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We need at least 500 pairs
of breeding birds to make sure that the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike
doesn’t disappear from Canada. Getting
there won't be easy, but we believe it is possible — with your
support.
If
You Spot a Shrike,
Please pay particular attention
to any bands you may be able to see. And, beginning
in 2010, a non-toxic
identifying colour was used on the breast of
birds for identification
purposes as well.
Please report sightings of Eastern Loggerhead
Shrikes to our toll-free number: 1-800-956-6608
Almost every Eastern Loggerhead Shrike in Canada nests on private
property. If you have shrike habitat on your property or want to
create more habitat for this rare bird, there are many ways you can
help:
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Contact
the Recovery Program before making any changes to Eastern
Loggerhead Shrike habitat. |
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Graze
your pastures. This maintains the short-grass habitat that
shrikes prefer. |
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If possible,
expand your pastureland. This may mean clearing some trees
and shrubs or fencing fields so they can be grazed. We may
be able to provide funding and/or volunteers: contact
us for details. (Note
that funding is currently targeted primarily for Carden and
Napanee, where the core breeding populations are found) |
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Leave
the odd tree standing in or near grasslands. Shrikes like
to perch on them. |
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Maintain
and plant trees and shrubs at the edges of or scattered through
pastures and fields to provide perches and nesting places. |
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Limit
the amount of insecticides and other chemicals you apply
on your land. If at all possible, do not use them. |
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Many shrikes in
southeastern Manitoba have been found on
suburban land, and it's not uncommon for shrikes to nest or be spotted
in people's backyards.
Here are some ways to make your garden shrike-friendly:
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Plant
shrub or tree species that loggerhead
shrikes can use for nesting. Although
they prefer spruce trees between one
and six metres high, they will also nest
in hawthorn, willow and buffaloberry. |
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Avoid
planting trees that will grow more than
six metres high. Taller trees may attract
other birds that hunt shrikes. |
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The
Eastern Loggerhead Shrike will nest in
hedgerows (especially if there are openings
in them) but they prefer isolated trees
scattered throughout the yard. |
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Shrikes
need thorny shrubs in the yard to impale
their prey. Hawthorn is ideal, but Russian
olive, silver buffaloberry or wild plum
will do. A barbed wire fence is another
option. |
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If
possible, create 4 hectares (10 acres)
of open habitat. Keep in mind that while
a single residential site might be too
small, together with neighbouring properties,
it may provide an area large enough to
support a breeding pair. |
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Mow
your yard frequently to mimic grazed
grass in a pasture. Ideally, leave un-mowed
patches in corners and around shrubs
to harbour prey species. You can plant
a mixture of native grasses and wildflowers
to make those patches more attractive. |
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The
shrike is a "perch-and-wait predator" that
needs perches to hunt from. If there
are no dead branches, hydro lines, fences,
antennae, clotheslines or similar structures
on your property, consider installing
a few posts, preferably throughout the
yard. |
Donate now to Wildlife Preservation Canada
through CanadaHelps. Designate your support
to the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Fund
and receive an immediate email tax receipt.
All donations designated in this way will go
towards saving the Eastern Loggerhead Shrike.
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