Eastern Meadowlark - Ross Feldner

“In the silver light after a storm,
Under dripping boughs of bright new green,
I take the low path to hear the meadowlarks
Alone and high-hearted as if I were a queen.”

- Sara Teasdale

The Eastern Meadowlark is one of many grassland species of birds that are listed as near threatened due to disappearing grassland habitat mostly caused by development, forest succession, and large-scale agricultural operations. Near threatened means that it is likely to become endangered in the near future. Allowing marginal areas of fields on farms to seed with grass can provide nesting habitat for meadowlarks and all grassland birds. Delaying hay harvest can also improve survival, giving young meadowlarks a chance of fledging.

Nests are built on the ground throughout the summer months and covered with a roof woven from grasses and lined with pine needles, flowering plants or horse hair.

Feeding in flocks, they forage mostly for insects but will also eat seeds and berries. 75% of their diet is beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets.