The yellowed winter grasslands yawned like an empty concert hall until the meadowlark began to sing.
It was a glorious sound that filled the wilderness silence with lilting notes of energy and joy.
It was also something unexpected on this winter day as I hiked through the Santa Ysabel Reserve. Typically, the male western meadowlark breaks into song as the breeding season approaches in late spring and summer.
But a little research told me that there are occasional bouts of winter singing, and today I was the sole beneficiary of this complex, melodious song that filled the still air with enormous volume.
As I paused to watch and listen to this mountain musician perched on a weathered fence post, it was hard to not be uplifted by the energy and enthusiasm of this petite animal, not to mention the beauty of his song.
Was he singing with high hopes of attracting a breeding partner, or was he simply overjoyed at the beauty of his surroundings, the soft sunshine and the azure-blue sky?
While not an uncommon San Diego County bird, the meadowlark is something you are unlikely to see in urban backyards.
This is a common grassland bird that loves open spaces with an extensive range that spans east to the Mississippi River.
These are birds that primarily feed on insects, but they will also eat native seeds and berries.
Meadowlarks are ground nesters; they build a pouch made of dried grasses and line it with softer material. The nest is anchored to surrounding vegetation and will sometimes have an entrance tunnel.
Winter will increase bird numbers here with migrants coming from colder areas to the north, but the San Diego County population of meadowlarks is composed of year-round residents.
Here, the meadowlark is most common in the open grasslands of Ramona, Otay Mesa, San Pasqual Valley, Mission Trails Regional Park, Warner Springs, Proctor Valley, and the San Felipe Wildlife Area.
In addition to their lovely song, the meadowlark is a colorful bird about the size of a robin and with a brilliant yellow breast decorated with a distinctive black V-shaped bib.
Feathers in the upper part of the body are brown with black bars and spots, and a white stripe runs from the beak back through the eye.
But it’s the song of the meadowlark that is most distinctive, often described as pure whistles and clear, gurgling notes.
Home and Garden blogger Budd Titlow describes their crooning as “joyously bouncy musical trillings.”
The meadowlark sings with commitment, tossing the head back, puffing its chest and opening its long beak to let go with its booming melodies that include as many as 10 different tunes.
Soon the summer meadows will be filled with the symphony of the meadowlarks. And you don’t even have to wear fancy clothes to enjoy it.
Spring update
It’s hard to believe that in about a month, some of our winter visitors will be departing and our summer bird migrants will begin to arrive.
One of the most anticipated seasonal visitors is the colorful hooded orioles. They begin arriving here at the end of February.
By mid-March, orioles will be common visitors at backyard feeders, bringing joy with their comical antics, nesting activities and the arrival of fledglings in a month or so.
About that time, I typically begin to get email from eager backyard bird watchers asking how they can attract the neon-yellow and jet-black birds.
Orioles are sugar junkies, just like hummingbirds.
Many people put out grape jelly or sliced oranges, but that often attracts flies and bees, and it can get a bit expensive.
I have found the best solution is homemade nectar made from one part sugar and four parts boiling water. Let it cool before putting it in a clean oriole feeder.
I have used the First Nature, 32-ounce oriole feeders for years and find them easy to fill and keep clean. Hummingbirds will enjoy these same feeders.
Hang feeders near trees, but in the open. To avoid sticky walkways, I hang them over shrubbery.
Guest amenities
The key to attracting birds to your garden is simple. Providing food, water and cover.
Some birds prefer seeds, so trays or hanging seed feeders will attract them.
Ground birds such as dove, quail and towhees will eagerly peck at seed on the ground, but the birds need cover close by in case a prowling Cooper’s hawk is looking for an easy lunch.
Many birds are insect or berry eaters, so a garden filled with plants that attract insects or offer berries will attract different species.
Water is especially attractive.
Just about every species of bird enjoys bathing and drinking, and here at Mt. Hoo, we have three fountains with moving water. It’s not uncommon to find lesser goldfinch, western bluebirds, orioles and scrub jays all visiting, many at the same time.
Now is the time to clean the feeders, stock up on birdseed, clean out nest boxes, polish up those garden fountains and put out the welcome mat for summer visitors.
Cowan is a freelance columnist. Email [email protected] or visit erniesoutdoors.blogspot.com.
