always a treat to see

for me anyways.

 

Northern Shrike NSHR* (Lanius excubitor)

 

TI̸X̱EN 'the Spit" ( Tsawout First Nation )

aka

Saanichton Spit

aka

Cordova Spit

 

Central Saanich BC

 

DSCN9437

Although i do sometimes worry about other special birds when these guys are around.

Earlier this same day I saw my 'first for location' Eurasian Skylark (, or Sky Lark or however we are supposed to say it these days)

When we had an overwintr'ing female Mountain Bluebird last year , there was commentary that the Shrikes would take it out.

 

If it wasn't seen for a while -- then the conclusions were dire.

However, it seemingly to knew to make itself scarce when a NSHR was on the hunt...and survived through until spring just fine.

I never did see it and a NSHR on the Spit , during the same walk.

 

in the spring of 2017 there was a male MOBL and NSHR at same time on the Spit during one of my walks.

i figured the extra spring testosterone kept the male amped up enough to keep the NSHR at bay.

Done