Western Meadowlark
This is something that I didn't expect to see. Actually I initially reported this on eBird as an Eastern Meadowlark. When I first saw it in the park I wondered about its pale complexion compared to what we usually see here; at that time I thought it might just be the usual variation. Then a day later eBird moderator for the park informed me that the experts concurred it to be a Western Meadowlark; pale coloration, and yellow extending to the cheek are two distinguishing features of a Western. With a scientific name like Sturnella neglecta, no wonder I neglected this possibility the first time I saw it. Apparently this is the first one for the park - so great to be part of this uncommon sighting. It was seen through out the day and thus I was not the only one seen and photographed it. It was a nice life bird for me. Colonel Sam Smith Park, Toronto.
Western Meadowlark
This is something that I didn't expect to see. Actually I initially reported this on eBird as an Eastern Meadowlark. When I first saw it in the park I wondered about its pale complexion compared to what we usually see here; at that time I thought it might just be the usual variation. Then a day later eBird moderator for the park informed me that the experts concurred it to be a Western Meadowlark; pale coloration, and yellow extending to the cheek are two distinguishing features of a Western. With a scientific name like Sturnella neglecta, no wonder I neglected this possibility the first time I saw it. Apparently this is the first one for the park - so great to be part of this uncommon sighting. It was seen through out the day and thus I was not the only one seen and photographed it. It was a nice life bird for me. Colonel Sam Smith Park, Toronto.