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Happy 4th of July weekend from the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve!

This weekend, we celebrate freedom as a nation, and on the Reserve, birds sing their songs of freedom!

The Western meadow lark (Sturnella neglecta) is one species often seen on the Reserve, which can be heard singing joyfully and freely. The bird is a type of passerine (perching) bird that has a flute-like call characteristic of California grasslands. Males commonly sing atop fence posts. It has a distinct yellow breast with a black bib, and conspicuous patches of white on the outer tail when in flight. Check out our Facebook page to see see more photos and hear video footage of this amazing native bird's joyful song of freedom.

 

 

Blog Image: 
Meadow lark (Sturnella neglecta), photo: Sean Werle
Date: 
July 3, 2020