The Lincolnshire Bird Club

The Shrike at Wroot has been reported as showing daily at least since 25th December.

I arrived at the stakeout today just before 12.00, joining 6 other birders constantly looking towards a hedgerow in the direction of Tunnel Pits. The Shrike had been seen c10.00am and last at 11.30.

Our group waited patiently as it became swollen to 14, including a couple from Newark, several birders from Doncaster, and Lincs (Scunthorpe) birders Simon and Karen Spavin (who had seen the bird at 11.30.) It was good to make contact with Simon and Karen, whom I had seen birding around Lincs several times. To pass the time, we occasionally watched a scattered group of c30 Whooper Swans grazing just to our right,the group being joined by a further 6 Whoopers which flew in passing close to us.

Eventually, at 12.30 the Great Grey Shrike showed.......perched at the top of a tall bush. After a few minutes, it flew across in front of us back towards the Tunnel Pits : our patience rewarded.
Certainly a more difficult bird for me to connect with when compared to the Tetney Shrike in November (showing on my arrival) and the Folkingham Shrike (a 5 minute wait).

It was just as well that the Shrike showed when it did at 12.30 for by 13.30 it was raining......by which time I was back in the car heading for BBH.

All in all, a worthwhile trip to see a 'good' bird on 1st January.

Freddy

I wonder if there are any plans afoot to attempt to net this "interesting" Shrike in one of its favoured 'passageway areas'/ favoured roost area at Wroot. The details acquired from sourcing the ring might contribute valuable additional information to any ongoing ID discussion, eg. if it was ringed in the nest rather than perhaps on (Continental) passage or in previous winter quarters.

Meanwhile, one can only admire Graham's recently taken series of stunning photographs.

Freddy

Hi Freddy.
Wondered. Are there any rules regarding targeting such a bird as this
I recall there being more than a little anger and quite a debate ensued over the rights and wrongs of netting the 'Alder Flycatcher' in Cornwall a few years ago.

_________________
Regards.
Del.

To err is human. To really louse things up takes a computer

Derick,
My " I wonder " was re pure speculation. I wouldn't dare enter the verbal minefield of the 'rights and wrongs' of netting such a bird........especially after the one or two acrimonious web debates we've had on the Forum over the years on the subject of ringing/netting, particularly with regard to 'rarities'.

So, let's now draw a thick veil over the chances of further discussion on that point....and wait and see what emerges concerning the "interesting" Shrike's ID.

Freddy

Freddie/Derick,
The BTO Ringing Committee have formulated a strict set of rules that are published in the Ringers Manual and should be strictly adhered to by all ringers. I will quote the paragraph which is relevant in this case:
"Where a rarity is wearing a ring, and is not likely to have been ringed in the vicinty recently, attempts may be made to catch it, as the information gained from identifying its origin is of value. However, due regard must be given to the condition of the bird: any bird that is clearly in poor condition should be left alone."
Hope that helps.
Stuart

There is a very slim chance that this may be the same bird that was trapped at Spurn in November,see Graham's links above.It looks almost identical.There is also,as Freddy mentioned,plans afoot to trap this bird and hopefully try and sort it's taxonomic status if that is possible with this bird.


Regards


Steve.

_________________
http://www.brachytron.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.LincolnshireOdes.blogspot.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/routy

Observed this individual today and while it did appear to possess a number of pro-homeyeri features wouldnt a more pale, pallid appearance to the grey upperparts be expected for homeyeri? (though i accept that light conditions alter the appearance of plumage tones and i observed the bird mostly in dull light).

Regards

Chris

Hi Freddy.
Didn't think my question was likely to start a verbal minefield on ringing in Linc's. I was/am not aware of the "web debates" you speak of Freddy. As I'm a relative newbie on the forum.

Thanks for the info. about the ringing code Stuart.

_________________
Regards.
Del.

To err is human. To really louse things up takes a computer

Derick,
I have replied to your post by pm.

...Freddy

Anyone seen this bird in the last few days please?

As far as I'm aware it has not been seen since being reported as "flushed by Photographers" on Monday . Thanks.

_________________
Regards.
Del.

To err is human. To really louse things up takes a computer

Derick - All appears well

Shrike reported on Birdguides (logged 08.21 this morning) as seen at the usual stakeout at an unspecified time on Tuesday 3rd January.

Freddy

Thanks Freddy.
I went to look for myself today and it is still present as you say.
Favouring the Northern (sheep field) side of the hedge out of the cold biting wind. Unfortunately you could not see the bird if stood on the flood bank at all.

I found and watched the bird from the road just North of the 'Tunnel Pits Pumping station'. It was moving along the hedge from just beyond the pumping station, heading westerly along the hedge/fence line, dropping in and out of the sheep field to feed.

Just in case anyone is planning to go. I met a couple on site who said that the farmer was very annoyed at birders entering the sheep fields to view the Shrike.

_________________
Regards.
Del.

To err is human. To really louse things up takes a computer

BirdGuides reported on Sunday 8th January :

"Great Grey Shrike, Lincs, Wroot : re-trapped by the Pumping Station."

Freddy

Confirmed as the same individual trapped at Spurn on 7th November.
For full details on the re-trap:

http://www.doncasterbirding.co.uk/wordpress/

Regards

Chris