bobfair@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Bob Fairbairn) (05/23/84)
Outside my office there is a landscaped area that is owned by a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes. I'm impressed by the fierceness with which these birds (somewhat smaller than a Robin) defend their estate. Other birds that wander into the area are usually driven off quickly by a strafing-style mock attack. Likewise, the Cottontail Rabbits that live in the area are sometimes sent scurrying for cover. I understand that the shrikes are among the smallest of our birds that can be classed as predators, as they are able to kill and enjoy small rodents. Once I did see one with what appeared to be the remains of a mouse. If the larger hawks were as fierce for their size as the shrikes, I imagine we would be afraid to walk around unprotected in hawk territory. . Bob Fairbairn . System Development Corp. . Camarillo, CA