If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).
Thanks Paul…you’re so right…love the gurgle.
The yellow on the side of the throat (called the malar) indicates Western. Both Eastern and Chihuahuan Meadowlarks have white malars. Since Easterns and Chihuahuans overlap only in W. Texas, you can be fairly certain that a Meadowlark with white malar seen in AZ is a Chihuahuan.
Score! Thanks for the detailed ID information, Chuck. I appreciate it. And an additional thank you on the photo compliment.
It's a grassland species. If you lack agricultural fields near the coast, you might try smaller airports used by corporate and private aircraft. During breeding season, males sometimes perch up on fences in early morning, where they can be more easily heard and seen. When feeding, they disappear down into the grass.Real pretty image of a bird that eludes me!
Thanks Steven. Traipsing off trail was well worth the shot. Had it been a typical Tucson day with bright and blue sky the photo would have taken a totally different turn. That’s why cloudy days are “special”…the light is …..different.