Thursday, June 30, 2016

Loggerhead Shrike in Grasslands National Park

Loggerhead Shrike. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved.
Watch it. This Loggerhead Shrike is watching you...  © SB
I've been intrigued by Loggerhead Shrikes ever since I heard about their food collecting habits...

They skewer their prey, which can range from insects to rodents, to thorns or barbed wire.

Seriously, what's not to like about a songbird with the heart of hawk?

The only place I've seen a Loggerhead Shrike is in Grasslands National Park, where they favour some of the fences, and — or so I've been told — thorn trees.

These are serious little birds. Stocky, scowly and very cool.

Loggerhead Shrike. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved.
Loggerhead Shrike in profile, showing off its hooked beak.  © SB
Loggerhead Shrike. Copyright © Shelley Banks, all rights reserved.
Loggerhead Shrike, with moth.  © SB

What are these? Loggerhead Shrikes
Location: Grasslands National Park, near Val Marie, Saskatchewan.
Photo dates: Top: June 14, 2016; next two: June 22, 2015.

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