I finally got to see the red-backed shrike that has been Druridge at 8.15 tonight after it gave me the run-around this afternoon. It had been reported earlier in the day and been seen moving through the dunes, ranging from the turning circle to the just north of the plantation.
I wandered the dunes and bushes for a couple of hours or so with no joy, then hunger got the better of me and I went home for a very late lunch and to return to my chores. A lot of birders on a trip from RSPB Coventry turned up so it was also time to leave..
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Visiting birders - route-marching up the road from their coach |
Whilst I wandered I chanced upon a drinker moth caterpillar on a fence post, it was joined by a 7-spot ladybird and this happened (slowed down to 30% - make it full-screen for best effect)
After tea this evening I decided to have a look for either the shrike or listen for a rosefinch that has been heard recently. After a quick chat with Dave Dack I headed for the turning circle where I could see two birders on the cycle path looking intently towards the 'Druridge Bushes'... I headed their way and as I approached one of them ushered me towards them.
As I suspected they were watching the stunning male red-backed shrike - it was perched up in lovely evening light on the bushes nearest to the fence - distant but stunning.
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First - distant views |
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closer but always obscured by twigs |
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digi-scoped effort |
Tonight's red-backed shrike was my first on the patch since 2008 when a juvenile took up residence in the travelers encampment, and only my third ever. But this is my first spring record and it was a stunning male - as far as shrikes go, they don't get much better than that!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OZNpyJVva5n__yD2aVGXakQ9gGzMk5aK-bpvcQ0le7mqTU7oAgx9_EBxu6td2Nz9iUr2AuCGS8rwswCYlH-FdhLNg_a8-LSbZ6Acw57wGoVDREDdm6ojGSI5Onb2dXLJ43w1mNZ9EK8k/s640/_U8A0260.JPG) |
A passing barn owl |
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Some passing honkers |
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