Spring Birds of the Rocky Mountains

[Teton Chuck]

The return of the birds is a sure sign that spring is coming to the Rocky Mountains. As a child I always looked forward to the return of the Western Meadowlark. It would wake me in the morning with its song and I would look out the window and see its bright yellow color. I photographed this Western Meadowlark in Grand Teton National Park. You can go to this link to hear the meadowlark song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvAUgFb1cLY



Unlike the Western Meadowlark, the Mountain Bluebird song is soft and often missed by observers. But what it lacks in vocal expression it makes up for with its color. A. C. Bent (1932) wrote of the Mountain Bluebird: "As it flies from some low perch to hover like a big blue butterfly over an open field, it sees to carry on its wings the heavenly blue of the clearest sky, and one stands entranced with the purity of its beauty." It arrives early in the spring in Jackson Hole and adds welcome color to an a landscape that is beginning to wake up from a long winter rest.

[JohnRostron]

Very nice pictures. I like the pose of the meadowlark.

John

[Donald]

Gorgeous.

Yes, it is always nice to feel we're back into that period of birth, growth both in terms of animal and plant life. For me, this year, it is tinged with sadness as I watch our garden come back to life and acknowledge that it was Sheila's creation. But the joy comes from knowing it is there and that, hopefully, I can go on enjoying it for many years.

[Wavelength]

WOW..... classic.... both

[Ziggy]

Nice looking birds and you captured them well.

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[deetheturk]

Wonderful captures Chuck, great backgrounds as well!

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks for all the comments. And Donald, I hope some beautiful birds visit you garden.

[kaneohebud]

Chuck:
Nice captures. I snagged a couple Mountain Bluebirds last time I was in Yellowstone. Beautiful little birds.

I'm heading your way 5/26 with a friend. Hope there is still some snow on the mountains and green with wildflowers in the valley.

[Barbara Ponder]

Beautiful shots!

[IzzieK]

How pretty these two are, the blue is almost not blue but irridiscent blue and the meadowlark singing has a nice pose...very beautiful...I'll soon get there with my birdie shots. I just need to practice some more...

I like most of the things Wyoming, even their politics. It is a beautiful country. You are so lucky! I would move there in a heartbeat but for 10 months of winter.

[dje]

Chuck these are beautiful birds and you've captured them very well indeed.

Dave

[John 2]

Lovely captures Chuck.

[ied]

Such beautiful colours, great capture made special by the meadowlark singing for you.

Irene

[Teton Chuck]

Bud, there will still be snow on the mountains, but you may be a bit early for the wildflowers. I hope you have enough time to take it all in.

[Teton Chuck]

Thanks to all for the comments. I'm glad I have a place to share.

[bnnrcn]

Lovely shots

[marlunn]

Cracking shots and great information too, I love this aspect of CiC - I learn something new almost every time I come here, thank you.