(re-post)
My name, in the language of my Polish ancestors, means meadowlark. I only found this out a few years ago and, as a lover of birds, went to Audubon to find out more about meadowlarks. Turns out there is an Eastern and a Western one. The description of the Western Meadowlark – "Its bright colours, fearless behaviour, abundance, and above all its loud, cheerful song make the Western Meadowlark perhaps the most popular of western birds," delighted me and gave me something to live up to!
Having been born in Canada where the Eastern Meadowlark resides but being drawn to dwell where the Western Meadowlark lives I was interested to learn that both species are quite identical except for a few characteristics you would need very good eyes to distinguish.
But their song is completely different! According to Reader's Digest North American Birds the Eastern Meadowlark has a clear high voice and its songs are 3-5 notes sounding lonely, wistful and poignant.
The Western Meadowlark sings 5-7 notes in a voice that is high pitched, rich, fluting and gurgling in songs that sound confident and self-assured. An acknowledgment of my journey!