Great Grey Shrike
Reports of a Great Grey Shrike at one of my favourite haunts - Harrington Airfield, Northants, had me arriving at first light to walk to the ruined bunkers. A few other birders arrived and a search was undertaken for what was to prove a very mobile bird! Eventually it was spotted in the bushes on the memorial side of bunker 2. I was very lucky, the bird landed in a bush close to my watchpoint!
Harrington Airfield saw wartime service with the Carpet Baggers Squadron and later as a cold war missile base for Thor missiles. The following link gives a good history of the site:
History of Harrington Airfield
Great Grey Shrike
Leaving Harrington rather satisfied, I headed down to Pitsford Reservoir. Two main reasons, one to renew my permit and the other to touch base with the two Great White Egrets. I could not see any signs from the causeway so decided to enter the reserve and walk to the feeding station. Scanning from here, I could see one of the Egrets feeding in front of the Scaldwell hides. I have to say that I was like a sprinter in my urgency to get to the hide! The difference was obvious - pace was slow, no lycra and no large, swinging gonads! However, I arrived very hot and sweaty and was treated to one of the Egrets close to the hide. The second Egret also put in an appearance before both flew towards Holcot. Unfortunately, the light was in my face making images difficult.
Great White Egret
