Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Sunday, 27 October 2013

A Good Morning - Great Grey and (two) Great Whites!


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













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6 comments:

  1. Findlay Wilde27 October 2013 at 16:52

    What brilliant birds to see. I was lucky to see a Great Grey Shrike in North Wales in February, but was too excited to even think of getting a photo. And the Great White Egret, never seen one of them, but would like to. From Findlay

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  2. Kevin Groocock27 October 2013 at 17:17

    They are fantastic birds, Findlay. The Egrets are getting more common so hopefully you will see one soon.

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  3. Douglas Mcfarlane27 October 2013 at 23:21

    Well done on both species Kevin

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  4. Kevin Groocock28 October 2013 at 06:53

    Cheers Doug.

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  5. Central Birder28 October 2013 at 11:17

    Nice sets Kevin, the GWE got very close for you too.

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  6. Kevin Groocock28 October 2013 at 11:22

    Cheers Steve, yes it was in front of the Scaldwell hide. But so was the sun! Closest i've been to one since the Lawford bird a few years ago!

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