Had the Marsh to myself from 11.45 - 3.15pm! Shortly after entering spotted a shrike atop a small tree to the right of the path about 400m in. A quick look through the scope and a couple of record shots, once I had hastily got the equipment ready, before it flew off! Appears to be a Woodchat Shrike from examination of the photos, possibly the same bird seen by Eric Wotton at this location on 24/9. Not been seen since then. I could not locate it for some time after it flew off. From the hide, highlights, 5 Black-tailed Godwits with a lone Ruff, 2 Greenshank and 3 Common Sandpiper on the estuary. From the hide I eventually saw through the scope the Shrike return to its previous perch at about 3pm. I made my way back up the path taking a couple more record shots as I got closer. Unfortunately the bird was then disturbed by two other birders marching to the hide, who sadly had not seen it! It was not located again!
Woodchat Shrike - South Efford Marsh - 3.10.2016
Woodchat Shrike - South Efford Marsh - 3.10.2016
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