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Re: Re: Shrike quiz



I applaud Steve for his bravery. The Northern field marks he mentions (white rump, hook size, no mask over bill) were what had some of us almost convinced it was a Northern. It takes courage to go against the flow, and Steve may very well be right. I've had 2 private votes for Loggerhead from reputable birders, so we may never have a definitive answer for this particular bird.
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Carr
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 10:24 AM
Subject: [BirdTalk] Re: Shrike quiz

Although the bird is fluffed up and kind of plump like a Loggerhead, there are enough features that tell me it's a Northern: 
          The strongly hooked bill.  I don't recall seeing a Loggerhead with that much hook.
          The black mask, although somewhat broad in back, doesn't go across the bill, and there is just the hint of an eyebrow.
          The white rump is prominent.  The Loggerhead would have a gray rump.
          The slight streaking of the breast may be a light-diffusion artifact, but what barring there is on the flanks would also tend toward the Northern.
     It may be a tad early for Northerns to be showing up, but I've seen other species down lower than usual for this month this year.  It has been said that because of this that we may be in for an early and long, cold winter.
 
--Steve