A Questionable Visitor

This beautiful bird, slightly smaller than a robin, with it's shades of gray, white and black, is not normally seen in our area except during winter months. It is a Northern Shrike and is a member of the raptor family - a family that includes hawks, owls, and eagles. As such, it is a meat eater and preys on small birds. It is often attracted to bird feeders in the winter seasons. It is a very fast flyer and can negotiate tree branches with ease when chasing other birds. On our walks, we occasionally see feathers on the ground, evidence that Shrikes are in the area.