Before today, I had only seen an occasional Eastern Meadowlark, perched out in the open atop a low tree, or on a fence near a marshy preserve – its presence always signaled by its melodious singing 🎶.
But this afternoon, Meadowlarks literally appeared at every turn as we wandered through Dinner Island Ranch, a wildlife management area (WMA) in south Florida. What really surprised us was to see them hopping around in the low scrub of the dry prairies.
“They get their food by walking on the ground and probing with their bill. First they push their closed bill into the ground and then open their mandibles to disturb the dirt and expose grubs and worms—a common tactic for members of the blackbird family.” (All About Birds)
When viewed so close-up, it’s striking to see how large the Meadowlarks are. “This year-round Florida resident is not a lark, as its name suggests, but is in the same family as blackbirds and orioles.” (FWC).
So fascinating to learn more about this beauty – and a real treat to see so many in one day!!
Birder's Journey 
What a treat! We saw a meadowlark last weekend – first one in a long time. They’ve started singing for spring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Their song is so beautiful! I was amazed to see so many in one place today – and in such dry terrain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very impressive! I’ve never seen more than two in one general location. Lucky day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it was!☀
LikeLiked by 1 person
A most unique and handsome bird that is a newbie for me.
Thanks!📷
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad we got to see them so close!
LikeLike
What a treat ☺️!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was remarkable how many we saw – their bright color literally jumps out at you from the drab dry prairie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful !
LikeLiked by 1 person
The brilliance of the Eastern Meadowlark’s yellow is like seeing bursts of sunshine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful bird BJ, and superb captures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, AB. We felt very privileged to see them – my husband got some marvelous shots, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always such a joy to come upon a meadowlark, and what a double joy it must’ve been for you to come upon such an abundance. Thanks for sharing this delightful bird, BJ~~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jet! The first one we saw was a surprise burst of sunny ☀️ delight! Little did we know then how many more we’d encounter the rest of the trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So pretty! Thank you for the info. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thank YOU for visiting, Amy!
LikeLike
So beautiful! You were lucky to see many of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first one was a real surprise, and then they started popping up everywhere☀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful bird…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly is, and with a beautiful song, too! Thanks for visiting and following my blog, Maggie 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that bright yellow coloring they sport.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, such a brilliant yellow!
LikeLiked by 1 person