This is a photo of an Eastern Meadowlark that I took in February 2021 at Croton Point Park. I’ve seen these birds from a distance before, usually as a flash of yellow and white flying, but they are quite skittish around humans so I was never able to get a clear photograph before.

When word got out in the local birding community that some Eastern Meadowlarks had been spotted on the snow-covered landfill at Croton Point, I headed up there in hopes of seeing one. When I got there, there was a crowd of probably 15-20 birders. Knowing that these birds are easily startled by humans, I decided to move further up the hill away from the main group. I was excited when two meadowlarks flew up and landed quite close to me. I was very excited to be able to get a clear photo with nothing distracting in the background. I love the bright pop of yellow against the snow.