Loggerhead ShrikeLoggerhead Shrike – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 400, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

This Loggerhead Shrike was one of the few birds I photographed yesterday on Antelope Island before the Prairie Falcon with a Northern Shoveler as prey that I posted yesterday. The weather on the radar didn’t look bad before heading to the island in the morning but it was. Bad I mean. Snow fell heavily at times and the light was low, I could see Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks taking shelter in some of the distant trees. I didn’t see or hear Horned Larks or Chukars and they are birds I am used to seeing year round on the island.

When I spotted this Loggerhead Shrike perched on a bush along the road I thought that my images of it might be the only decent images I would bring home. The background of this image is composed of water at the bottom, the middle white layer is snow on a distant dike near the marina and the touch of blue at the top was actually a bit of blue sky that was visible to the north. I also liked the tiny water droplet under the bill of the shrike.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Loggerhead Shrike photos plus facts and information about this species.