I saw these Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) hunting for insects in a recently tilled field. I used the car as a blind, parked at one end of the 1-acre field. I made photographs as the sparrow-sized birds foraged over the rough, tilled soil and slowly made their way across the field to within 20ft of the car. The first photos were taken about 150 feet from the car. The bright afternoon sun made harsh and contrasty lighting. Still, I was impressed with the image quality and color rendition of the images. I had only a UV filter on the lens. The camera was the Olympus OM-D EM-1 Mark II with the Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 Pro lens and 1.4x teleconverter. I used on 1 central AF sensor and manual focus assist (with image magnification) when needed, while steadying the camera and lens on the window sill of the car.
Horned Lark (probable immature) in plowed field; photographed as the bird was about 150ft from my car.
Horned Lark blending into it's surroundings.
Female plumage is typical of all populations of Horned Lark.
Horned Lark female.
Horned Lark female.
Horned Lark 20 ft from my car-blind.
Female bird with insect larva.
Horned Lark male. Note play sandy-brown plumage and yellow throat..
Horned Lark in plowed field.
Horned Lark male with "horns" prominently showing.