A Great Grey Shrike at Weeting

28th February 2024

A Great Grey Shrike had been present just north of Weeting since the 22nd February so time for a visit. The bird was frequenting a 45 acre area of clearfell and was very mobile and most of the time fairly distant, but did occasionally venture a bit closer. When we arrived and located the bird it was indeed distant, probably about 150-200 yards as measured on Google Earth. These were taken at 1120mm.

So it was just a matter of waiting for it to come closer. Luckily there were Wood Larks in the area to keep us entertained with their flutey song, and also landed on their song post a lot closer than the shrike!!!

The shrike flew to the northern corner of the clearfell and went missing for a while, but eventually emerged and perched high in a tree allowing a few shots to be taken before it flew back to its original position.

Well, what a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours and what a cracking bird!!!!