Northern Shrike at Cain Ranch

[Justin Hite]

Did a little birding this morning to kick off the Mono Count Week.  The big Hurray! moment was when a young Northern Shrike flew over my car as I pulled into the Cain Ranch at the jct of 395 and the north end of the June Lake Loop.  It perched on a bitterbrush and I got  good looks.  Lightly barred buffy underparts, long bill, large size, and a little bit of blackish coming in thin on the face.  After a few short minutes it flew southwest up the June Lake road and out of the count circle.  First Northern Shrike I've seen in the Mono Basin.  

[Justin Hite]

Also two Chuckar looking beautiful in their fancy plumage sitting on the side of 395 a quarter mile south of the Old Marina pullout.  Another Mono Basin first for me.