A Red-backed Shrike at West Canvey Marshes

26th August 2023

My first visit to West Canvey Marshes was on the 13th September 2013 to photograph............a Red-backed Shrike, and today I am back for my second visit to photograph............a Red-backed Shrike. Must be a good place for them.

When I arrived and joined the gathered throng of just 5 people the bird was being fairly elusive, so time to look at the supporting cast. A Redstart was present in the bushes along the same path and would occasionally fly out onto the path to pick up an insect only to return to cover, so this was the only shot I got.

The juvenile Whitethroat was more cooperative and was only interested in feeding.

So, eventually the juvenile shrike appeared and sat up on several occasions for some shots.

Some of the shots were in a Hawthorn bush which gave a nice red berry back-drop.

And this time a lichen-covered twig.

And to finish off some flight shots.

Well, what a superb second visit to West Canvey Marshes. Rarities have been few and far between this year so what surprised me was that over the 3 hours I was there, only 10 people came to see the bird and a maximum of 5 at any one time.

Amazing!!!!