Loggerhead Shrike

So I found the prey of a Loggerhead Shrike; Lanius ludovicianus today. It was as many as twelve trees with food impaled on thorns. My question is that Ive never seen or been around this bird. They are rare in Virginia and Im wondering if he is still around? I spent about 4 hours there and never saw any signs that he is still around. Is it worth me setting up a blind? If they are storing this much food in the trees is he around for a while or do they do this and keep moving?

I don't have any personal experience with this species in Virginia, but know they used to nest as far north as New Jersey but had declined by the tim I started birding there in the early 1970's. Looking at the range maps for the Loggerhead Shrike it shows they are in VA year round so you might have found a locally breeding bird, or perhaps a winter range of one.

I've seen these birds in NJ, FL, TX, CA, and here in AZ but have never found a food stash like this. I'd just spend time looking for the bird before going tot he trouble of setting up a blind - they are easy to spot because they usually sit at the top of a tree or shrub by an open area to spot prey and their white plumage blazes for some distance. When they fly they usually drop low to the ground and then rise up to a favorite observation perch.

Thanks Richard. Its a large field and the trees are spread out over a large area so it will be the luck of the draw as far as setting up a blind. Ive got some time I think Ill just take a chance and see if i get lucky.

You sure the grasshoppers werent just doing some kind of crazy backflips and landed on those thorns ???

Thanks Richard. Its a large field and the trees are spread out over a large area so it will be the luck of the draw as far as setting up a blind. Ive got some time I think Ill just take a chance and see if i get lucky.