Monday 19 October 2015

'Shrike' It Lucky!

I had dropped the children off at school this morning at 8.30am and was just about to drive over to Reculver to spend a few hours there when I received a text from Matt Hindle alerting me that Chris and him had just caught a Great Grey Shrike at Reculver and that it would be released soon. I was soon excitedly driving over to Reculver and after seeing one yesterday at some distance, this was going to be very special to see such a great bird in the hand. I met up with Julian Perry and Matt not long after where Matt showed us the Great Grey Shrike in the hand and I was able to get a number of shots of this beauty. It was such a privilege to be able to study every feature at close quarters and judging by Matt's fingers, it seemed to have been quite viscous in the hand, rather his than mine though! After obtaining a few images and a last good look up close, Matt released it and it flew to the nearest tree and landed at the top before flying off out of sight.



First Winter Great Grey Shrike

Matt went back to join Chris to continue ringing and Julian and I drove over to Beltinge to look for the Dartford Warbler. On arrival a few others were looking for the Shrike from yesterday which seemed to have moved on but a different bird from today yesterdays bird seemed to be an adult. We had a good search but failed to find and Dartford Warbler but did see a few Goldcrest and 2 Stonechat. After getting back to the car, Julian went off home and I wandered on down towards Reculver and then on to Shuart for a look around. There appeared to have been a clear out as Goldcrest numbers were down but I did see a Few Redwing, Fieldfare and 2 more Stonechat but failed to find any Yellow browed of Pallas's Warblers despite a good search. A walk down to the sea from Shuart was pretty quiet, just a few Thrushes in the bushes, 2 Ring necked Parakeets but I did see 2 Bearded Tit flying high west towards Chambers Wall. With time moving on I returned back to the car and onwards for home. A relatively quiet session livened up by the Great Grey Shrike experience and one I shall not forget in a hurry. A big thank you to Matt Hindle for the text and allowing me to see and photograph the Shrike, magic. Hopefully another session tomorrow at Reculver. I wonder what will be found or seen?



First Winter Great Grey Shrike

12 comments:

  1. Now that's just cheating Marc! LoL I'm very envious none -the -less!

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    1. A bird in the hand is worth....... a great deal of excitement I think.

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  2. And so we get to see this bird close at hand. It is a beauty so thank you very much.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  3. An absolutely stunning bird, Marc, and, as you say, a real privilege to get the "bird in the hand" views and photos. How wonderful. That would definitely make my week, if not month ;o).

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    1. Thanks Lucy. Certainly a once in a lifetime experience I would imagine. You never know whats out there next

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  4. I'm a bit envious of you all to be honest, cracking bird and images to.

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    1. Thanks Shaun. A stunning bird up close and some images to look back over. Perfect.

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  5. Nice to see you back birding for a change Marc and as it is your patch, then it can't be classed as twitching. Just think of all those close-ups that you could take if you took up ringing.

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    1. Feels good to be back out not knowing what you may find or see. Hopefully a few more treats during this week.

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  6. Brilliant detail,you are a very lucky chap.
    John.

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    1. Thanks John. I do feel quite lucky to have seen this. Certainly won't forget it.

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