Northern Shrike ... Just Traveling Through

A Northern Shrike has been seen regularly, each spring, at Pederson Point, for just one day, sitting on this same mast.

According to the Guide to Birds of Alaska by Robert H. Armstrong, this bird (Lanius excubitor) is uncommon in our area. Also, according the Armstrong, it is a songbird that preys on smaller birds and rodents. Another item of interest is that, if prey is readily available, the Shrike kills and stores more than it can eat at once. It impales its prey on thorns or sharp branches. It has the nickname "butcher bird." It normally perches at the top of posts or trees and is about the same size as a robin.

©Photo by Fred Anderson with a Mavica MVC-FD91 camera

The picture used on this page is COPYRIGHTED.