A Loggerhead Shrike, or Butcher Bird pictured in the first photo is a fierce predatory bird. They have a specialized beak for severing the spine of their prey. They are infamous for impaling their captured prey on thorns or the barbs on wire fences. They eat insects, small rodents and amphibians. Their relatively weak legs and inability to hold their prey without talons is the reason they impale their food. It makes it easier for them to hold and eat their catch.
Some recent updates with Bobcats and Mountain Lions from the Trail Cameras follow.
I remain grateful these Lions are waiting until dark to roam the woods.
The Bobcat continues to be a mostly daytime predator. But I did manage to get a photo of two Bobcats together at night.
It may be her kitten or it may be mating season. No way to tell.
Northern Desert Photography 
Looks can be deceiving
Indeed.
They’ve been hunting all year long, but for some reason they are more visible in the cold season. This seems to be their time.
Yes I haven’t figured out where they go in the summer but I will work on it. It will most likely involve more cameras. lol
I had no idea about the Butcher Bird. Always wondered why it had such a name. LOL
Right?!? Truth stranger than fiction.
Fascinating! The little shrike is somewhere between songbird and raptor. This is the first I’m learning of them. We don’t have them here. Loving the cat photos, too!
Yes, the shrike is an interesting bird. Always a treat to see one. 🙂
Very nice picture of the fierce bird.
Cool! We have the Loggerhead Shrike in Europe too.. beautiful but very deadly!
I didn’t know you had them in Europe. That is great to know. 🙂
Beautiful photos well shared ☺️
Thank you! 🙂
💐
Definitely one of my favorite songbirds, with their unique way a caching their prey. Nice shot of one!
Thanks!
WOW.Wonderful predators birds and animals but most beautiful.They all are habitual for predating besides these those all can do what’s..❤️🥰❤️Most lovely photos,dear!!❣️🙏❣️
Thank you so much! 🙂
Man! That’s a crazy bird! Ya! Those cat shots are great!
Incredible shots! 😀 Those cats are so majestically frightening (lol)! Happy New Year and warm wishes for a bright and blessed 2025! ❤
Thank you! Happy New Year to you!
Fantastic photos. I am so glad that we don’t have any predators in the U.K., well nothing big enough to post a threat. Beautiful animals though 🙂
Thank you! I am always glad the Mountain Lions choose to be completely nocturnal as far as I know. 😉
That’s good 😊
Amazing picture
Wow! I love it! I am in Vermont and I see bobcats a lot because there is national forest all around my house. They are almost otherworldly, maybe magestic is a better word. They are definitely large and in charge. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks! I wish I could see them in person more often.