Loggerhead Shrike by CavalierLady
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Description
Loggerhead Shrikes are unique songbirds in that they act more like raptors. They impale the small insects, amphibians and birds that they catch on thorns to hold them firmly while they consume their prey. I once watched a Shrike consume one of my small yard chickadees skewered on a branch in a bush outside my window. This shot was taken while driving down the road the other day and shot out of the window of my truck.
Thanks very much for your views and comments.
Comments (21)
yes, in human terms they're pretty cruel. But of course they're birds, so it's just part of life. The loggerhead shrike songs are quite distinct---as you must know, with all your knowledge of the bird kingdom. I remember the low trill followed by a shrill shriek (t-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r cheeep!) and then a lot of fast warbles. Many birds have amazing vocal chords, and can do all kinds of quick warbles that would be nigh impossible for humans. (I studied bird song as part of my musical training, years back, and we actually wrote out their songs in musical notation. It was just fascinating...)
Boy, you shot this out of a moving truck! Beautiful capture, Maria. They have a dignity in the way they stand atop those branches. And your composition/crop is wonderful too, with one higher than the other, and both looking forward. And all that sky. Beautiful work, even from a moving truck. With those spindly branches, it almost feels Japanese...You're so good at this, you can even get beautiful shots from a moving truck. The light on them is beautiful too...
outstanding sharpness and beautiful birds. nature has many mystery's and always amazing
lovely birds! A great picture !
Fine work
Beautiful capture Maria.
They look so very innocent! A wonderful photo!
WOW! Superbly done, Maria, Once we had alot of them in this area, but after many trees grew up here, they left.
Beautiful birds ans great shot!
Never seen or heard of these before - great shot of them & interesting info on their ruthless hunting habits...
wonderfully captured !
Brilliantly captured...Love the simplicity of this photo....
lovely birds,wonderful shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A great photo, these birds I've never seen. Thank you also for the information, one can observe to so many interesting things in nature.
Nice capture. Aloha
They lined up for you so beautifully! Super capture, I've never seen these.
Excellent image
oh, these birds are so sweet; they really are lovely and you captured them perfectly. Bravo!
Stunning capture Maria. God bless.
Excellent composition and lighting effects in this super shot of the Shrikes in a delicate balancing act, Maria.
Great capture. i wish I could balance myself like that!
Incredible, and so clever, how you've managed to capture these two cuties. It is truly an admirable picture, dear Mary!!!