A Shrike and Its Prey 



By BERNERS B. KELLY 



With a photograph by the author 



WE SUFFER from the Sparrow curse to an almost unmitigated 

 extent ; unmitigated, that is, except for such relief as we get 

 from the free use of poisoned wheat and from occurrences such 

 as the photograph shows. 



Fortunately, a fair sprinkling of Northern Shrikes stay wdth us through- 

 out the winter, during which time, as my observation goes. Sparrows form 

 their exclusive bill-of-fare. 



The method of killing employed by the Shrike, which I have observed 

 with great care on many occasions, is quite interesting and always the same. 

 A few undulating spirals, to acquire the requisite height, a slanting glide down 

 upon the flying Sparrow, the stroke — an absolute blow — apparently, and the 

 victim falls to the ground, dead. In spite of every effort, I have never been 

 able to reach his prey before the slayer, so have never been able to ascertain 

 the exact cause of death; but I take it to be that either the back or the neck 

 is dislocated. 



The slant at which the blow is given precludes, I think, the possibility of a 

 beak shaped like that of the Shrike inflicting a punctured wound; and if, as 



NORTHERN SHRIKE AND ITS PREY 

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