Song Of The West

National Geographic describes the melodious, flute-like song of the Western Meadowlark as emblematic of the West. These rotund, colorful birds can be found year-round in Colorado grasslands and meadows. Audubon reminds us of a splendid connection between meadowlarks and the jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck, who grew up in California. Brubeck was undoubtedly inspired by the bird’s song when writing “Strange Meadow Lark,” a lovely ballad that appeared on Brubeck’s legendary 1959 release Time Out. This Western Meadowlark was photographed in Westerly Creek Park east of Park Hill by Mark Silverstein.