Horned Lark perched on sage brush in Utah, photographed from inside a truck using a bean bag for lens support.

Horned Lark On Sage Brush

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I photographed this Horned Lark perched on sage brush at Antelope Island State Park in Utah. The open landscape made it easy to spot the bird, but getting close without disturbing it required patience and a low profile. Horned Larks tend to tolerate vehicles better than people on foot, so I stayed inside my truck and waited for the bird to settle.

Horned Lark perched on sage brush in Utah, photographed from inside a truck using a bean bag for lens support.
Horned Lark perched on sage brush at Antelope Island State Park, briefly calling while surveying the open landscape.

The lark eventually hopped up onto the sage brush and began calling. From inside the truck, I had a clear angle and steady support. This setup allowed me to work quietly and keep the bird relaxed while I focused on timing and composition.

Field Notes

Horned Larks are well adapted to open, windy environments like sage flats and grasslands. They often forage on the ground, but they will perch briefly to sing or survey the area. This individual remained alert but calm, likely because the truck did not register as a direct threat.

Sage brush provided a natural perch that matched the bird’s coloring and habitat. The clear sky and open background helped isolate the subject, keeping attention on the bird’s posture and facial markings.

Photography Notes

I photographed this Horned Lark from inside my truck using the vehicle as a mobile blind. I rested my camera and lens on a bean bag draped over the open window. This setup provided solid support while allowing quick adjustments as the bird shifted position.

Shooting from the truck reduced movement and vibration compared to standing outside. The bean bag absorbed small motions and helped stabilize the lens at longer focal lengths. I worked in manual mode with Auto ISO, adjusting exposure as needed to keep detail in the feathers without blowing highlights in the bright sky.

This approach works especially well in open habitats where birds are accustomed to vehicles. It also minimizes disturbance and increases the chances of capturing natural behavior.

I included my camera settings and gear details below for anyone interested in the technical side of this shot.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R5
  • Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical:

  • Location: Antelope Island State Park (Utah)
  • Date and Time Taken: June 1, 2022 (08:24 A. M.)
  • Exposure Mode: Manual
  • Aperture: f7.1
  • Shutter speed: 1/640
  • ISO: 3200 (Auto)
  • Exposure Compensation: 0.3
  • Focal Length: 500 mm

I photographed another Horned Lark at Antelope Island State Park on a different visit, which you can see here: Horned Lark