ML161302311

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

***Rare in CT. 2nd state record. Seen in the Nature center parking lot as cars were filling in fast. I had assumed it was eastern but later identified by others through photos. I was alerted to the meadowlark’s presence by text from MK. I went to see it along with JS. Afterwards I told two other birders about it. Apparently MD had photos and got the ID confirmed. My first impression was that it was paler on the back, photos by JS show light spotting on whiter flanks not heavy streaks as in eastern, non-contrasting head pattern, thinner V on breast, yellow on throat in submustacial. I thought it was unusual in that it was close to cars and people filling up the grassy lot. It kept flushing as new cars came in steadily and relanded in remaining grass next to other stationary vehicles. Either the bird was exhausted or simply not accustomed to humans or cars. From reports this situation with the memorial day crowds eventually flushed it to the adjacent marsh. Photos below by JS with whom I viewed the bird.

Technical information

Model

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

ISO

100

Focal length

215 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.5

Shutter speed

1/250 sec

Dimensions

4000 pixels x 3000 pixels

Original file size

2.88 MB