GG Shrike & Migration - Wheatear etc.

(Please click over photo to enlarge)

Thr April 7th 2011 (0900hrs-1030hrs)

Shrike was present in Dalton (deforested) side (see photo above). Using several trees whilst present, but at finish it was in its in its favourite tall tree.

Mipit migration was exceptionally poor with only 29 birds during my visit, all singles or pairs and heading W or NW.

Had a new Chiffchaff calling from Dalton, just after you leave the car park at Plain Quarry. Also counted 7 singing Willow Warblers in a direct walk from the Quarry car park up to the Trig.

Also had one swallow, and one female Wheatear which for a time was in close company to the breeding territorial Stonechat. I was thrown a bit with the Wheatear, because from a distance (against the sun) the black silhouette was in a tree high up, near the boundary wall which leads to the Trig and at first I thought one of the Tree Pipits was back,but then as I got close it came off the tree and flitted to a nearby stoop and was not seen again. I have seen Wheatears for many a year, but to be honest I cannot ever remember seeing one high up in a tree before!!

Please check out this fabulous film of the Hawfinches at Sizergh, made by Fraser. Please click here

Also had a clump of fungi and also quite a few rosettes of Primroses at Dalton (deforested section)