You probably know mockingbirds, but do you know about shrikes? At a distance both birds look similar, with grey uppers, white underparts, and white wing patches seen when flying. But the shrike has a bold black mask on a larger head. The mockingbird has a more slender build and a longer tail, which is frequently cocked upward.
Their behaviors are different as well. The mockingbird is a very active insectivore in trees, in shrubs and on the ground. The shrike perches on wires, high branches, and palm spear leaves to launch sudden attacks. Its diet includes insects and small vertebrates that it impales on thorns or barbed wire. For that it is nicknamed the “butcher bird.” It then uses its hooked bill to tear out chunks of food.
Vocally, the mockingbird is an avid singer, with its own variety of notes as well as mocking other sounds that it hears. The shrike makes a variety of buzzing sounds and a quick da-da-dot.
We are fortunate to have habitat inside Burnt Store Marina that supports both species to assist in insect control and for our enjoyment. Happy birding!
Upcoming Events:
• Saturday, April 5, 7 a.m., Caravan/car-pool from Home Depot or meet at 8 a.m. at Ding Darling NWR, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel Island. $6/car. Bring scopes. Brunch reservation required (time TBD) at Green Flash, 15183 Captiva Dr. Captiva 239-472-3337.
• Thursday, April 17, Refreshments at 6:15 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. “Raptors Predators of the Skies”, at the Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte.
• Tuesday, April 22, 8 a.m., Walkabout & Earth Day Brunch, at Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park, 501 Donora St, Port Charlotte.
• Saturday, April 26, 8:20 a.m., Earth Day Celebration fun & games, at Cedar Point Environmental Park, 2300 Placida Rd, Englewood.
• Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Nature Walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd, Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member of PRAS to join us. Participation is free, and registration is not required. Visit the website at http://www.peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the details or give me a call: Rick Read, BSM resident at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.
