CLOSED: Loggerhead Shrike?

I think this is a Loggerhead Shrike but thought I'd get confirmation. I had one identified back in August and this one was at the top of a tree so the are the best pic's I could get. I think I see a hooked beak and black mask.

Photo #1

Photo #2

edited to say: All the other birds were making a racket while this one was perched in the tree so I figured it was a predator.

This message was edited Dec 31, 2010 7:37 PM

I'm going to close this thread because I just zoomed in on another one of my photo's from today and it clearly shows the black mask and hooked beak so I'm pretty sure this is a Loggerhead Shrike.

Sure looks like a Shrike to me and Loggerhead is most likely based on location. The mask does extend above the eye, so that says Loggerhead too. Good, sharp shots!

Yep, Loggerhead Shrike

Resin

A hint for ID separation- Shrike/Mockingbird:

These birds are similar enough (size-color pattern, etc.) that a "far-away look" identification could be difficult. When your unknown bird flies away, its wingbeats will give you the ID.

If you wanted to, you could count the wingbeats of the Mockingbird. The Shrike's wingbeat rate would look like a blur.