Ok, I have your attention, right? What else did we find that was so cool on the Caddo National Grasslands that day?
Do you recognize this bird? It is the Loggerhead Shrike! Another common name for it is the butcherbird. It is common to see its prey on the barbs of barbwire. It eats a lot of insects which is the typical fare that I see. This is a closer view of the Loggerhead Shrike. However, this photo was taken by me a long time ago when I carried my big camera. The shrike is big-headed songbird with a hooked bill. It is a striking bird with its black, gray, and white colors and its black mask. When it takes off from a perch, it tends to swoop downwards rather than straight off.Now hold on! What is everyone photographing? Sure got their attention, eh!This is a rare sight! Scott found it. This was the shrike’s prey!! Apparently, both Scott and myself were thinking it would be cool to see its prey. Ok, I am always thinking that when I see a shrike LOL. I had thought it was just a leaf when I looked through my binoculars. So glad Scott went in for the closer look! I have only seen a similar prey only one other time. It was a shrew. In addition, I have witnessed a shrike take a blackbird many years ago. Imagine that! The blackbird would have weighed as much as the shrike. Indeed an awesome songbird eh!A closer look at the shrike’s hardy still warm mouse meal. The shrike caches its food on thorns and of course barbs on the fences. The other side! Oh, and the shrike was watching us the entire time.Indeed, what a great find!
Today, the sandhill cranes were aloft and flying north!
I tried to identify the mouse and think it was a Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) which is known to be in the area. I doubt it was a House Mouse since there were no houses in the area.
In order to verify my initial finding, I tagged SamBiology to get his thoughts. Sam reached out to Russell Pfau, professor at Tarleton State. He identified it as a NORTHERN PYGMY MOUSE (Baiomys taylori) (Thomas 1887) based on the small size and short tail. Sam also provided a link to a description of the Northern Pygmy Mouse; https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Rodentia/Baiomys_taylori.php. An excerpt from the Habitat information states, “These mice have a preference for grassy areas, including weedy and overgrown habitats, and they are commonly found in old fields, pastures, and along railroad and highway right-of-ways.”
Shrikes are a country bird. Missed in town. Seen lots pf prey on barb wire but never before a mouse or shrew. Thats special.
Oh wow. Complete awesomeness.
Wow!!
I tried to identify the mouse and think it was a Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) which is known to be in the area. I doubt it was a House Mouse since there were no houses in the area.
Good sleuthing Alan! And certainly not a homo sapien house😉
In order to verify my initial finding, I tagged SamBiology to get his thoughts. Sam reached out to Russell Pfau, professor at Tarleton State. He identified it as a NORTHERN PYGMY MOUSE (Baiomys taylori) (Thomas 1887) based on the small size and short tail. Sam also provided a link to a description of the Northern Pygmy Mouse; https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Rodentia/Baiomys_taylori.php. An excerpt from the Habitat information states, “These mice have a preference for grassy areas, including weedy and overgrown habitats, and they are commonly found in old fields, pastures, and along railroad and highway right-of-ways.”
Wow Alan, that is so cool! Thanks for the investigation!
This was awesome! Bet the shrike thought you were going to steal his mouse.
😂😂you are probably right!