Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Shrikes!!!

These are a few pictures I have taken during the past three or four days of some birds that have taken up residence near the Wetumpka Post Office. Thanks to my mom for correctly identifying them as Shrikes, specifically Loggerhead Shrikes.




I first noticed these birds when a large fox squirrel was passing through and they were squawking like crazy. A co-worker stated that those mockingbirds can really raise a fuss and I agreed but said I did not think those were mockingbirds. Later in the day, I took a closer look and confirmed my suspicions. A couple of days later, they were again making lots of noise and I investigated with camera in hand. As it turns out they were killing a snake! When I approached one flew to a branch with snake in beak. The snake was about 10 or 11 inches long. Here are a couple of pictures of a fierce bird with his "trophy worm".


3 comments:

Lerra said...

What?!?! How you do always manage to get pics of stuff like this?!

I saw a lizard outside my office yesterday. That's all I've got.

BTW, is "shrikes" pronounced like "strikes" or like "shnikeys" (in the likes of Chris Farley)?

BabyJ20 said...

At least it's not a Killdeer... trying to dive bomb your HEAD as you try to leave your office... (I've heard several tales!!)

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