Western Meadowlark near Turlock Lake

The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) has such a breathtakingly beautiful song, but it has some beautiful coloring as well. I was out near Turlock Lake State Recreational Area on Davis Road the other day where I saw a dozen or more spread out along the fences enclosing the grazing lands. One of them was kind enough not to panic when my car rolled to a stop. It was a bit coy about showing off the brilliant yellow and black breast, though.

The winter migrants have mostly left for the northlands, but I've been seeing more of our year-round birds and southern migrants. I saw a single Kingbird earlier this week, but on Davis Road I saw several dozen. Spring is definitely here!