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Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Great Grey Shrike


Another milestone has been reached in my Birding Pursuits.
This is the first Great Grey Shrike I have seen and I was able to get some shots of it as well.
There have been two separate birds reported in the local area over the last couple of weeks and quite a number of images taken. So I decided to have a look for it at the location reported. On arrival there were two local Birding Colleagues MW and JHPS already in attendance so I didn't have to look for it myself.{:)) It was first observed on telegraph wires quite some distance away, I was afforded some great views through MW's scope (Thanks Mike). I was surprised at how big it was compared to a number of Goldfinchs on the same wires. It eventually came much closer firstly on wires then on a small disused farm building and even tall bushes. It was quite wary and maintained a healthy distance.









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31 comments:

  1. Carole M.20 November 2013 at 10:24

    a really neat looking GGS Roy and such a joy to find and also to get the great photos.

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  2. Margaret Birding For Pleasure20 November 2013 at 10:36

    HI Roy. how wonderful that you were able to see this lovely little bird and then to get these great shots of it. Only ever seen this bird on the continent.

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  3. holdingmoments20 November 2013 at 10:40

    You got some good images Roy.

    Only time I've seen one was a distant bird departing its bush I'd accidentally flushed it from. lol

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  4. The Herald20 November 2013 at 10:43

    That's a nice new tick for you Roy, and you managed to get an excellent set of images to go with it...[;o)

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  5. Midmarsh John20 November 2013 at 12:09

    Always a thrill to add a new one Roy. Lovely clear photos.

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  6. Amanda Peters20 November 2013 at 12:24

    Wow great photos and a good looking bird....you must be chuffed....

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  7. grammie g20 November 2013 at 14:25

    Hey Roy... Congrat's , exciting when that happens!! Then to get photo's even better, good ones to!!
    Not quite sure but it looks like the Northern Shrike , I have seen in the back yard. They are quite a predator!! I have seen them pick a small bird of in a quick flash!!
    There is also the Loggerhead Shrike, they are not in this part of the states, the black streak goes right to the end of the bill where the Northern's doesn't'!!

    Nice addition to your list !! : )

    Grace

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    Replies
    1. Roy Norris20 November 2013 at 19:23

      Thanks GG, yes its the Northern version.{:))

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  8. Anonymous20 November 2013 at 15:04

    gefeliciteerd Roy je hebt hem er heel mooi opstaan en nogwel meerdere malen.

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  9. John20 November 2013 at 16:12

    Very nice pictures Roy! I see it came closer during your time there! Cracking bird!
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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    1. Roy Norris20 November 2013 at 19:25

      Thanks John, yes and to think I almost left the area earlier.{:))

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  10. Kathie Brown20 November 2013 at 16:28

    Roy, we have 2 shrikes here in the USA. the one we get here in AZ is the Loggerhead Shrike and the one farther north is the Northern Shrike. I think our northern and your great grey are the same species. Your picture looks like the northern shrike in my bird guide. I always find it interesting to see what birds we have in common.The Northern is larger and has a thinner mask than the Loggerhead shrike. the northern has a more limited range than the loggerhead and both ranges overlap in the middle of of the country. I am so glad you got to see this bird. BTW, is that a Bonaparte's Gull in your header?

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    1. Roy Norris20 November 2013 at 19:26

      Yes Kathie its the same Northern Shrike as yours.
      The gull is the Black-headed Gull.
      Thanks.

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  11. Anonymous20 November 2013 at 19:02

    Great stuff Roy and what a super looking bird ! These sometimes turn up around East Yorkshire though I've yet to see one myself.

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  12. Em Parkinson20 November 2013 at 20:27

    Never seen one before - what a beauty!

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  13. Marianne De Vogelkijker20 November 2013 at 21:21

    Congrats with your GGS! They are interesting birds. Now you know where to find it you will for sure see some more. Great you could take so much nice pictures.

    Regards,
    Marianne

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    1. Roy Norris20 November 2013 at 21:51

      Thanks Marianne. I will be on the look out.{:))

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  14. Anonymous21 November 2013 at 00:16

    Congrats! That's a great bird.

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  15. Wendy21 November 2013 at 10:03

    Well done for seeing the Great Grey Shrike and for taking those superb photos, too. It is a lovely little bird.

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  16. DeniseinVA21 November 2013 at 14:03

    Oh yes, definitely congratulations are in order for seeing this little bird. Great photos Roy! And thanks for stopping by and giving me a chuckle with your comment.

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  17. Roy Norris21 November 2013 at 22:10

    Thanks Nora, yes same as yours.

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  18. Noushka22 November 2013 at 14:38

    Hi Roy!
    Lucky you!
    That species has eluded me for ages!
    Great series!
    Cheers, keep well

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  19. Mary22 November 2013 at 16:19

    It is a very striking bird! Lovely! I like the shots on the chimney.

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  20. Sjerp Weima24 November 2013 at 14:48

    Congratulatiosn with this lifer. Great shots of this littel raptor.
    Sjerp

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  21. Helma24 November 2013 at 20:02

    Here I am quite envious of Roy, because I've never seen it with my own eyes Shrike. Beautiful series lets you see here.

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