Several people were able to see the bird today, and there seems to be general agreement that this is indeed a Red-backed Shrike. Thank you to all involved and congratulations to twaiyi on such a stunning find - a beautiful, and somewhat unexpected, bird to brighten this autumn!
When I was present everybody was being well-behaved, keeping back from the bird, which was actively hunting among the trees. I urge anyone else who visits the site to stay back and not disturb the bird - it is fairly tame but would still be disturbed if you approach too close. As in all situations when watching birds, it is best to give the bird some space rather than harass it (especially if, as in this case, the bird is a migrant) - if the shrike behaves as it did today, then by sitting quietly observers will probably be rewarded eventually by close views of the bird as it moves around it's favoured area.
[ Last edited by ajohn at 8/10/2008 17:23 ]
