…I was looking for. It’s uncanny to me how everytime I go out looking for a Northern Shrike, I come up with the bird that most closely resembles it in color and size: the Northern Mockingbird. I normally really like mockingbirds, I think they are a good looking bird that is charismatic and photogenic, but when I’m looking for a shrike they always seem to give me a brief false alarm.
Happy Holidays to everyone, I hope you are enjoying this festive time of year with loved ones.
Matt, I laughingly commiserate because I have had the exact same experience for the past 10 years EVEN WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING an actual Shrike suddenly it was replaced by a Northern Mockingbird!!!! Do they magically morph? . Happy holidays to you and yours!
I feel bad for you Matt. I’d like to see one too. It’s funny Debi said that! We were at Plum Island one year and we all saw what we thought for sure a shrike. It went into a bush but came out as a mocker to mock us all.
Deb and Maha – Ha ha, it’s funny, I wasn’t sure that others had this same experience. It happens to me ALL the time! Maha, I love the thought of a mocker mocking all the birders. Merry Christmas to you both. Matt
Yeah Matt. The bird is so aptly named as it mocks our efforts both aurally & visually. Keep the faith…that shrike will show up soon!
I sure hope you are right Dave. This week would be a good time for one to make a showing, ha ha. I will keep the faith, no doubt about it. Matt
It is beautiful, anyway, Matt. I am spending a month at my son’s in Colorado and ass I have seen so far is Ravens, Crows and a Kestrel.
Merry Christmas
Wilma
I agree, Wilma, I still love the mockers. I hope your birding in Colorado picks up a little. Merry Christmas to you too, and Happy New Year. Matt