Western Meadowlark - Bailard Landfill - Oxnard, CA - 8 Jan 2020
As I was getting ready to leave the landfill parking lot around 12:30 pm, I noticed two to three birds foraging on the ground through the grass. They appeared to be kicking up dirt with their beaks and looking for insects. From a distance of approximately 30-50 yards, they appeared to be common bird with dull brown wings and head, but one faced me and the yellow on his breast caught my attention.
I took advantage of my binoculars in the back seat and focused on them. It took awhile for them to face me again, but the yellow appeared more brilliant on the throat and on the sides under wings from 3/4 view. Suddenly, one turned and faced me and the distinct black V pattern jumped out on the brilliant yellow breast. The crown had that appearance of alternating brown and black stripes that continued down the back and on the wings. I could not make out distinctive field marking of the beak size and shape. However, that yellow with black V was impressive. I grabbed my field guide and flipped through several pages until I clearly saw its match, the western meadowlark.
I spoke to Richard about it and he indicated that they are common visitors to the landfill. I will try to find them again tomorrow and see if I can study their calls.
All in all, a great find and new ID for me. Very exciting.
Weather was cool, 60 degrees, cloudy, with light breeze.
I took advantage of my binoculars in the back seat and focused on them. It took awhile for them to face me again, but the yellow appeared more brilliant on the throat and on the sides under wings from 3/4 view. Suddenly, one turned and faced me and the distinct black V pattern jumped out on the brilliant yellow breast. The crown had that appearance of alternating brown and black stripes that continued down the back and on the wings. I could not make out distinctive field marking of the beak size and shape. However, that yellow with black V was impressive. I grabbed my field guide and flipped through several pages until I clearly saw its match, the western meadowlark.
I spoke to Richard about it and he indicated that they are common visitors to the landfill. I will try to find them again tomorrow and see if I can study their calls.
All in all, a great find and new ID for me. Very exciting.
Weather was cool, 60 degrees, cloudy, with light breeze.