BLACKBIRDS, COWBIRDS, ORIOLES, AND ALLIES (ICTERIDAE)
New World Blackbirds, which includes Bobolinks, Grackles, and Meadowlarks, are considered to be the most recently evolved of Bird Families. These very intelligent Birds are also fast learners. For obtaining food, They have strong bills that can force open gaps in places.
WESTERN MEADOWLARK (PRAIRE LARK): Joy in Music
Famous for his song, Western Meadowlark is often associated with the American West. His flute-like notes are usually included in the sound tracks of Western movies. By this happenstance, his melodies are actually heard worldwide by many people who have never been to the American prairies.
For the Lakota/Dakota, Western Meadowlark was one of the messengers of Itokago of the South (one of the Four Winds, and son of Tate (Mystery)). For women, He offered them beauty, fertility and the promise of a happy marriage. Because Western Meadowlark could gain access anywhere, He was often associated with love
Singing in his flute-like voice, Western Meadowlark offers joy to all. Since He looks so similar to Eastern Meadowlark, only Western Meadowlark’s song could tell the two Birds apart. On a flower-studded prairie, this Musician finds a fence post, and proclaims his territory with song. (His song is his weapon of defense.) Facing the sun, whose rays catch his golden shield of feathers, Western Meadowlark opens his mouth and sings out, “Spring o’ the year!”
Western Meadowlark brings the joy of music to us. In our busy lives, we often forget how music can enthrall us. Stop and listen to Western Meadowlark singing on his fence post, in the bright sun. Allow Him help you to recapture the joy of music in your life.
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Science Notes:
1. True Larks are Alaudidae. Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is of the Icteridae (Blackbirds and allies) family.
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