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Lark Bunting
Calamospiza melanocorys |
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| The Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) breeds in the grasslands of the western portions of the mid west region of the United States and parts of southern Canada. The black and white plumage of the breeding male is unique among our sparrows and the species can be quite conspicuous in some areas. The first two shots of male Lark Buntings here were taken in June, 2001, in the Pawnee National Grasslands in Weld Co., Colorado. Both these shots were taken with a Canon EOS 3 and 600 mm F4 L IS lens on Fuji Velvia. |  |
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| During August and September, Lark Buntings begin to move out of their breeding range and disperse, sometimes in large flocks, into the grasslands of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. The next two shots of the basic-plumaged birds were taken near Marfa, Presidio Co., Texas, in September, 2005. These birds had only recently arrived on their wintering grounds. These two shots were both taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender. This is typically what Lark Buntings look like in the fall and winter in Texas. The large white wing patch is still visible, even on these basic plumaged birds. |  |
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| The next two shots of male Lark Buntings were taken at the Pawnee National Grasslands, Weld Co., Colorado, in June, 2007, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender. |  |
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| Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys near Bovina, Parmer Co., Texas 9 December 2014 |
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| Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys near Salt Flat, Culberson Co., Texas 19 January 2015 Lat 31.114198, Lon -104.70047 |
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| Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys Hwy 168, N of Umbarger, Randall Co., Texas 4 January 2016 |
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