Last year about this time I wrote a post complaining about Loggerhead Shrikes being MIA but this year I don’t have that complaint because I am seeing and hearing these “Butcherbirds” on Antelope Island. Our winter wasn’t as bad or as harsh as the winter of 2012-2013 and the Loggerhead Shrikes appear to have been able to find enough prey to survive on without having to go further south.
Juvenile Loggerhead Shrike – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/1500, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited, called in or set up
Loggerhead Shrikes nest and rear their young on Antelope Island and I am looking forward to juveniles on top of some of the shrubs around late June or early July. The juvenile Loggerhead Shrike in the image above was photographed in very early August of 2010 and at its age it was still being fed by its parents but it was also searching for prey on its own.
Now that Loggerhead Shrikes are calling on Antelope Island I wonder how long it will be before I see the adults carrying nesting materials. We’ll see!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Loggerhead Shrike photos plus facts and information about this species.
Very good Mia. I think I already have spring fever — few days ago I put down the weed-and-feed and the lawn is slowly turning green. Can’t wait for the hummer’s return!
Wonderful photo of an interesting bird I seldom see around here….great composition as always….
Loggerhead shrikes – calling each other. And you.
Lovely image. Thank you.
What a sweet birdie! Beautiful photo 🙂
Nice to see and hear the news. Lovely shot of this handsome bird.It is so good when they re-appear.Hope to see the red polls and Pine Grosbeaks again next year. There are very few.Yet there is a surge of Snowy Owls even been sited in Mississippi state.
Really nice work Mia. These little “Vlad the Impailer” shrikes are fun to watch.
Mia this is such a beautiful image … clarity and detail is perfect … and I so love the color and tone!!!!! I’m glad your winter wasn’t too harsh for your friends. Ours was very rough, but I feed my yard birds daily, and I’m happy to report that as warmer weather finally approaches (one step forward two steps backward, lol) … my favorite little friends are still with me. : ))
Wonderful photograph
Incredible photo, Mia!!
Pretty thing, great photo too.