Feb 5th - Major Donnelly Land Preserve

Back on the hunt for the shrike.  Arrived in the late afternoon, with
the sun starting to dip from its already low spot in the sky.  There
was an icy wind blowing across the marshland that made my eyes water and
cold toes tingle.

The first hour was spent with only the wind as company until a
northern harrier flew in.  It danced across the reeds, occasionally
pausing to hover and search for prey.

As the sun neared
the treeline, the shrike made an appearance.  Perched on branches, it
would quietly survey the field.  After a few moments, its head would
snap to attention.  There was only a moment before it would dart into
the tangled undergrowth to stalk its prey.  A skilled hunter, I was
witness to her field mouse prize.  

After the sun
set, she seemed content with the day’s hunt - perched in the
undergrowth, her song could be heard as I started the hike out.