Mystery Bird Contest #8 Winner!

A better view of our Mystery Bird.

Congratulations to Donnette who guessed juvenile lark bunting. That's what this bird is, though, without a look at the massive bill and boldly marked face/head, it did look suspiciously like a lark sparrow. Another solid clue—one that was in the original photo—is the large pale patch (actually pale feather edges) on the wing coverts.


And just in case you don't believe me, here's a photo of a happy couple (of lark buntings) on the same road, just feet away from our Mystery Bird.

I think he's bringing her flowers, but it's far too late in the season for courting. By now these birds are probably somewhere in Mexico, whiling away the winter, waiting for spring to bloom once more on the prairie.

Congrats to Donnette for the winning answer. Please contact me (editor AT birdwatchersdigest DOT com) or call our office (740-373-5285) to claim your prize. Kudos, too to our old pal Anonymous, the only other person to get the correct answer.

Thanks to all who played.