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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!akgua!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!bobfair
From: bobfair@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Bob Fairbairn)
Newsgroups: net.rec.birds
Subject: Loggerhead Shrikes
Message-ID: <1099@sdcrdcf.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 23-May-84 13:52:41 EDT
Article-I.D.: sdcrdcf.1099
Posted: Wed May 23 13:52:41 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 26-May-84 12:34:48 EDT
Reply-To: bobfair@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Bob Fairbairn)
Organization: System Development Corporation, Santa Monica
Lines: 18


Outside my office there is a landscaped area that is owned by a pair of
Loggerhead Shrikes.  I'm impressed by the fierceness with which these birds
(somewhat smaller than a Robin) defend their estate.  Other birds that
wander into the area are usually driven off quickly by a strafing-style
mock attack.  Likewise, the Cottontail Rabbits that live in the area are
sometimes sent scurrying for cover.

I understand that the shrikes are among the smallest of our birds that can
be classed as predators, as they are able to kill and enjoy small rodents.
Once I did see one with what appeared to be the remains of a mouse.

If the larger hawks were as fierce for their size as the shrikes, I imagine
we would be afraid to walk around unprotected in hawk territory.

.                              Bob Fairbairn
.                              System Development Corp.
.                              Camarillo, CA