Page 4 - PGA Community News - March '25

Page 4, PGA C.A.N.! 2 Spaces March 2025
March 2025
Northern Notes

Loggerhead Shrikes – Nature’s intelligent birds then and falcons to rip and tear. The barbed wire and sticks
These remarkably
hold the prey in place so the shrike can eat it. Don’t judge
Butcherbird impale their prey on their feet too quickly, though; shrikes have been known
barbed wire, thorns, to carry prey the same size as themselves.
By Katie Roundtree, tree branches, or Loggerhead Shrikes are typically found in open areas
Director of Finance and other sharp objects to with scattered shrubs and trees, but the species can also
Administration, Northern immobilize and kill be found in more heavily wooded habitats with large
Palm Beach County it, if their beak hasn’t openings and very short habitats with few or no trees.
Improvement District already done the job. They particularly like tree snags (dead trees), where they
The Loggerhead Shrike This practice, akin to a human’s pantry or larder, also helps can perch high up to look for prey.
is a gray and white bird that them store food for days if food is scarce. A large pantry can These vicious, intelligent, ruthless birds are amazing
resembles a Mockingbird at serve to attract mates or feed juveniles. This practice can also animals in our area. Next time you see a gray and
first glance. Both are types help remove toxins, making the prey safe to eat after a few white bird, look closely and see if it might be nature’s
of songbirds with a similar days. For instance, impaling a toxic monarch butterfly helps butcherbird.
overall gray, black and break down toxins, making it safe to eat after a few days. NPDES tip: Safely use and dispose of pesticide. If all of
white pattern and are about Another reason for their macabre tendency to impale the pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your solid
the size of a cardinal or robin. The shrike has blacker their prey is due to their tiny feet and legs. Their beak waste management authority to find out when and where to
wings, a larger head, a black mask, and a heavy, hooked and hunting abilities are similar to hawks and falcons, properly dispose of this type of hazardous waste.
bill, unlike mockingbirds that have grayer wings, a smaller but their passerine feet are similar to songbirds and can Photos by Lucas Shaffer,
head and a thinner bill. The Loggerhead Shrike’s black only perch on branches instead of using them like hawks NPBCID Environmental Manager
mask acts like the black paint athletes wear to keep the
sun’s glare from impeding eyesight.
Where they truly Ask The Juris Doctor
stand out is in their
uni que hunti ng
t e c h n i q u e s. T h e James A. Cioffi J.D., residence. There are limitations to the exemption. Florida
shrike, a carnivorous Attorney-At-Law Statutes Chapter 222 outlines the investments that may be
bird, has a preference exempt from creditors. They include the cash value of life
for lizards, bugs, Asset Protection insurance, annuities, individual retirement accounts, disability
and small animals, income, prepaid college tuition plans, health savings accounts,
unlike the seeds Dear Juris Doctor; hurricane savings accounts and unemployment benefits. It
a n d be r ri e s t ha t I have depleted my savings. is important to consult an attorney regarding any of these
mockingbirds enjoy. My job is not secure and I have exemptions because they may not be available to you under
Their hunting style is a lot of credit card debt. How certain circumstances. The timing of these investments is
both fascinating and do I protect my assets from critical so it is important to speak with your attorney and tax
terrifying for their potential creditors? adviser before you make these financial decisions.
prey. Shrikes hunt Thank you, Martin from PGA National Sincerely, J.D.
from above, diving
down to snatch their prey in their hooked bill. The upper Dear Martin; If you have a legal question in the area of real estate,
part of the shrike’s hooked bill features a pair of built- As a Florida resident, Florida Statutes provide some foreclosures, short sales, mortgage modifications, estate
in projections called “tomial teeth.” These specialized protection to your assets from the claims of creditors. The planning, wills, trusts or probate, please submit it to this
“teeth” are used to dispatch rodents by striking the nape most notable is the homestead protection afforded to a primary newspaper at james@jcclaw.com.
of the neck, instantly paralyzing them, and then shaking
them with enough force to break their necks. They are
quick and efficient hunters, earning them the nickname
“butcherbirds.” Their genus name, Lanius, is derived
from the Latin word “butcher.” Shrikes can also hover
over prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
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Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
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