Is this a Meadowlark?

[Maestro]

I have been seeing flocks of these guys in the high grass around cattle fields and near small ponds. They are very skittish and hard to capture with the camera.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v116/maestros/Nature/Yellow_breast_bird.jpg

[Maestro]

I've looked around and I am 99% positive that this a male meadowlark. It's the first one of which I have been able to take a picture.

[Connie Sandlin]

Yep, it's a meadowlark, but a smarter person than I will have to decipher whether it's an Eastern Meadowlark or Western Meadowlark.

[Maestro]

I know what you mean Connie. I'm leaning toward the Eastern variety but I am not sure. :)

[betsy]

Well, from what I can see of it, the malar does look more white than yellow, and the dark bits along the flanks do look more streaky than spotted, so it might well be an Eastern. Easier to tell apart by voice, tho, if they say anything.

[Sandy]

Great picture, Maestro! I was hoping to see one of those last weekend when I went to Southside but we didn't. Yesterday at White Rock we did hear woodpeckers drumming to establish their territories. I think we should be seeing/hearing more and more mating and breeding behavior.

[jpeter]

Western Meadowlarks in this area are generally specific to scrubby dry fields (of which there are few in Dallas County). I agree that this one has a darker, more eastern look around the face, but in the field habitat may tell you what to expect better than any feature other than song or a good scope look.

I'm not suggesting you can make an ID based on habitat, only that the odds change significantly with the landscape.

[Maestro]

Thanks to everyone who responded. Jpeter, I love the website. I am checking it now. If you want to see these in person they are all over the fields especially near fence lines in big open fields here in Ellis County.