Morning Glory

wildflowers taken on the Pryor Mountains, Montana~6/24/2007~F10~1/500~ISO250~173mm

The early morning sun crests the eastern horizon, bathing the world in a soft yellow glow. Atop an aging cedar fence post, proudly stands a beautiful male Western Meadowlark. He raises his head to the heavens and uninhibited, he belts out a lilting song of love. In the distance, his call is echoed throughout the high planes. The songs reverberate from every direction as these beautiful birds claim their chosen territory, and hope to attract a mate. Females flit back and forth between the males, assessing their song, their beauty, and their condition. With a tilt of her head and a silent communication, she initiates a chase, testing her chosen male’s stamina and endurance.
The western Meadowlark song is a unique and beautiful chorus with perfect pitch and clarity, which will not soon be forgotten. This little bird stands as the state bird for Wyoming, Montana, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Oregon. I have often wondered as these yellow beauties sit atop their chosen perches, surveying their kingdom and singing their perfect songs, are they singing simply to attract a mate, or are they sharing their joy with us as well, welcoming in another beautiful spring.

Westen Meadowlark taken near Clark Wyoming~5/2/2008~F8~ISO400~1/500~500mm

5/13/2007~F6.3~1/320~ISO400~400mm

Wild flower photos taken two seperate days. One on the Pryor Mountains of Montana and the other on the Shoshone National Forest Wyoming

6/24/2007~F6.3~1/250~ISO100~400mm