Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

This was taken after we had an 11 inch snowfall here in northern Utah. I noticed a single Western Meadowlark sitting all hunched up on a rock, after that we found several more meadowlarks who all seemed to be trying to warm up in the early morning light. Some of the meadowlarks had ice encrusted tails, I imagine from condensation formed on the rocks as the night temperatures plummeted. You can see the ice on this bird's tail and some grass seedheads embedded in the ice too.

D200, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 250, -0.3 EV, 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, 61% of the original frame. Larger version provided. One very bright specular highlight toned down in the background.

As always, I sincerely appreciate your comments and critiques on my images. Thanks for looking.