I am always overshelmed by the peace and quiet of the countryside. Off in the distance in a grassy meadow, I heard a bird singing a cheerful song. Anxious to find the source, I reached for my binoculars but found it difficult to see through the thick vegetation. Suddenly I saw a bright yellow spot! A meadowlark - how lucky! I spotted the difference in the American meadowlark from the European species immediately. The European meadowlark has dull plumage in comparison, but the song is quite familiar. - CB