THE REDBACK'S LARDER

A few days ago here in Arriondas (Asturias) I was lucky enough to find something I’ve always wanted to see: a Red-Backed Shrike’s larder. It was a tad distant but even so the following sequence of photos gives a nice idea of events.

 First it arrives at the larder, swag in beak (the word “swag” seems fitting for a bird with such a robber’s mask) and pins it on the hook.

With the booty now hanging from the hook, it seems to be mulling over which titbit to eat first.

It eventually decides for the tail and bends down to amputate it.

 And down it goes to his great satisfaction.

The words in the speech bubble say “Lizard’s tail . . . mmmmmm . . . . my favourite”. Obviously this bird thinks and speaks in Spanish so we have to subtitle him.