[va-bird] Shrikes at Sky Meadows SP, Fauquier Co., June 25

Hello, birders.

After assuming that the shrike pair did not
successfully breed this spring, I was proven wrong
when I saw an adult shrike with 2 immatures there on
Sunday.  At least I presume that the adult was one of
the pair that I've seen in the park.  The immatures
looked much like the adult but were a lighter, duller
gray on the upperparts.  They appeared a bit smaller
than the adult.  At least one of the youngsters had a
mask that was not quite black, but rather a very dark
gray.  I did not see any barring on the breast like
the field guides show they are supposed to have. 
Perhaps the birds were too far away for me to see that
characteristic.

These birds were just E of the southernmost duck pond,
which is across the stream from the Meadow Trail (E
side of Rte. 17).  The birds perched in weedy
vegetation, all were within 50 ft. of each other.  The
birds would sometimes fly to another perch.  Each bird
vocalized, with a raspy sort of call that sounded
similar to some calls of a jay or a mockingbird.  At
one point, one of the immatures begged for food while
the parent ignored it.  This young'n later caught a
big insect.

Later on, I saw an adult by itself.  Don't know if was
the other parent or not.  I wonder where in the area
these birds bred.

Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.  


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