ID'ing birds can be frustrating when different species look so similar, but hey, nothing good ever came easy! We saw quite a few Northern Shrikes at the
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, which we thought was a first for us, but it turns out that we actually saw one at
Gray Lodge last year. After comparing photos, I'm pretty sure I confused it with a Loggerhead Shrike (like the one we spotted at
Colusa).
This Northern Shrike at Modoc had a great perch on the auto tour...
All in all, I suppose it doesn't really matter if I get it right 100% of the time. Because, just being out in nature and hearing the music of birdsong and looking at the beautiful scenery is all that matters.
Tomorrow I'll post pics of the little gems we spotted at Honey Lake...