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March 11, 1962 - The Meadowlark The Meadowlark Exclusive Sunday Review Sketch by Dennis Puleston of Brookhaven Focus on Nature by Paul Stoutenburgh The coldest day I ever spent in a blind, or as the English would say, a hide, was when I was photographing the meadowlark three years ago. I had always admired this rug- ged bird with its lush yellow breast, striking black chevron and white outer tail feathers that stand out so when he flies. For some reason or other, I have never quite been able to photo- graph it during the nesting time. I prefer this time for photo- graphing mainly for three rea- sons. First, it's usually the warm- est part of the year and there- fore more . comfortable (some times though it becomes too warm inside the blind). Secondly, the birds are in their best mating plumage (this changes later to ragged coats from the wear and tear of strenuous feeding and parental duties). And thirdly, the bird naturally is confined to the nesting sight which makes it eas- ier for photographing. But like most photographers, being there at the right time with a camera never seemed to work out just right for the meadowlarks and me. To change this situation and capture on film this elegant bird, I made it my business to set up a blind in an old abandon- ed corn field nearby in hopes of changing my luck. Set Up Blind There was still snow on the ground and so I cleared a small area and baited it generously with seed. I try to leave my blinds unattended for a day or two so that the birds become ac- customed to them. The first chance I got I starred to outfit myself for a day's photograph- ing. Seeing the temperature was down in the teens, I bundled up like the proverbial space man and carrying camera, tripods, and miscellaneous supplies, went to the hide. Previously I had seen many meadowlarks in this field, glean- ing the few remaining kernels of corn or grain that poked above the white snowy cover, and so I knew it would only be a matter of a half an hour or so and my subjects would appear. Sure enough, soon three of four slowly FIELD OBSERVATIONS L R Ernest reports: Peconic Bay, Southampton -Feb 25 Buffle head (10) Old Squaws (20) Shinnecock Bay - Feb 25 Brant (200) Dennis Puleston reports: Brookhaven - Feb 28 ' Long -eared Owls (2) Woodcock (4) made their way toward the ex- posed feeding ground and in no time at all I was busy trying to capture a good shot. For some reason, meadowlarks, like some people, do not want to be photographed and it is very difficult to get a front view of the bird so that we may see its beau- tiful yellow vest. I had to be satisfied with some fairly good profile shots but with all the ice and snow in the back- ground it put this bird on my list as one of our welcome winter residents. Once Fair Game Grain probably makes up the bulk of the meadowlark's diet during the winter but by spring- time the diet changes as it does with so many other birds when the many forms of insect life are about. Because of its ground feed- ing habits in the field, its large size and its quail -like flight, this bird at one time was considered fair game for the hunter. To most of us, shooting at a small bird of this size seems almost ridiculous. However, we must I re- member that our country and its laws are comparatively young and until the concept of conserva- tion was developed there was some excuse for this action. Years gone by saw the slaugh- ter of small birds such as robins, blackbirds, bunting, shore birds and a host of ohers that to most would seem too small to bother with. Those were the days when there was no season and anyone could shoot any game so long as it proved profitable. Today we think of this era as past history, but unfortunately this practice still prevails in most of the undevelc. parts of the world. Our closest off-riders are probably Mexico, Central and South America. As these areas develop, conservation laws will become part of their way of life and this slaughter will end. As a matter of fact, it has been said that one of the ways a country's progress can be told is by its out- look on conservation. Spring Is Here Some meadowlarks are content to spend their winters here in the Brookhaven - Mar 1 RQugh- legged Hawk (2) Brookhaven - Mar 3 Fish Crow Bald Eagle Screech Owl Red - tailed Hawk Pitney's Pond, E Moriches -Mar 4 Shovelers (2) Mecox - Mar 4 Snowy Owl Canada Geese (1500) North while others, like some peo- ple, feel they must go South. March marks their return to this area and we will soon be thrilled with the familiar "Spring is here" call that once recognized is never forgotten. Although this call is not quite as melodious as, the west- ern species, I ask nothing more. As mentioned before, the bird is an exclusive ground feeder and therefore it is little wonder that during May it seeks its nesting sight amongst the grasses. The nests are usually half hidden and usually under a dry tuft or hum- mock of last year's grass, some- thing like a dutch oven. In many cases, tunnels from one to two feet long lead into the nest, there- by completely hiding it from sight. Trying to locate these nests by watching a bird land is almost impossible for they never land close at hand but usually some distance away, then they run, crouched low in the grass, out of sight, to the nest entrance. Nesting Areas The nesting areas are jealously guarded as one can tell from the great amount of rivalry between ,birds. Uusally on some high post, rock or uprising, the meadowlark will proclaim his territory in full song letting the whole world know that this is his native land. The tragedy in his bird's life is the fact that it continually builds its nest in the many hay- fields of upstate New York and here about. It was one time thought that their decline was due to the fact that early mowing destroyed their nests. And so with the passage of the horse and the decrease in the hayfields, we see our meadowlark once again a strong and vibrant bird in our territory. Meadowlarks are very seldom found individually but usually in small flocks or groups. They are never found in large flocks as is so common with their relative the blackbird. These flocks are never found in the woods, but always in the open fields, grasslands, grain or corn stubble fields. So as spring approaches and we all look forward to getting out and stretching our legs, let's keep a sharp eye open for the elusive colors and dashing flight of the ' beautiful meadowlark.