Great Grey Shrike at Black Hill

GREAT GREY SHRIKE at Black Hill

  No shopping today. Up early and we made our way to the south of the county. Passing Atchem there were 80-90 Mute Swan feeding in a Kale field next to the road. A quick scan found the furthest away were 7 adult Whooper Swan. It wasn't until we came off the Long Mynd towards Bridges that I saw the next birds of note. Over 50 Brambling were flushed off the road as we drove down bordered by Beech Trees. Climbing the Stiperstones, 3 Red Kite showed well with good numbers of both Buzzard and Raven.

Up to 7 adult Whooper Swan were at Atcham

  We arrived at Black Hill at mid-day and found Lathem coming down the track and telling us that the GREAT GREY SHRIKE was showing a treat. Great news. However, when we got to the clearing, where the shrike favoured, there was no sign of it for 30 minutes. Then, I spotted it flying towards us and at close range, it gave cracking flight views. It flew on to the edge of the clearing and stayed distance and mobile. I could hear Crossbill all over the shop and found 18 birds. Also hear Siskin and when a male Sparrowhawk flew through, the Crossbill moved on

GREAT GREY SHRIKE ripping a rodent apart. This bird was first discovered last year in November and was not seen again until last week when Jim Almond relocated it

Crossbill were all over the shop

We made a visit to Clun Castle and we thought, is this it?

Then we walked a little further round and found the ramains of the rest of the castle