Northern Shrike Again
Outdoor Ontario

Northern Shrike Again

Brian Bailey · 9 · 1476
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Brian Bailey

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on: March 06, 2011, 09:56:33 PM
Although he stayed up pretty high, this Northern Shrike at Sam Smith Park was quite unconcerned by my presence late this afternoon.  I sighed when he flew, but he ended up perched even closer!

Here's one of the better images I got:

And here's a tight crop of the head showing that fierce bill:


BB
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Brian Bailey »
Brian Bailey
Etobicoke

zx003

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Reply #1 on: March 06, 2011, 10:01:42 PM
Nice Shot! I love how he's keeping his feet covered by his feathers to keep warm :)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by zx003 »

Rob'in'To

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Reply #2 on: March 07, 2011, 04:55:44 AM
Great shot with only one branch below him.  I just might have to go look around for him one more time in the next few days.  Is it still singing?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Rob'in'To »
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ravynne40

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Reply #3 on: March 07, 2011, 12:16:40 PM
Great shots Brian, isnt it time for the Shrike to go away?..I mean migrate lol...I want the little birdies back!!!! It seems every time I have gone to the park on the south side, the Shrike is there singing his /her little heart out but no sign of other birds...of course I haven't checked the north side much since I saw the redpolls..and even then that was short lived because that Shrike sure gets around!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by ravynne40 »
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angieinto

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Reply #4 on: March 07, 2011, 01:21:34 PM
Nice shot Brian! I want to hear this guy "sing" too.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by angieinto »
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ravynne40

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Reply #5 on: March 07, 2011, 01:58:35 PM
Quote from: "angieinto"
Nice shot Brian! I want to hear this guy "sing" too.


He has a strange song Angie, all I can think of is he sounds like a budgie on steroids, but then if you listen closely it sounds like a mesh of several song birds..hehe songbird remix comes to mind.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by ravynne40 »
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Reuven_M

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Reply #6 on: March 07, 2011, 03:18:29 PM
It reminded me of a very uncreative mockingbird, and some of the notes seemed carolina wren-like
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Reuven_M »

Brian Bailey

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Reply #7 on: March 07, 2011, 07:26:20 PM
He didn't sing for me yesterday, but I know people who heard him on Saturday afternoon.

I've listened to recordings of them before, and thought it wasn't a very distinctive song.  In a way it's not, but at the same time it's very recognizable once you've heard it.  Reuven nailed it with "uncreative mockingbird".  It's really quite remarkable how similar they are to mockingbirds in appearance, voice, and behaviour (aside from diet of course  :wink: ).

BB
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Brian Bailey »
Brian Bailey
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JW Mills

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Reply #8 on: March 08, 2011, 07:13:44 PM
Very nice shot!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by JW Mills »
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