Click here to return to 2018 Birding Reports:  http://www.barry15.com/2018_Birding_Reports

 

 

 

Shrike at Marymoor Park - Wednesday, March 14, 2018

 

There was a report of a Loggerhead Shrike at the model airplane field at Marymoor Park this morning, and I went looking for it.  Based on eBird history, it seemed more likely to be a Northern Shrike at this time of year, but I wanted to take a look.  I soon found it, right where it was reported, along the edge of the weeds on the south side of the field.  Here are some pictures.

 

Picture 1 (6791)

 

The differences between Northern Shrike and Loggerhead Shrike are subtle.  This bird seems to have a wide black mask behind the eye, which would indicate Loggerhead.  It also doesn't seem to have any white around the eye area, which also would indicate Loggerhead.  The bill seems short, again indicating Loggerhead, although you can't really tell if we are looking at a true profile or if the head is slightly turned.  The black mask also seems to extend over the bill, again indicating Loggerhead Shrike.  I see no signs of white nasal bristles, which would indicate Northern.  The bill is also uniformly dark, while Northern Shrike has a lighter colored lower mandible at the base, although only in fall and winter.  This might be considered spring and the bill might have already changed color for the breeding season.

 

Here are three more pictures, showing most of the same things.

 

Picture 2 (6793)

 

Picture 3 (6795)

 

Picture 4 (6786)

 

I'm far from certain of my opinion, and I would welcome other people's thoughts and ideas.  I expected to find a Northern Shrike, based on the time of year, but I'm leaning toward Loggerhead Shrike, which is what the person who reported it also thought.