I hate to say it but I fell in love with this bandit. He has his mask on and yet he took time to pleat his feathers. *LOL* A beautiful picture.

I've never seen one of these, Alan - how lovely. The downy head makes me wonder if it's a youngster or if that's its adult plumage. A wonderful image.

WOW!! fantastic shot,it looks like you have identified him so I can stop searching.lol

he is a lovely looking little bird, that hook beak looks like its there to do serious work with getting food.

This looks exactly like a European bird, the Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor). So I guess Don's ID is probably right and this is the North American version.

Anyhow, a lovely shot regardless of what it really is or isn't!

Another great shot Alan! It was driving me nuts, I had to try and find out what this guy is. I believe it is a Shrike, either a Northern or Loggerhead. If it is a Northern he is a little South of his normal winter range. Most likely a young Loggerhead Shrike. Cool birds, the Northern Shrikes eat other birds and small rodents, unusual for song birds as stated in the book I have. The Loggerhead Shrikes feed on insects. Talk to you later, Don