Shrike a pose.

Loggerhead Shrike at a dog park in Gulf Shores, Alabama yesterday morning, before our nine-hour drive back home.

American Bird Conservancy…

The husky, predatory Loggerhead Shrike is nicknamed “butcherbird” for its habit of skewering prey on thorns or barbed wire. “Loggerhead” refers to the large size of this bird’s head in relation to its body.

This shrike’s song is a bit like a mockingbird’s, featuring a series of raspy, buzzy notes and trills. Along with the bird, that song has become much less common. According to Breeding Bird Survey data, populations have declined by almost 80 percent since 1966. This trend coincides with the introduction of chemical pesticides in the United States.

Great Blue Heron on the shores of Shelby Lake which bounds one edge of the dog park in Gulf State Park.

Consider me aware.

Radar had fun, before the long ride.

LBH lift-off.

Relocating a few yards away.