Responsibilities - a new word in my vocabulary - meant I couldn't get over to Lincolnshire for the Steppe Grey Shrike today (Neill and Bazzo nailed it, but reported much unnecessary birder hassle of the rarity, so maybe it's as well I didn't go).
Instead I managed a whistlestop tour of the Withins and Plex, Moss, even spotting the sun once or twice.
About 2,000 Pinkies on the Withins, but otherwise just Skylarks, Kestrel and winter Starling flocks.
Round on Plex, although there was no shooting, it was still quiet - a few coveys of Red Legged Partridge and best of all a fine ringtail Hen Harrier sailing over the stubble and spooking Skylarks and Starlings in the process.
Thirty seven Curlews feeding at the Ainsdale end, with a Buzzard perched up close by, plus the usual Carrion Crows and a few Rooks.
Two Fieldfare in the garden at Dempsey Towers early this morning.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
Adding insult to injury
Thanks to Neill Hunt for sending me these two shots of the Steppe Grey Shrike in Lincs...ouch, that hurts....
"Hi John", says a birded up Neill, "A good day had by all, the bird performed very well, even if it was pushed around a bit. We behaved ourselves and were rewarded with crippling views, sent a couple of shots, more on Marshsidebirders.com"
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1333m above sea level in Cavljak above Sarajevo at a beer-bothy - Sombre Tit, Nutcracker, Raven, rakija & folk song altogether...
Possible Cattle Egret - about 3.30pm this afternoon in field with sheep off Ralph's Wife's Lane, Banks.
Click web address for photos taken of the Common Crane I took Saturday 8th November 2008 at Hickling Norfolk.
Regards Kevin
Hello
The Steppe Grey Shrike looks highly emaciated & knackered from the photos I have seen.
Did it actually find any food?
It only seemed a shortish time ago since I saw one, but judging by the response to this bird it must have been well into the last century!
Regards
Pete