Took the 400 L that I “gave myself for Christmas�? out for test shots, and just a few steps from our driveway was this beautiful bird just waiting to be photographed.

Beautiful But Deadly!

I can’t imagine how a bird so beautiful can be such an awesome predator but Gary M., fellow lister in Digital Rebels egroup (and obviously a very knowledgeable birding photographer) wrote this about the Shrike:

“The Latin species name of the Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor, means ‘Butcher Watchman.’ Reading this you can see why!:

Generally sits and waits on an exposed perch. Seizes prey near ground with feet or bill. Kills vertebrates by biting through neck. Removes wings, spines, and stingers from insects. Often impales prey, sometimes while prey is still alive, on thorns, spines, or barbed wire. May pull impaled prey and consume it right away, or may leave it for later consumption.�?