[redcliffs] N. Shrike

[Larry Tripp]

I had a very interesting sighting today in my yard in Veyo, Washington Co. Looking out the window, I saw something small flying low and fast with another bird right on it's tail that looked like it could be a Shrike. They both disappeared into a thicket of brush so I went and got my Binns. I watched for something to re-appear for about 5 minutes before a HY Brown N. Shrike came up to the top of the brush. After looking at the Shrike for a bit, I noticed that it had dragged a House Sparrow to the top with him. Which was dead at this point. It then flew ( with the Sparrow ) to another bush  20 yards away. There it lodged the bird between a couple branches and started to tear it apart. It finished about half the bird ( It must have been pretty hungry ) before it flew off. I never got a chance to see if it came back later in the day to finish the meal. I will have to look for the leftovers in the morning.

It's the first time I've ever saw a Shrike catch a bird. I've watched them try but not be successfull. Also a cool way to get a new yard bird. I'm sorry but I have a hard time feeling bad for the House Sparrow which was a male.


Larry Tripp


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