Great-horned Owl perched in a farm hedgerow (David Bradbeer) Short-eared Owl hunting voles over a grassland (Hank Tseng). A farm lane in Delta, BC (Tyler Garnham). A Marsh Wren singing atop a hedgerow (David Bradbeer). A diversity of food grown in Delta, BC (Markus Merkens). Coopers Hawk perching on a fence (Markus Merkens). Barley growing in a Delta field (Tyler Garnham). Trumpeter Swans feed on a cover crop (David Bradbeer). Spring plowing on a Delta farm (Markus Merkens). Snow Geese taking off from a farm field (David Shackleton) Ladybird beetle on a barley plant (David Bradbeer)

Western Meadowlark

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Western Meadowlarks are grassland songbirds that often inhabit agricultural fields. They are known for their melodic songs, somewhat of a mixture between a thrush and a red-winged blackbird (to whom they are related).

Often found in large flocks in the winter, Western Meadowlarks can be identified by a striking black “V” on their necks over a bright yellow throat. They flare out their outer white tail feathers as they fly away or land, an act which can be rather eye-catching in an open field. Grasslands provide suitable habitat for breeding and foraging.

Western Meadowlarks will construct nests on the ground that are woven into surrounding vegetation and are often camouflaged with a grassy layer on top. They tend to feed mostly on insects, seeds, and grains.

Though the species is considered globally secure, in some areas their populations have declined due to agricultural practices and other habitat alteration. Historically, Western Meadowlarks were bred within the lower Fraser River Valley, however the last known nest was found in 1986. The species continues to be seen on different agricultural fields throughout Delta in the winter, but not in the summer.

While farm management can be detrimental to Meadowlark nesting, some areas could function as nesting habitat. Grassland set-asides and old fields are not disturbed during the spring and summer, and so could be used as nest sites. Perhaps with time, by providing suitable habitat through programs such as the Grassland Set-aside Stewardship Program, we could live to see a return of breeding Western Meadowlarks to the Fraser River delta.

Photo by Kevin Cole