Northern Shrike

Gyrfalcon

This afternoon I made my way out to Brunswick Point with the hope of getting the American Tree Sparrows that had been reported recently. While not seeing much in the first portion of the walk,

… there were a few Northern Flicker flying around the marsh. Then several sparrows started heading for cover in the trees trail side.

They were being chased by a very active Northern Shrike. While I did get a glimpse of some White-crowned Sparrows, no American Tree Sparrow (they were seen this afternoon). After watching the Shrike and sparrows a little longer I made my way further along the trail to an approaching group of birders and the surprise of the day. They had found a juvenile Gyrfalcon. It was sitting in some cottonwoods being harassed by Northern Harriers. It was too far away for a decent photo, but I set up to get a record shot anyways.

While doing so it took to the air briefly and I managed this flight shot. A healthy crop as it was still some distance away, but better than the ones of it roosting in the trees. The Gyrfalcon was definitely the highlight of today’s walk.

Still checking the sparrows on the way back I did get this of a White-crowned Sparrow.

As Northern Shrike have started showing up I headed out to Brunswick Point this afternoon. This has always been a fairly reliable spot for me to get photos of them. I was not finding much at first when something different caught my eye.

It was a Band-tailed Pigeon. Something I have not seen or photographed around here in a while. Then while watching a group of mixed sparrows,

… this Bewick’s Wren popped up briefly. Then something flying by got my attention.

Sure enough it was a juvenile Northern Shrike.

Northern Shrike

Today it was back out to Brunswick Point to try again for Northern Shrike. Oddly enough I came across one almost right away at the first big bend in the trail.

While not unusual to see them here, I usually try to get them further along. There is one stand of trees they tend to like and will perch more in the open providing for a cleaner shot. Today it was not to be though. While in that area watching and waiting,

… there was a large flock of Dunlin active along the frozen shoreline.