I am not going to pretend I know much about the Western Meadowlark even though I am from Kansas where it is the state bird. We do have many of them in the lower foothills and fields of Mariposa County. They have the most beautiful song and you can often hear them as you drive by even if your windows are closed. The only time you can get a good photo of one is when the Male is sitting on a post declaring it’s territory.

They are common in arid grasslands and they winter in loose flocks. They feed on seeds, insects and worms. Adults have bright yellow breasts with a black "V" and white flanks with black streaks. The upper parts are mainly brown with black streaks. They have a long pointed bill; the head is striped with light brown and black. They average 9.5 inches in length and their wingspan is 14.5 inches Their color is more vivid when they are breeding in February through August.

A friend of mine recently loaned me "The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America" by David Allen Sibley. It is easy to carry and the illustrations and information are wonderful. You can obtain it at Amazon.com or your local book store.  I have ordered one for myself.