Couple new spring migrants for me this spring

[MN Shutterbug]

An Egret friending the ducks and coot.

Don't see enough of these anymore. Meadowlarks used to be common in SW MN but loss of habitat has really reduced their numbers. Same story with Red-headed Woodpeckers which are really rare around here these days.

I also spotted a few Yellow-headed Blackbirds alongside a highway today and one fly by a slough.

[eyeguy 54]

I miss meadowlarks. hopefully will see some while in ND next month.

[Sturg]

I haven't seen many egrets yet. Nice meadow lark shot!

[Dbl]

I miss those Meadowlarks as well. They have such a cool song.

[Dotch]

Have bumped into a few meadowlarks this spring. Of course it helped to be hanging out in someone's hay field. Hoping when spring finally settles in there are some in the pasture or CRP area.

[MN Shutterbug]

The strange thing about this Meadowlark is, I drove by the same tree the previous week and one was in the exact same location. Also, didn't see another one in the area. Maybe it's the same Meadowlark and he didn't move in a whole week?

[eyeguy 54]

must have liked that fence post

[Dotch]

Could be. They were always one of the early birds (no pun intended) growing up as a lad. And they'd stick around with more hay fields and other nesting habitat to choose from back in the day. A western meadowlark would sing almost every early evening from a dead branch in the top of a pin oak east of our house. Man could he ever sing. The low sun would shine off his yellow breast, making him a true sight to behold.

[eyeguy 54]

When I think of a meadowlark I think of my mom. She passed in 2009 at 85. She loved the larks song and I used to whistle it to make her smile when she got old.

[jentz]

meadow larks,Bob-O-Links,Redheaded are birds of memory.All their habitat has been put under the plow.wood stands dropped for fields an crops.I envy you and getting that pic!

[MN Shutterbug]

must have liked that fence post

What fence post?

Two years ago was the first time I'd ever seen Bobolinks around here. I'd caught a glimpse of one about 30 miles from here a few years ago and was thrilled to see one. But 2 years ago, I saw several in this area, along with Dickcissels. I was quite surprised and excited to get quite a few photos.

[eyeguy 54]

I remember many sitting on fence posts back home.

[MN Shutterbug]

Same tree 1 week late