Shriker 220227 -17
Juvenile Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) SE sector, Thomson Marsh, Kelowna, BC.
When posting series (I know, I know, like always [almost]!), I usually save the best for last. Not this time.
Shriker is 'this year's juvie NSHR' and has been around off and on throughout the winter. In a few days, I suspect, s/he will head north as this brethren and 'sistren' have done in previous years. If we're lucky, we may see him/her again in the fall, all grown up. It's unlikely we'll be able to get this close, though. But not impossible as you'll see in a couple of days....
I often hear Shriker before spotting her/him. I think the song is much more beautiful than either of my two bird apps suggest. Still, s/he appears to enjoy hearing the recordings and likes to return the messages that only s/he really comprehends!
Here's a link to Cornell's All About Birds on NSHR songs:
The first recording there most approximates what I hear.
Shriker is a little quieter and often sings to herself in the thicket....
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shrike/sounds
"SONGS
On the breeding grounds, both male and female sing softly, a long, complex, thrasher-like series of phrases. The phrases may be sweet (warbles, whistles, trills) or harsh (buzzes, gargles, screeches, chatters). Most birds include imitations of species that nest in the vicinity. Year round, both sexes also sing a louder, simpler, shorter song in which they sing each phrase twice, very like some thrashers.
CALLS
Shrikes call very little on the wintering grounds unless warning or attacking an intruder in the territory: a harsh ack (directed at most birds), a whistled breezeek (directed at raptors or other shrikes), or a jaylike jaay (directed at mammals). Nesting shrikes are very vocal; they use nasal wake and woot calls during courtship feeding and when feeding young, as well as a variety of other calls in different contexts.
OTHER SOUNDS
Snaps the two halves of the bill together during courtship and conflict."
Shriker 220227 -17
Juvenile Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) SE sector, Thomson Marsh, Kelowna, BC.
When posting series (I know, I know, like always [almost]!), I usually save the best for last. Not this time.
Shriker is 'this year's juvie NSHR' and has been around off and on throughout the winter. In a few days, I suspect, s/he will head north as this brethren and 'sistren' have done in previous years. If we're lucky, we may see him/her again in the fall, all grown up. It's unlikely we'll be able to get this close, though. But not impossible as you'll see in a couple of days....
I often hear Shriker before spotting her/him. I think the song is much more beautiful than either of my two bird apps suggest. Still, s/he appears to enjoy hearing the recordings and likes to return the messages that only s/he really comprehends!
Here's a link to Cornell's All About Birds on NSHR songs:
The first recording there most approximates what I hear.
Shriker is a little quieter and often sings to herself in the thicket....
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shrike/sounds
"SONGS
On the breeding grounds, both male and female sing softly, a long, complex, thrasher-like series of phrases. The phrases may be sweet (warbles, whistles, trills) or harsh (buzzes, gargles, screeches, chatters). Most birds include imitations of species that nest in the vicinity. Year round, both sexes also sing a louder, simpler, shorter song in which they sing each phrase twice, very like some thrashers.
CALLS
Shrikes call very little on the wintering grounds unless warning or attacking an intruder in the territory: a harsh ack (directed at most birds), a whistled breezeek (directed at raptors or other shrikes), or a jaylike jaay (directed at mammals). Nesting shrikes are very vocal; they use nasal wake and woot calls during courtship feeding and when feeding young, as well as a variety of other calls in different contexts.
OTHER SOUNDS
Snaps the two halves of the bill together during courtship and conflict."