Early in the morning on February 11, 2026, I went out to fill the bird feeders in our yard in Errol, NH, when a Northern Shrike flew in and landed in the apple tree right next to me. The bird watched as I filled the feeders.
The shrike had previously been seen grabbing mealworms from the feeders. I stopped and simply watched as it remained perched and waited. As I finished filling the feeders, the bird continued to observe me. I stood perfectly still while it looked around, flicked its tail, and then flew off into the woods.
I was only a few feet away, yet the bird never seemed nervous about the close distance between us. What a treat to see this Northern Shrike at such close range.
Lori Charron took this close-up photo of “her” Northern Shrike on 2-25-2026 in Errol, NH.
Enjoy this field note? Check out other field notes from Winter 2025-26!
- An Eastern Bluebird Haven by Tara Brooks
- Where Does a Bald Eagle Drink When the Ice Freezes? by Iain MacLeod
- Northern Shrike Up Close and Personal by Lori Charron
- Evening Grosbeak Bonanza by David Govatski
- Common Murre at Odiorne by Diane Karstrap
- Winter Haiku by Jim Sparrell and Katherine Towler
- Backyard Ruffed Grouse by Elaine Faletra
- Fishing Drama on the Merrimack by Jim Sparrell
Want even more? Visit our “From the Field” page for more.