An adult Loggerhead Shrike – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 400, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in
I’d forgotten all about this Loggerhead Shrike image that I had taken in July of 2011 and came across it the other day, I had meant to post it some time ago but as you all know life gets kind of busy at times. Antelope Island State Park is a great place to see, hear and photograph these songbirds who behave more like tiny raptors. On the island some of the places I see the shrikes most often are the areas that have open grasslands with Sagebrush, Greasewood and Rabbitbrush growing there too. They will also perch on the wild sunflowers found in abundance during the summer and later on in the year.
This adult Loggerhead Shrike looks a bit on the scruffy side but it had been rearing its young and was still actively feeding them, there were a few chicks out of the frame near this adult when I photographed it.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Loggerhead Shrike photos plus facts and information about this species.
Glad you posted this handsome bird image — thanks!
Beautiful shot…love the way the black facial stripe is picked up by the arc formed by the wings…and the composition is enhanced by the gray sage(?) and the green vegetation the bird is perched on. A wonderful variety of colors and textures…
I suspect that every parent can empathise with this scruffy Loggerhead Shrike – and also suspect that most human parents look a great deal scruffier.
I’m so jealous. So sharp and beautiful!!
Perfectly captured.