-wing's arrive first and set up territories before the females get here. This one like most of the others was letting me and everyone else know this was his patch!

Hairy Woodpecker

My final picture of the day was from Volo Bog and is this Hairy Woodpecker banking as she headed back for her tree. There were are pair of Hairy's flying back and forth along with a single Downy - boy the difference in size between the Hairy and Downy is obvious when you see them together!

I ended up with a little over 100 'keeper' photos, which is pretty good - I took over 200 initially! I even ended up with a little sunburn on my forehead....that will teach me to wear a hat next time!