I was a little surprised last week to find a fledgling meadowlark in the Platte River Prairies. The bird was young enough that it still couldn’t do much more than flutter clumsily away from me as I first approached it. The bird must have come out of a very late nest (probably the 3rd or 4th nesting attempt by its parents?) Multiple nest attempts aren’t unusual for grassland birds – many nests fail because of predators or other reasons – but I can’t remember ever seeing a bird so young this late in the season.
This young meadowlark peered through the grass at me as I crept close enough to photograph it. Platte River Prairies, Nebraska.
While this particular meadowlark was unusually young for this time of year, it’s common for young-of-the-year birds of many species to hang around prairies longer than their parents, many of whom migrate south soon after their offspring leave the nest. Because they are not expert fliers and inexperienced with life’s challenges, those newly independent birds are vulnerable to everything from predators to haying equipment. In some species, young birds appear to take advantage of the adults’ absence by scouting for their own potential future nesting locations – a strategy that might help save them time when they return from migration next year. However, just knowing where you want to set up a territory doesn’t mean you can fight off a more experienced male who has the same idea!
The Prairie Ecologist 
The Meadowlark is one of my favorite birds. I hope the baby made it.
No bird sings the age-old song of the western outdoors and prairies better than the Western Meadowlark. No bird better typifies grassland sunshine and immenseness.
I spent alot of time as a young girl hiking with my dog and looking for meadowlark nests. This post brought back those memories – so- Thank You! They are beautiful birds and sing a happy song. I too hope the bird will grow up before it gets too cold.
Attempting to set up my territory. Fighting off a more experienced male. Been there! Done that!
I really enjoyed this post. I didn’t know half of the stuff about birds that the article talked about. It is always cool to learn something new about nature.
I didn’t know younger birds hung around after their parents left. Seems pretty dangerous!
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It does seem to be claiming the grass for itself.