Western Meadowlark at Nighthawk Road, BC

A Western Meadowlark was filmed at Nighthawk Campground picking through freshly mowed, well-watered grass beside the apple orchard. This setting shows how managed landscapes can temporarily concentrate desert birds in British Columbia. Its beak was open not for singing, but to release heat during a very hot day. The meadowlark moved steadily through short grass, hunting insects flushed out by mowing and irrigation. This behavior creates excellent viewing opportunities for birders. Nighthawk Road is one of the best locations in BC to find desert and grassland species. The area contains orchards, irrigation ditches, recently cut fields, but more importantly sagebrush dominated hillside. A cool fact about Western Meadowlarks is their complex, flute-like song. Despite plain brown backs, they have one of the most musical songs in North America. Individuals often develop unique regional dialects that change from valley to valley. Follow the link for Nighthawk Road if you are heading out yourself. If you are looking for a guide in the area, check with Markus Weilmeier.