Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: Moira on December 20, 2009, 08:26:46 AM

Title: Loggerhead Shrike?
Post by: Moira on December 20, 2009, 08:26:46 AM

This is a terrible shot I am posting for I.D. confirmation only.  I think it's a Loggerhead Shrike, but didn't think we'd see them around here.  I drove down Audley Road in Ajax in the hopes that the Snowy Owl reported on ONTBIRDS last week might still be around.  As soon as I got out of the car, saw this fellow in the distance.  Unfortunately, he flew away and I didn't get a chance to try for a better shot.  Thanks!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40798812@N03/4199389265/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40798812@N03/4199389265/)

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Post by: thouc on December 20, 2009, 10:40:41 AM

The bird is almost certainly a Northern Shrike, which is regular during the winter, while Loggerhead Shrikes are migrating south and are very rare in the first place. They are similar to Loggerhead Shrikes so I can't tell with certainty from the picture, but given the time of year it should be a Northern Shrike. The hook on the bill can also be seen, which would indicate a Northern Shrike.

/Thomas

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Post by: Moira on December 20, 2009, 07:40:10 PM

Thank you Thomas.  It is so odd.  This is a bird I have only seen once earlier in the spring  in Carden Alvar.  I saw this one from a distance in south Ajax and today, while driving up to Jackson's Point I saw 4 others on separate sightings.  Hopefully I have a better picture!

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Post by: Misty01 on December 20, 2009, 11:43:13 PM

great picture Moira!