The Northern Shrike 8 Miler

I took a picture of the Shrike but it didn't turn out too well.  I went on a roughly 8 mile birding run since I haven't done one in a while.  I ran through the neighborhood to Dickcissel Field and back through Southeastern Park to get a feel of the Winter birds and what may or may not have shown up in the bitter cold.  The neighborhood itself was alive with small flocks of Robins, Cedar Waxwings and Starlings feasting on Dogwood and Cedar berries.  Dickcissel Field hosted the above mentioned Shrike along with the American Pipits, Eastern Meadowlarks and a Cooper's Hawk.  On the way to Southeast Park I saw the flocking Robins and Waxwings again joined by a Orange-crowned Warbler.  They were plenty of Eastern Bluebirds on Universal Drive around Millcreek Elementary School and an Eastern Phoebe nearby.  At the park I found what I was mainly looking for - Field Sparrows (along with Song and White-throated Sparrows).  On the way back home I saw a flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers in the Cedar Trees.  It was nice to see so much vibrant life in the dead of Winter.

toadshade