Shrike & friends

[walleyeRyummy]

Here are a few backyard shots from the patio door.

Northern Shrike

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Female Purple Finches

Purple Finch and Dark Eyed Junco

[JayinMN]

Nice variety of birds. Those red bellies have really expanded their range north. I can;t wait till I see one in my yard. It seems like they are popping up all over.

Don't be surprised if the shrike scares away all your little birds for a while. They are ferocious little beasts but very interesting to watch.

[Dbl]

Great variety!

[Jim Almquist]

Every now and then we will have a Shrike come buy and move the birds at the feeder. That Shrike shot is cool. When ever I see them they are a grey blur and gone.

[walleyeRyummy]

the shrike hung out for a few hours until he got a mouse and flew off. we did not get to watch him butcher it. on some of the pics we have of him, you can see a little blood on his breast feathers.

the red bellied has been getting more and more common in our backyard. this was the first time we had noticed a shrike.

the female finches on the feeder remind me of a bar scene.

"i'll have the wild bird mix..."

"tough day?"

[MN Shutterbug]

No problem finding red-bellies around here, but the shrike is another story.

[finnbay]

Great series.

[Borealhunter]

Great photos.. the Northern Shrike is a young bird based on the barring on the breast.. thanks for sharing!