Bird ID Help

by John Briggs on November 4, 2007

in Blog, Weekend Birding

This bird has me so dumbfounded that I am getting a headache trying to figure it out. Look at the curved bill in the second picture. (sorry, a little blurry) That’s what is throwing me for a loop. Noticed the streaked patterned chest and the white under parts of the long tail. Pictures taken today at Eastern Point in Biddeford Pool, Maine.

Any ideas? Please let me know before I go crazy!

Unknown Bird - Eastern Point - Biddeford Pool, Maine. Unknown Bird - Eastern Point - Biddeford Pool, Maine. Unknown Bird - Eastern Point - Biddeford Pool, Maine.

 Happy birding!

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{ 6 comments }

Ken November 4, 2007 at 3:44 pm

Your mystery bird is a 1st year Northern Shrike. They take a while to develop the black mask, and first year birds in particular have a light brown scale-like plumage on their chests.

Good birding,
Ken

Nick Lund November 4, 2007 at 3:48 pm

looks like you’ve got a juvi Northern Shrike

Julie Krasne November 4, 2007 at 4:03 pm

How about a Juvenile Northern Shrike?

John Briggs November 4, 2007 at 4:17 pm

The absense of the black mask is what fooled me!

It’s an immature Northern Shrike.

Thanks to all who responded here and via email, it is greatly appreciated!

And for those who left the “smart aleck” remarks, you can see what happened to your comments.

Happy birding;
John

Vern November 6, 2007 at 4:28 am

John,
Don’t concern yourself with the fool who attacked you. Life is too short and birding too much fun to have your enjoyment ruined by someone who wants to make it into a competition. Learning new stuff is what keeps it interesting. Thank you for your pictures and your site.
Vern

John Briggs November 6, 2007 at 6:40 am

Vern;

Thank you!

I removed his comment and mine both. History!

John

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