The recent sightings of a Loggerhead Shrike in Franklin is the catalyst for this weeks blog. Shrikes are a very interesting species and have earned the nickname of “butcher bird” because it sometimes impales its prey on thorns and barbed wire fences. The Northern Shrike has only been reported one time in the state of TN back in 1964 so its not likely you would ever see them. The Loggerhead Shrike, however, is a year-round resident found in fields and open spaces with overgrown fencerows. The presence of very thorny trees like the Honeylocust and Black Locust may be a good draw as well because of the Shrikes habit of impaling prey.
The Loggerhead Shrike is considered a songbird, however, it has a hook-tipped bill and exhibits hawklike behavior. They perch on tree tips and tops, and wires for long periods of time watching for an opportunity to catch its prey which consists of insects, lizards, mice, and small birds. And as mentioned they will sometimes impale their prey on thorns caching it for later consumption.
The Loggerhead Shrike is no larger than a Robin at about 9” in length. They have a proportionately large head with a powerful, hooked bill. They are black and white, with a gray back and cap and prominent black mask. In flight they flash patches of white. My only sighting of this bird occurred in Franklin on a golf course several years ago. At first glance of the bird at some distance I thought mockingbird because of the markings, but upon observation with binoculars I was excited to see my first and, still, only Loggerhead Shrike.
Happy New Year to all. A good New Year’s resolution is to see some new birds. Get out there with your binoculars and do some birdwatching.