Adult Loggerhead Shrike at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On my last trip up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge I found this Loggerhead Shrike perched on a twig near the end of the auto tour loop. Pointing the shrike out was somewhat challenging because at first it blended into the background but by moving a few feet it soon became obvious where the shrike was perched.
Usually at this time of the year I see overwintering Northern Shrikes at the refuge and fewer Loggerhead Shrikes. I was pleased to find a shrike at all given how few birds I found earlier on the auto tour loop and the blue sky background made this Loggerhead Shrike stand out well.
Both Loggerhead and Northern Shrikes are predatory songbirds that are also wanna be raptors. Shrikes can carry prey in their bills or with their feet and have earned the nick name of “Butcher Birds” because they impale their prey of insects, small birds, reptiles, and rodents on thorns, twigs, spines, or barbed wire which they use as a larder to cache their food.
Loggerhead Shrike adult at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The light I had that morning at the refuge was still nice when I photographed this bird and the sky was a nice, soft blue because during this time of the year the sun is low on the horizon a bit later in the morning compared to summertime. The shrike flew down to the ground once and then flew to the base of the shrub it had been perched on and then scrambled back to the same perch it had been on just moments earlier.
During my many years of photographing and observing Loggerhead Shrikes in Florida, Utah, and beyond I have noticed that like some other bird species these small wannabe raptors often have a favorite perch that they will return to over and over. This perch may be one of this shrike’s favorite perches so the next time I head to the refuge you can be sure I will look for it there.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Loggerhead Shrike photos plus facts and information about this species.
Tiny, but feisty. If they want to be raptors, who am I to argue. 😉
I am endlessly grateful for your eyesight – and your photography. Thank you.
“tile”…. meant that word to be “little” … little raptor
I have luckily seen shrikes in the SW. There is currently one being reported in the Hartford CT area – a rarity – that I’ve considered driving 2 hours to see. BUT, when I go after a specific bird & don’t find it, I feel disappointed…….I love the surprises Mother Nature gifts us! So glad you get to see these last tile raptors!
Such a tiny (and otherwise cute wannbe). How amazing to have something like this auto tour loop that nets so many opportunities to see all these lovely birds.