After a busy morning we eventually got the chance to head out to Grindleton Fell to try and see the Great Grey Shrike that had been reported there earlier in the week. I'd been e-mailed directions by Mike and had a follow up text this morning confirming it was still around.
Parking up we met up with Mike who gave us some new directions to a new area it had been seen. Joining Alan Holmes we walked down the track in the hope, after last years dip at Alston to see our first Great Grey Shrike. There were several birders set up with skopes and Alan was soon onto the bird as we walked down to join them. It moved off before we could get the scope and camera up but we were soon back on it.
Reece used the Lumix to get all the shots as it was very distant though very obliging. When we first arrived it was being chased from tree by a Greater Spotted Woodpecker and was joined later on by a male Chaffinch.
Another great sighting while watching the Shrike was a brief view of a Ring-tailed Hen Harrier hunting very low over the ground.
ABOVE AND BELOW GREAT GREY SHRIKE
ABOVE WITH A MALE CHAFFINCH BELOW IN FLIGHT
GREAT GREY SHRIKE BEING CHASED BY A GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER (BOTTOM LEFT)
4 comments:
Glad you got it after last year's disappointment at Alston. Together with your Brown Shrike sighting at Staines, you are now doing really well with Shrikes. Also, well done Reece with those photos. Mike.
Hi Derek and Reece, well done with the Shrike, impressive pictures to , we get the odd wintering bird at Stodmarsh from time to time, truely amazing birds . regards Rob
Thanks Mike & Rob.
Also talking of missed Shrikes last year must add the Red Backed we missed at Brockholkes!
Derek
Nice bird, I've only ever managed one, at Rufford almost 20 years ago (!).
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