Loggerheaded Shrike. Bosque del Apache NWR, Socorro NM

There are other birds at Bosque del Apache besides the Sandhill Cranes and Snowy Geese. This is a Loggerhead Shrike from the scenic overlook at the south end of the refuge. The overlook provides a panoramic view of the refuge and the Rio Grande Valley south of the refuge. Perhaps that is what attracted the Shrike, but I suspect it is the abundant bug life of the upland. The Shrike is also called the “Butcher Bird” because of its habit of leaving its prey impaled on barb wire and thorns to keep it from other predators.

Nikon P900 at about 3500mm equivalent field of view (Perfect Image digital zoom). 1/500th @ ISO 100 @ f6.5. Processed in Lightroom.