Northern Shrike @ Colonel Samuel Smith Park

[Palo]

Hi Folks,

About two weeks ago we spotted two of these wedged in bushes.


We heard that a Shrike was in the area and thought that this might be his/her's food cache.  Since then we've been back twice with no luck.

Today we finally spotted it, but could never get close enough for that perfect shot. So here's what we got so far.  Enjoy







Here's my first good shot of an American Coot


Thanks for watching

[Reg]

Very nice set, I was out there today, but didn't see the Shrike around.

[Rob'in'To]

Two years ago it took me 7 visits over a month and a half to finally see the Shrike @ Col Sam.  But after that, I had 3 very different experiences with him.  First was the glorious "lifer" sighting.  Second time I watched him expell a pellet.  And third time he was deep in some Dogwood near the marina doing his "spring song" (what a bizarre call).  

Last year I saw Shrikes almost everywhere.

I haven't seen one this season.

[Palo]

Very nice set, I was out there today, but didn't see the Shrike around.

Thx Reg, I had to use a binoculars first to find him, then approached very slowly as it doesn't let you get close at all.  To make things more difficult, it also stays away from dogs and other people that are unaware that it's there. Cheers

[Palo]

Two years ago it took me 7 visits over a month and a half to finally see the Shrike @ Col Sam.  But after that, I had 3 very different experiences with him.  First was the glorious "lifer" sighting.  Second time I watched him expell a pellet.  And third time he was deep in some Dogwood near the marina doing his "spring song" (what a bizarre call).  

Last year I saw Shrikes almost everywhere.

I haven't seen one this season.

It's great to hear the experiences of others... It puts things into perspective and a great source of info for newbies like myself.  Thx Rob

[mr.sharp-photo]

Very nice set, I was out there today, but didn't see the Shrike around.

Thx Reg, I had to use a binoculars first to find him, then approached very slowly as it doesn't let you get close at all.  To make things more difficult, it also stays away from dogs and other people that are unaware that it's there. Cheers

as i said in another post, i tend to avoid eye contact with birds of prey. maybe it works, maybe its my thing...who knows.
i got within...60 feet? maybe 50? but i looked down and moved relatively slowly the whole time.

my previous shrike sightings involved me looking down at my camera for 3 seconds, looking back up and it silently gone.

[BoboBird]

Great find. Pretty decent shots too.

[Palo]

Very nice set, I was out there today, but didn't see the Shrike around.

Thx Reg, I had to use a binoculars first to find him, then approached very slowly as it doesn't let you get close at all.  To make things more difficult, it also stays away from dogs and other people that are unaware that it's there. Cheers

as i said in another post, i tend to avoid eye contact with birds of prey. maybe it works, maybe its my thing...who knows.
i got within...60 feet? maybe 50? but i looked down and moved relatively slowly the whole time.

my previous shrike sightings involved me looking down at my camera for 3 seconds, looking back up and it silently gone.

I tried that technique, but it didn't work for me.  I would've been happy to get within 80 feet!  I guess I'll keep trying.  Cheers

Great find. Pretty decent shots too.

Thx Bob, I'm actually not pleased at the quality of the shots. However, next time!