Apparent Lilian's (Eastern) Meadowlark, Park County

[Nathan Pieplow]

Hi all,

I birded this morning with Tayler Brooks in Park County. Along the road from the hamlet of Jefferson to Michigan Creek Campground, in a field among Western Meadowlarks, we twice heard song bouts from an apparent "Lilian's" Eastern Meadowlark. I got audio recordings of these song bouts, but as I am on the road for the next few days, I won't have a chance to post them until late next week.

The apparent Lilian's was on private property, but could be heard from the public road. Between the road and the field where it was singing is a thick strip of aspen trees, which kept us from seeing the bird. It's possible that if the bird moves a couple hundred yards east or west, it could be seen from the road (or even if it stays put and pops up in exactly the right spot). A scope would likely be necessary.

I encourage anybody who is in the area to follow up if they get a chance. eBird doesn't show any reports of Eastern Meadowlark in Park County. Photos of the bird would be nice, as would more audio of the bird (especially call notes).

Good birding,

Nathan Pieplow

Boulder