In search of the Red Backed Shrike @ Brockholes Quarry 21st June 2009

We spent the afternoon down at Brockholes Quarry in search of the Red Backed Shrike that had been seen the previous night. Thanks again for the phone call Mike, but it was the only night I couldn’t drop everything as I was watching Russell Howard at Preston Guild Hall.
We searched the area it was seen along with 3 other birders between 13.30 and 16.00 to no avail, a shame because it’s a bird on both our wish lists. We’re off to Crete soon so may get the chance to them there, fingers crossed.
On Pit No. 1 were 9 Cormorant, 3 Oystercatcher, 12 Coot and a mix of 25 Lesser Black Backed and Herring Gull. On the Main Pit were 30+ Lapwing, 6 Oystercatcher and at least 3 Herron.
Other notable sightings in the area were Carrion Crow, Swift, Swallow, House and Sand Martin, Skylark, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Long Tailed and Great Tit.

Red Backed Shrike courtesy of Mike Foley taken @ Brockholes Quarry 20th June 09

We also saw amongst the meadow several Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) pictured below.