Shrikes are fairly common residents of Oasis Valley in deserts, rabbitbrush and saltbush scrub, and open river meadow areas, often perching on high posts, telephone poles, and fences to wath for prey. Fierce carnivores, shrikes hunt grasshoppers, beetles, other invertebrates, as well as mice, small birds, lizards, and snakes. They pounce on their prey after a diredt flight from the look-out perch, and kill the animal with a blow to the back of the skull or bite to the neck to sever the spine, using their hooked bill.

This shrike flew off the post calling loudly its harsh cry.

Loggerhead shrikes undoubtedly breed in Oasis Valley and surrounding deserts, although I have not seen nests or chicks yet.

 

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