Unusual Bird Sighting, Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor)

Rick Thoman writes,

On Sunday, this Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) hung out for a couple of minutes near our bird feeder. We've seen these birds in the Fairbanks area before but neither my wife or I could recall seeing one at this time of year: more often in the spring.

LEO says:

Northern Shrikes are common across Alaska, breeding primarily around the northernmost parts of the state. Year-round populations may remain in the southcentral and southwest regions of the state, although many winter in the northern US states. This may be a rogue up from the southern part of Alaska, or someone who missed the boat heading south!

Resources:

Audubon – Northern Shrike moves south rather late in fall, returning north early in spring. Numbers on the wintering grounds vary from year to year, with many more appearing in the occasional "invasion winters." Audubon Guide to North American Birds

eBird.org – Global tools for birders, critical data for science

• Record the birds you see
• Keep track of your bird lists
• Explore dynamic maps and graphs
• Share your sightings and join the eBird community
• Contribute to science and conservation

© Audubon and Cornell Lab of Ornithology

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Guide Northern Shrike Species (Lanius excubitor) – The Latin species name of the Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor, means "Butcher watchman." Breeds in taiga and at the border of taiga and tundra, in open country with medium or tall trees or shrubs. Winters in open country with tall perches, including shrubby fields, wetlands, and forest edges. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds.