ML246348761

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Media notes

Rich MacIntosh photo

Observation details

Immediately identified the bird as a meadowlark based on relatively large size, white outer rectrices as it flew away, and long slender pointed bill. Was joined by Jill Tengeres, and Rich and Molly MacIntosh. We determined it was a Western Meadowlark due to overall pale coloration, especially on the head, and photos indicated only the outermost two tail feathers were entirely or almost entirely white. We heard the birds call notes several times - which was a low "pluk" call, as it was perched at the top of a Sitka Spruce. We then compared the call notes of Western vs. Eastern Meadowlarks on our cell phone and agreed the call we heard was a lot less nasally than any of the Eastern Meadowlark call notes. This is the first Kodiak Archipelago record and the species is rare in the state. I am very grateful to Rich for his great photographs and have leaned a valuable lesson-never go on any hike without my camera...

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 70D

Lens

EF300mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x III

ISO

200

Focal length

420 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/400 sec

Dimensions

2605 pixels x 1681 pixels

Original file size

1010.04 KB