Western Meadowlark

This somewhat bedraggled Western Meadowlark fed along the Billy Frank Jr National Wildlife Refuge dike path on 1 January 2022. The bird appeared to be famished as it flew back and forth along the path. Upon landing, the meadowlark fed voraciously among the path-side herbs, presumably on small seeds. Many of the meadowlark’s feathers were wet, not a good sign for a healthy bird. Usually a wary species, this individual allowed us fairly close approach.