This year, in the Lower Columbia Basin (on the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve),
Loggerhead Shrikes were fairly common until 08/31. Northern Shrikes were
first seen 10/25 and are currently fairly common.

This year, we have twice observed a late fall Loggerhead: (10/26 and on
11/09 -- could be the same bird). On 10/26, the Loggerhead had an
antagonistic interaction with a hatch year Northern Shrike. The Loggerhead
stood its ground, while the Northern Shrike fled.

In previosus years (since 1989) we have had two observations of Loggerheads
in January, two in February, and several in March. While Loggerheads do
over-winter in the Columbia Basin, Northern Shikes clearly out number
Loggerheads from late fall until the middle of March when Northerns start
leaving and Loggerheads return in greater numbers.



Bill and Nancy LaFramboise
Richland, WA
wlafra at oneworld.owt.com