The Northern Shrike is a very cute, little fluffy bird, but is a killer in disguise. Approximately 'robin sized', he has a lightly hooked beak, and hunts rodents and small birds. Our bird feeder areas have been favorite hunting spots for him this winter. They will often catch the rodent/bird with their beak and then impale it on a thorn or piece of fencing wire.....but he is cute.....
Northeastern Ontario has a shortage of our normal winter birds this year due to the scarcity of natural feed in the forests - lack of seed cones. Most of the birds left our area early, moving further south. This has been a quiet winter for birds at feeders and we miss seeing our normal and colourful varieties. The local bird count in February reported the fewest number of species since 2003. However, it has been interesting to see the raptors coming, particularly owls, and a northern shrike. They have recently been 'hunting' for rodents that come up from under the snow under the feeders.
Above is a pileated woodpecker working on a tree behind the house. They have a few "favorite" trees that they visit quite regularly. Pileateds are the largest members of the woodpecker family and quite a sight to see, and hear. There is no mistaking their "woody woodpecker" call.
This is a Northern Goshawk, viewing our bird feeder area from a nearby tall tree. They are not commonly seen here but I've managed to spot him nearby a few times this winter. A beautiful bird of varying greys, he is distinguished by his black mask across his eyes. Perched in a tree, they stand about 2' tall. Unlike other hawk species that often circle in flight, the goshawk soars or glides and is lovely to watch. This particular one was being "assaulted" by a few chickadees as I was taking the photo. Brave little birds they are!
Northeastern Ontario has a shortage of our normal winter birds this year due to the scarcity of natural feed in the forests - lack of seed cones. Most of the birds left our area early, moving further south. This has been a quiet winter for birds at feeders and we miss seeing our normal and colourful varieties. The local bird count in February reported the fewest number of species since 2003. However, it has been interesting to see the raptors coming, particularly owls, and a northern shrike. They have recently been 'hunting' for rodents that come up from under the snow under the feeders.
Above is a pileated woodpecker working on a tree behind the house. They have a few "favorite" trees that they visit quite regularly. Pileateds are the largest members of the woodpecker family and quite a sight to see, and hear. There is no mistaking their "woody woodpecker" call.
This is a Northern Goshawk, viewing our bird feeder area from a nearby tall tree. They are not commonly seen here but I've managed to spot him nearby a few times this winter. A beautiful bird of varying greys, he is distinguished by his black mask across his eyes. Perched in a tree, they stand about 2' tall. Unlike other hawk species that often circle in flight, the goshawk soars or glides and is lovely to watch. This particular one was being "assaulted" by a few chickadees as I was taking the photo. Brave little birds they are!
