From all appearances it has been a great nesting season for the Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) on Antelope Island State Park, it seems everywhere I look there are numerous juvenile Shrikes perched on bushes near rather harried looking adults.
Juvie Loggerhead Shrike – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 500, 0.7+ EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Yesterday while photographing and adult Shrike I noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye and saw this juvenile perched on a bush with the Great Salt Lake in the background. I was able to take about 20 images before the juvie flew off.
I really like the black mask this species has.
Mia
More Loggerhead Shrike images
Great capture Mia! It looks so soft and cute, we know better.
Yes Jeremy, we know this young Butcher Bird is just waiting to show how tough it really is! Thanks for your comment.
Wonderful photo, doesn’t look like a predatory species at all:)
Thanks Susan, they sing like a songbird but they act like little raptors! You should see them impale their prey.
Such handsome birds!
I agree! Thanks Laurence.
He looks like a serious little guy too. Carol
Carol, they do look pretty serious, don’t they? Thans for your comment.
Very handsome bird! Fantastic photograph!
Thank you Julie, the bird picked a nice perch and a great background to pose for me!
For such a fierce species, the juvi looks cute here! Nice light, as always, Mia.
Thanks Julie, it had rained the day before (after months of no rain) and that helped to clear the air which I think made the light even better than normal.
Great photo of the Loggerhead Shrike, Mia.
Thank you Bob!