Friday Feathered Feature

Northern Shrike

Northern Shrike

Then, in a small clump of willows just off the trail, we spotted another robin-sized bird, but it was light gray and had a bulkier head than a robin. A closer look revealed the black mask and hooked beak of a Northern Shrike.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

An ever dependable sound of winter is the drilling, drumming, and knocking of our industrious non-migratory woodpeckers. Charisma and conspicuousness is a recipe for intrigue, and woodpeckers have these in excess.

Photo by Phil Brown

Swamp Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

At Fair Meadows Sanctuary, the Swamp Sparrow is a common migrant and summer resident. The occasional winter birds that I have seen are invariably found feeding on invertebrates in the shallows of a pond that has year-round open water due to brisk upwelling from underground springs.

Photo by Gary Shackelford