Loggerhead 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.
It captures that cold and stormy feeling very well!
Thanks Kathie.
Another cool bird. This place you do photography is fascinating. Sounds like paradise for birders and wildlife photographers alike:)
Antelope Island is a super place for bird & wildlife photography Chris, if you ever visit the island you will want to go back over & over! Thanks for commenting.
This is beautiful. You’re going to be getting great images in the snow. I’m envious because I’m going to the tropics!
Thanks Maria, you will have wonderful opportunities in the tropics, I loved it in the Caribbean.
I love the colors in this, Mia, and the contrast of the fluffy feathers with the sharp plant points and its hard beak. Really neat.
Thank you Tami.
Simply beautiful, Mia! I like the bare bush it is perched on and the subtle blue hues in the background.
Thanks Julie!
The Butcher Bird! One of my favorites. Very nice detail and composition. (I also checked out your gallery of Shrikes, very impressive!)
Thanks Wally, Shrikes truly earn the title “Butcher Bird”. Thank you for your comment and for checking out my Shrike gallery.
Love the Shrikes, gentle little bird, photographed by you.
Thank you Bob.
Very pretty, makes one forget how cruel these beautiful little birds can be 🙂
Laurence, it can be easy to forget these are song birds when you see them act so raptor-like!
I love this photo Mia, can’t stop looking at it.
Thank you Kim, your comment is much appreciated!