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November 2014

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From:
Dan Sanders <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Dan Sanders <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 6 Nov 2014 13:57:22 -0800
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Hello All . . . I have recently sent the below e-mail information to several Ohio birding friends, and some have suggested that I post this information to the Ohio Birds list-serve, for the benefit of all others who subscribe. I have also included some additional information, at the very end.

Good birding,
Dan Sanders
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First of all,  Northern Shirke (NOSH) is larger in size, overall, but unless you see them side-by side (which is most unlikely) this info is not helpful. In my personal experience/observations, and from what I've read, 95+% of all Northerns will show light/delicate barring in the area of the breast, but that is often difficult to detect. Of course a good scope or long camera lens is the best/easiest way to see this field mark. The size and color of the bill is probably the second-most reliable field mark to consider, with Northerns having larger bills (in proportion to their head), and often the base of the lower mandible is lighter in color. Loggerheads are often described as 'cuter' with a more rounded head and smaller/petite bill (completely black), and with a smaller hook. The size and amount of black in the 'mask area' is variable in both species, but if the black feathers extend above and across the upper bill, this will pretty much confirm a
 Loggerhead Shrike (LOSH). Problem is, this 'field mark' is not true for all Loggerheads and therefore should not eliminate them from that ID.

It seems that there have been quite a few Ohio Shrike reports recently, and most birders assume that they are Northerns, but there's also a small migrating (Southward) Ontario population to consider, and maybe through November? The LOSH that Jen Brumfield found along Wilderness Road last Fall was no doubt from this breeding Ontario population.

Also, if you will google 'Loggerhead Shrike in Ontario' (or perhaps use other descriptors), you should find a website and other information of interest, though also some sad news as this population is 'in trouble' (compare their original range map with the current map which shows only 'islands' remaining, due to habitat fragmentation). Ontario also has an interesting 'captive breeding program' in place which is good to read about and as I recall, has been somewhat successful.


Please help 'spread the word' to others... that they should look at all Ohio Shrikes carefully at this time of the year, and take pictures if possible.

Thanks, and Good Birding,
Dan Sanders
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In addition, please note . . . The 'northern-most' breeding range of Loggerhead Shrike (other than the Ontario population) currently extends Northward only into the Southern tier counties of Ohio. This would include Highland and Adams Counties where the most recent 'single' nesting records were recorded several years ago.  And so any Loggerheads seen in Ohio during the Fall migration are most likely moving into Ohio from the North (Ontario). This species has also been moved to the 'Ohio Review Species List', so any sightings (Summer or Fall) require documentation which should be submitted to the Ohio Bird Records Committee. Please see the OOS Website for this form and additional information about this documentation process.

Please note also that this additional information (see below, from Paul Hurtado)  has been posted to the
Birding Ohio facebook page as it relates to Loggerhead Shrike in Ohio, as well as other Ohio rarities. And be sure to also check out the 'link', at the end:

If you find a Shrike in Ohio, PLEASE don't assume it's a Northern -- it pays to check and/or photograph them to be certain!
We do get LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, and we no doubt miss a few when Northern's move down into the state (as they have been recently).
DOCUMENTATION TIP: Most smartphone cameras are all you need to document birds. Just hold the camera up to your scope or binocular eyepiece. For rarities, NEVER take photos -- just video. You gather a LOT more information that way, and can always go back and pull out good stills from the video.Just something to keep in mind.
http://www.bsc-eoc.org/losh.html
(Paul Hurtado)

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