Page 9 - Jupiter West - March '25

Jupiter West, Page 9
Northern Notes

Loggerhead Shrikes – Nature’s features a pair of built- This practice can also help remove toxins, making the
in projections called
prey safe to eat after a few days. For instance, impaling a
Butcherbird “tomial teeth.” These toxic monarch butterfly helps break down toxins, making
specialized “teeth” are it safe to eat after a few days.
By Katie Roundtree, used to dispatch rodents Another reason for their macabre tendency to impale
Director of Finance and by striking the nape their prey is due to their tiny feet and legs. Their beak
Administration, Northern of the neck, instantly and hunting abilities are similar to hawks and falcons,
Palm Beach County paralyzing them, and but their passerine feet are similar to songbirds and can
Improvement District then shaking them with only perch on branches instead of using them like hawks
The Loggerhead Shrike enough force to break and falcons to rip and tear. The barbed wire and sticks
is a gray and white bird that their necks. They are hold the prey in place so the shrike can eat it. Don’t judge
resembles a Mockingbird at quick and efficient their feet too quickly, though; shrikes have been known
first glance. Both are types hunters, earning to carry prey the same size as themselves.
of songbirds with a similar them the nickname Loggerhead Shrikes are typically found in open areas
overall gray, black and white “butcherbirds.” Their with scattered shrubs and trees, but the species can also
pattern and are about the genus name, Lanius, is be found in more heavily wooded habitats with large
size of a cardinal or robin. The shrike has blacker wings, a derived from the Latin openings and very short habitats with few or no trees.
larger head, a black mask, and a heavy, hooked bill, unlike word “butcher.” Shrikes They particularly like tree snags (dead trees), where they
mockingbirds that have grayer wings, a smaller head and a can also hover over prey, can perch high up to look for prey.
thinner bill. The Loggerhead Shrike’s black mask acts like waiting for the perfect These vicious, intelligent, ruthless birds are amazing
the black paint athletes wear to keep the sun’s glare from moment to strike. animals in our area. Next time you see a gray and
impeding eyesight. These remarkably white bird, look closely and see if it might be nature’s
Where they truly stand out is in their unique hunting intelligent birds then butcherbird.
techniques. The shrike, a carnivorous bird, has a preference impale their prey on NPDES tip: Safely use and dispose of pesticide. If all
for lizards, bugs, and small animals, unlike the seeds barbed wire, thorns, tree branches, or other sharp objects of the pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your
and berries that mockingbirds enjoy. Their hunting style to immobilize and kill it, if their beak hasn’t already done solid waste management authority to find out when and
is both fascinating and terrifying for their prey. Shrikes the job. This practice, akin to a human’s pantry or larder, where to properly dispose of this type of hazardous waste.
hunt from above, diving down to snatch their prey in their also helps them store food for days if food is scarce. A Photos by Lucas Shaffer,
hooked bill. The upper part of the shrike’s hooked bill large pantry can serve to attract mates or feed juveniles. NPBCID Environmental Manager
The Pet Cottage Wins $10,000

In Great Charity Challenge Pet Parade

Southeast Equestrian Takes First
Place, Bringing The Mission Of

The Pet Cottage To Life

The Pet Cottage is thrilled to announce that its
incredible team, led by Southeast Equestrian, won first
place in the Great Charity Challenge’s highly anticipated
pet parade, securing a $10,000 prize to support the
organization’s mission of providing lifelong care for pets
in need.
With outstanding creativity and heart, the Southeast
Equestrian team brought The Pet Cottage’s mission to life
in a visually stunning way. The parade entry featured:
• Children dressed as seniors, walking alongside
beloved pets
• A miniature replica of The Cottage, complete with
a real dog inside, symbolizing the safe and loving homes
the organization provides
• Adorable miniature
horses, adding a magical
touch to the performance
• Incredible teamwork
and leadership, making
this inspiring vision a
reality
“This was such
a beautiful and joyful
moment for The Pet
Cottage,” said Lisa
Gendal, Chairman of the
Board. “We are incredibly
grateful to Southeast
Equestrian for their
dedication, talent, and
generosity in representing
our mission so beautifully.
Winning this award means
even more resources for the pets and people we serve, and
we couldn’t be more excited!”
The Great Charity Challenge, hosted annually at the
Winter Equestrian Festival, brings the equestrian community
together to support local charities, with millions of dollars
awarded to deserving organizations. The Pet Cottage is
honored to have been a part of this impactful event and deeply
appreciates the support of all who made this victory possible.
For more information about The Pet Cottage and how to
support its mission, please visit www.thepetcottage.org.
About The Pet Cottage
The Pet Cottage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
providing lifelong care for pets who have lost their humans
due to death, disability, or deployment. Through its unique
guardian program, The Pet Cottage places these pets with
Forever Guardians, providing companionship and purpose
for seniors while ensuring the pets receive love and stability
for the rest of their lives.