Loggerhead Shrike and It's Tiny Breakfast

[Second Hand Pat]

I was trying to shoot some rare bird which was off in the distance and this little guy flew on the fence nearby. A Loggerhead shrike with a tiny ring-necked snake.

Loggerhead Shrike with its Tiny Snake

Here the bird pinned the snake to the wire. A first time seeing this behavior.

Loggerhead Shrike pinning the snake to the wire.

It's precision is amazing.

The precision is amazing!

Down the Hatch.

Down the hatch.

[dagray]

very nicely captured Pat.

[Paul Sabucchi]

Well captured Pat you were in the right place at the right time with the right kit. Day before yesterday driving down the track to our home there were 7 egrets in the field with our neighbour's dozen sheep, first time I have seen so many away from any water but no camera.

[Second Hand Pat]

very nicely captured Pat.

Thank you Dave
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Well captured Pat you were in the right place at the right time with the right kit. Day before yesterday driving down the track to our home there were 7 egrets in the field with our neighbour's dozen sheep, first time I have seen so many away from any water but no camera.

Thanks Paul, yes I was very lucky. What type of egrets? Cattle egrets are known for hanging out with livestock!
Pat

[brewmaster15]

Thanks Paul, yes I was very lucky. What type of egrets? Cattle egrets are known for hanging out with livestock!
Pat

I would think cattle egrets or their kin...They are in Pauls Neck of the world though not extremely common by my understanding.

[brewmaster15]

I was trying to shoot some rare bird which was off in the distance and this little guy flew on the fence nearby. A Loggerhead shrike with a tiny ring-necked snake.

Loggerhead Shrike with its Tiny Snake

Here the bird pinned the snake to the wire. A first time seeing this behavior.

Loggerhead Shrike pinning the snake to the wire.

It's precision is amazing.

The precision is amazing!

Down the Hatch.

Down the hatch.

Pat thats a perfect series! You nailed the Bird in the act. I feel bad for what looks like a Ring Neck snake but thats Life!

What makes this perfect is the impaling of its Prey. Thats exactly what it does to subdue prey using any sharp objects like thorns or in this case Barb wire. Thats why Shrikes are known by the well earned name... BUTCHER BIRD!

very very cool!

al

ps... nominated pic 3 for pic of the month November.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thank you on both accounts Al. I feel really lucky to have captured this series. If you look at the last pic and click on it you will see it left the head on the wire. I too feel bad for the snake but the bird needs to eat too.
Pat