Looks like it could be a Shrike. Here is a Loggerhead Shrike... http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Birds/MMMN/English/a_loggerhead_shrike.html Or it also could be a Northern Shrike. http://www.pbase.com/image/36927658 Brenda

I would connect with Audubon and see what they have to say. Also NWF/national wildlife foundation.Then I would call the local TV people and give them your story. I'm siding with the birds. It's not like your hedge is going to adversely affect property values in this housing climate.

Hi, guys! Glad you aren't giving up on your garden birds. It CAN take a long time for birds to both FIND and get brave enough to USE a new feeder. It depends on so many factors. In neighborhoods where everyone has lots of feeders around, a new one is accepted pretty easily. In areas where birds aren't routinely being fed via feeders, it looks strange to them, and they are cautious. They can also be very fussy about where it is placed. If it is too close to bushes, they are afraid a predator might be lurking nearby. If it is too far AWAY from bushes, they feel too exposed. If you can, try more than one feeder, and more than one location. (Like in real estate, it's "location, location, LOCATION!"). I recommend several different styles and more than one type of seed. Different birds like different things. For cardinals, as Marion said, safflower seeds are a great choice. Squirrels don't eat them (usually) so you can use a tray type feeder and don't need to worry about putting a squirrel baffle on your post or hanging wire. Feeders with small perches are good for smaller birds like titmice, sparrows, etc, but the larger birds like bluejays, blackbirds (and sometimes even cardinals) may not use them. They need more room to sit. For a new set up, I would say at least one tray type feeder and one "house" type one with perches. If you have a squirrel problem, add a hubcap shaped baffle to your pole to keep them out of the tray, and fill the second feeder with safflower seeds. Titmice like safflower, too, and so do white-winged doves, if you are lucky enough to have some of those, like I have at this house. Don't put up finch feeders or thistle (niger) finch seed, as we don't have any here now. You only use that during migration for the goldfinches that are passing through. During those times, though, it's a great addition, as they can stay for several weeks, filling your yard with loads of yellow and black birds. And don't forget water! Even more important than food. And it will draw birds that aren't seed eaters, too, like mockingbirds, thrashers, catbirds, etc. If you are on a budget, you can fill large plant saucers with water and place them on upside down pots. But keep the water only 2 to 3 inches deep, and make sure it is fresh. (I refill daily, while hand watering plants). Hope this tips will help. If you have other questions, give a holler! Good luck! Marcia

Hey, my Minnesota hands still get cold when it's in the 40's! Besides I'm a native Floridan so that's my excuse. ;-) They were really THIN gloves. Right before the workshop, central Florida was having a pretty good cold snap, it got down in the 20's on the morning I arrived. On the boat we started out early and it could get a bit chilly, especially when we were moving. The secret to hand holding is really just common sense - hold the lens up only as long as you need to. Sounds like you're already doing that. ;-)