The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Red backed Shrike on the scrub over and to the left of Fuller st bridge this morning, ( behind Blundell Park ), found by John Nelson, *Birdguides has it down as Grimsby for some reason!

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Regards, DJB. http://bradderscleebirding.blogspot.co.uk/

I put it on dave because no one else had and thought it the best way to let people know and told them the wasteland to the rear off Grimsby town football club and flighty that's it
terry whalin

Good to meet you all. Thanks for the assistance Terry.

cracking bird

Rich

Shrike still present this morning - also a couple of whinchats.

Still present between 3pm and 4pm today. A couple of whitethroats, too, but not much else about.

Single whimbrel overhead at 3.50pm.

Also, I found a canvas-type maroon and dark blue binocular case on the site. Any claimant?

Still present at 1pm today.

As on previous days, it seems to have an occasional escort of a couple of whitethroats - they weren't mobbing it but seemed to be keeping tabs (from a safe distance).

As perching points, the shrike seems to favour hawthorn, buddleia, mountain ash saplings or one of the security fence concrete stanchions on the edge of the blue factory - but never the plentiful expanse of buckthorn.

In case it is of interest, below is an extract from the writings (in 1909 when r-b shrikes were
plentiful) of ornithologist Sumner Birchley:

"Often in the merry month of May, you will hear the distinct croak-like call note of the red-backed
shrike; and, as you glance forward, you cannot help but notice him, perched on the upper spray
of a hawthorn bush close at hand.

"Probably just above him or at his side is his more sombrely clad lady.

"Let him rest, and visit the same spot a few weeks hence, and far in the midst of these thorns
and prickly branches you will see the nest.

"It is most difficult to get at without severely paying for your trouble. First you scratch your hand
and arm, then off goes your cap and, probably at the same time, a thorn catches your cheek.

"More often than not, you will give up the job and leave a better and a wiser man.

"I have had many a scratch and tear through trying to make closer acquaintance of Mr Shrike's
homes and his eggs or chicks."

Ah, the past - you can't beat it!

Still present this morning (though less conspicuous than on previous days) and continuing to attract a steady stream of observers/admirers.

Also, a flock of 100 or so starlings have arrived on site along with small parties of goldfinches.

It may have been lying low or it may have moved on, but the shrike wasn't showing between 5.30pm and 6.30pm today.

Incidentally, this morning it established a "larder" - I have posted a pic
on my blogspot.