March FREEBIE Challenge (2025)

[AprilDawn]

Thank you to Julie Magerka ,Corrie Kinkle ,Michele, Sue Thomas, Ann Seeber and Susan Ewart for giving me hearts on my Butcherbird post. Appreciated very much.

Julie i do not know how it got its name  however i always look forward to hearing their beautiful song when they come into our yard it brightens my day.  Best wishes to you all  from Dawn

[Ann Seeber]

  On 3/30/2025 at 9:55 PM, Julie Magerka said:

I'm reluctant to think why that's the name. 😐

Expand  

I asked AI Copilot about the bird and here's its answer: "The pied butcherbird gets its name from both its distinctive appearance and its feeding habits. The term "pied" refers to its striking black-and-white plumage, while "butcherbird" comes from its rather grim hunting behavior. It earns this title because it impales its prey—like insects, small mammals, or other birds—on thorns or sharp branches to store or eat later. This habit is reminiscent of a butcher hanging up meat, hence the name.
Interestingly, despite their fierce name, pied butcherbirds are known for their beautiful, flute-like songs, making them one of the most melodious songbirds in the world. Quite the mix of talents, right?"

[Sue Thomas]

  On 3/31/2025 at 12:32 AM, AprilDawn said:

Thank you to Julie Magerka ,Corrie Kinkle ,Michele, Sue Thomas, Ann Seeber and Susan Ewart for giving me hearts on my Butcherbird post. Appreciated very much.

Julie i do not know how it got its name  however i always look forward to hearing their beautiful song when they come into our yard it brightens my day.  Best wishes to you all  from Dawn

Expand  

In Canada we have the Northern Shrike and the Loggerhead Shrike. (Although not related to your bird) Like your pied butcherbird, they too have earned the nickname butcher-bird.  The male Shrikes will  also impale dead prey, in order to attract a  mate.  This I have witnessed on several occassions. Nesting in  well hidden dense or thorny trees. They most certainly  have the most beautiful distinctive song.  The way I see it, humans don't always give much thought when it comes to  naming creatures. 

[Cristina]

  On 3/30/2025 at 1:17 AM, AprilDawn said:

Hello everyone, i have used the alpha freebie, the Australia was created using Cass Hammered metal script, photo is from pixabay and masked with one from an old software i have called Craft Artist. also used 2 VM filters (old 32 bit) called weave and dribble on background paper.... best wishes to you all.

 

Expand  

Hi Dawn! It's so good to see you back here again! 💟

Your work is impeccable and as beautiful as before. It's always a joy to see it.

Come and visit us more often! 🙂 

[Julie Magerka]

  On 3/31/2025 at 10:02 AM, Sue Thomas said:

In Canada we have the Northern Shrike and the Loggerhead Shrike. (Although not related to your bird) Like your pied butcherbird, they too have earned the nickname butcher-bird.  The male Shrikes will  also impale dead prey, in order to attract a  mate.  This I have witnessed on several occassions. Nesting in  well hidden dense or thorny trees. They most certainly  have the most beautiful distinctive song.  The way I see it, humans don't always give much thought when it comes to  naming creatures. 

Expand  

Nature is brutal, but I like not to think of that. You make it very palatable with your photos and layouts.

[AprilDawn]

Hello Cristina, your kind comment is very much appreciated.  hope you are keeping well? i have not been posting since last July but i am trying to get back to it again.

best wishes

Dawn.

 

[AprilDawn]

Hello Sue, your Northern Shrike Bird is beautiful did you take the photo? interesting info about the bird also, quite often the names given to these birds do not match the beauty of them especially when they sing so  beautifully.

Hello Ann Seeber , likewise, interesting info you found out about the Pied Butcherbird... i never knew that about them. However they bring such joy here when they are in our yard .

Best wishes to you both

Dawn.

[Sue Thomas]

  On 4/1/2025 at 1:29 AM, AprilDawn said:

Hello Sue, your Northern Shrike Bird is beautiful did you take the photo? interesting info about the bird also, quite often the names given to these birds do not match the beauty of them especially when they sing so  beautifully.

Hello Ann Seeber , likewise, interesting info you found out about the Pied Butcherbird... i never knew that about them. However they bring such joy here when they are in our yard .

Best wishes to you both

Dawn.

Expand  

I have to agree with many of the comments, it is wonderful seeing you back posting, like many of us, you have your own distinctive style,  which is inspiring.

I did take the photo, as I showcase only  my own photos.  I observe, photograph,  document  and then showcase them. 

[Cristina]

  On 4/1/2025 at 1:18 AM, AprilDawn said:

Hello Cristina, your kind comment is very much appreciated.  hope you are keeping well? i have not been posting since last July but i am trying to get back to it again.

best wishes

Dawn.

 

Expand  

All is well, Dawn, and I hope the same for you. 

I have noticed you've been MIA for a while, but I know that sometimes life gets in the way.   I do hope to see you and your lovely work more often. 🙂 

Best wishes 💟

 

[AprilDawn]

hello Cristina have been MIA for some time due to challenging health issues  but I am hoping to get back into it again. I re-joined the Diamond again yesterday so i have much to see in the campus that i am sure will boost my creativity along with all the posts that the members  are doing... all are very inspiring. Glad to hear all is well with you.

best  wishes

Dawn.