Trevor L.

Dang. I was really hoping. PUFI is one of the last nemesis birds I have left right now. Thanks anyway, @akandula and @akiley.

I got better photos

Seen today in Wentzville, MO. Sorry for bad pictures; I’ll fill in the blanks to the best of my ability. Bird was somewhat larger, darker, and bulkier than the average HOFI we get in my area. The back was covered in a reddish ‘wash’, and the head was entirely covered in some shade of red, with a slight purple undertone? PUFI is my nemesis, so I’m hoping to cross it off, but I’ll go with whatever the consensus here is.

Rough estimates: two inches across, two-and-a-half inches tall, and six feet off the ground.

All heard in eastern Missouri (Weldon Springs) within the last week. Also a nest, same time of year, with many Field Sparrows in the area. IMG_0729.MOV IMG_0728.MOV

Yes! I talked to a couple other birding friends, and many of them recommended the Vortex Diamondback. I ordered them earlier this week.

Well, the time has come for me... my binoculars have essentially fallen apart (they’re almost ten years old, so I’m not surprised), and I’m looking to invest in a new pair. I’m hoping to spend under $100 for a pair that have a pretty good zoom and ‘feel’. Any help appreciated.

Seconding Social.

I saw the bird in Chesterfield, Missouri. It’s labeled as rare on eBird. I’ll include a picture of the species’ range that I got from Merlin to save you the time of looking it up.

New PFP!!!! NSHR that I found today.

Also new PFP

I am asking about subspecies. Should’ve clarified.

Seen today in Chesterfield, MO. The photos aren't mine, but are of the same bird, I'm certain. And before anyone asks, I did find the shrike earlier today. https://ebird.org/checklist/S65823787?view=photos

Northern Shrike in Chesterfield, MO.

It’s kinda giving me pewee vibes, but I couldn’t tell you why.