Wednesday, December 23, 2009

HORNED LARK (SHORE LARK): Flourish Where You Are




Depending on where He lives, Horned Lark is known by many names. Because He is often seen on beaches, Horned Lark is called “Shore Lark” or “Sea Lark” in Europe. Wherever He nests in the Arctic or high mountains, his name is “Snow Bird” or “Snow Flake”. Since He walks instead of hopping and looks for seeds along the roadsides, Horned Lark is called “Road Chippie” or “Road Trotter” in North America. The only Lark to live outside of the Old World, Horned Lark is famous for his black feathers that taper into a pair of tiny “horns”. Therefore in many places, people have named Him “Horned Lark”.

Wherever He lives, Horned Lark is resourceful in finding food. At the shore, He feeds on the seeds of glasswort at low tide. During high tide, Horned Lark eats the seeds found around the sand dunes. Later, He will forage for food in fields and pastures.

Courting Female Larks by strutting around with his horns “erect” is what Horned Lark does best. Singing in his tinkling and lisping manner, Horned Lark ascends to the heavens, and then glides to the ground. Between each beat of his flight, Horned Lark closes his wings, with his silhouette resembling a cross.

Faithful to his birth place, Horned Lark adapts his colour to his habitat. Be it the high mountain ranges of the Himalyas or the beaches of Europe, Horned Lark ably demonstrates his versatility and resourcefulness. Because of his willingness to adapt, He has been able to colonise a wide range of habitats. Let Horned Lark show you how to flourish where you live.
--------
Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers

No comments: