Re: [cobirds] Is the Boulder Co. meadowlark a Lilian's meadowlark?

Hello everyone . . . to my ears, Ted, the bird sounds just right for Eastern (honest-to-God) Meadowlark  . . .

I don't hear any downslurring at the end that is (apparently) associated with lilianae.

sebastianpatti@hotmail.com
Sebastian T. Patti
770 S. Grand Avenue

Unit 3088

Los Angeles, CA 90017 
CELL: 773/304-7488

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From: cobirds@googlegroups.com <cobirds@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Ted Floyd <tedfloyd73@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 1:00 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cobirds@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [cobirds] Is the Boulder Co. meadowlark a Lilian's meadowlark?

 

Hey, all.

Hannah Floyd and I caught up yesterday evening, Thurs., June 25, with the eastern meadowlark that's been summering at Teller Farms, Boulder County. Conditions were trying, with a steady west wind (a dry squall was passing), eccentric lighting, and the various noises associated with that infernal ditch. Nevertheless, we succeeded in obtaining audio, video, and photos of the bird.

Audio:

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/245783731

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/245784621

Video:

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/245786061

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/245787041

Photos:

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/245787831

https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/245787841

Based on various details of plumage and song, I wonder if this meadowlark is a Lilian's meadowlark, Sturnella magna lilianae (=S. lilianae, a full species, by some authorities).

Any thoughts on that?

And here's a thought we'll all agree on: Whatever it is, the bird sings a bright, beautiful song! At the exact same bend in the trail as the meadowlark, listen for Dickcissels and Bobolinks. They're there with the meadowlark--and less taxonomically vexing.

Ted Floyd
Lafayette, Boulder County

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