Flocks and flocks of Horned Larks . . . but none for me

I belong to a local birding listserv and lately people have been posting on sightings of Horned Larks, flocks and flocks of them. But I have never seen even ONE.

Does it sound like I'm complaining? I am.

I've read the following on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's web site All About Birds:

"The only true lark native to North America, the Horned Lark is a common, widespread bird of open country."

And that site's range map shows the Horned Lark as a year-round resident, not only in Pennsylvania (where I live) but also over most of the USA.

So what gives?

True, I haven't been looking my entire life for the Horned Lark. In fact, I only became conscious of this bird a few years back. (In this photo provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, you don't see the bird's "horns," feather tufts that the lark can raise and lower.) The Horned Lark is a grassland bird, one that likes to forage in short grass, even dry patches, better than tall. There's plenty of pastureland where I live.

I checked to see if altitude might play a role. For instance, I live atop the Allegheny Plateau, a higher elevation than those folks who have been posting on sightings of flocks in the valleys. But online I read that Horned Larks are no stranger to highlands.

Perhaps Horned Larks are around, but I'm not paying adequate attention. Next time I'm driving and see a flock of birds--that's it! I'm stopping the car and pulling out my binoculars. I'll catch one yet, and when I do, I'll let you know.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne