Ben Evans and I went a'birding today. Ben is just getting into chase birding since he's only 12, so it was fun to get him some lifers! We started the lifer spree with Savannah Sparrow and American Tree sparrow at my own feeder, then we got lots of Horned Larks along route 229 and on Wildlife Road into the north end of the Delaware Wildlife Area (area G, I think, near the dog training areas south of 229 as reported before) We refound the NORTHERN SHRIKE, and also got young Ben a definitive look at a Hairy Woodpecker. At first the bird wasn't visible from where we stopped at the parking lot where the straight wildife road takes a 90degree right turn. But after looking east for a bit to try and find it, when I turned around there was the Shrike atop his favorite smallish shrubby tree out in the field west of the parkinglot. We both got a good look at the bird and his hooked bill before he flew up to a higher perch and then off to the west on the other side of the road. He must have a pretty large hunting territory down there. We waited a good 15 minutes before he showed up, not to mention the drive in. 
CAUTION: speaking of the drive in, it hasn't been plowed, there are some tire two tracks through the snow, but snow tires and or four-wheel drive is pretty necessary to get into this place in its current snowy condition. Good luck and some patience may be necessary to make the connection with this bird. 

Good Birding, 
Ben Warner

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