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)

Yesterday was like searching for the Shrike in Fog

The Sitting Swan Sketch - plus no Shrike today.

(Please click over sketch or photos to enlarge and then click again if you need to supersize)..... 0500hrs reporting: Good to see our nearby Swans on the Canal seem to be doing OK.

0700hrs - Local dawn chorus around Burton doing well especially when you consider it keeps coming down with heavy rain showers, but did not recognize any strangers such as recent migrants, even the Chiffchaff was quiet this morning.

1200hrs-1400hrs Went up through Dalton to the Trig, but No Shrike recorded. Did not have time to check out Lancelot. For most of the time visability down to 30 yards. Strong winds and rain showers. A minimal amount of single Meadow Pipits did brave migration, and were just about heard above the wind, flying side on and having to apply brakes and swing round into a arc and back again (figure of 3) to try and compensate the strong winds and then heading back on their original course. Nothing else showing, who could blame them..

Wow! Its cheeky chappy, attacking our fatballs, but after acrobatics like that he deserves his treat!!

GG Shrike & Willow Warbler Arrivals.

(Please click on sketch to enlarge and then click again if required to supersize, also same applies to photos etc).

Great Grey Shrike was a long way from its normal spots (some 400 yards). It was only that I was walking up from Burton Fell into Lancelot, or I would have missed it. Shortly after leaving Burton Fell and crossing into Lancelot Clark Storth it was there on the tree in front of me, but soon left and went off to the left hand side. I carried on up towards the Trig and also checked out all the Dalton (deforested) areas, but no Shrike was seen again.

On way up had "trilling" Nuthatch near Pickles Wood and the female was seen going in and out of its nest hole at 3 minute intervals (see blurred photo), but on returning past here 2hrs later, and checking out, it was so strange but to see a Great Tit, messing about near the entrance to the hole!! really strange. Also had a new arrival (and first for me) of two singing Willow Warblers at the bottom of Burton Fell, along with 3 Chiffchaffs, several Goldcrest, and a couple of trilling Treecreepers. The area where I had the Willow Warblers is exactly the same spot as where I suspected I had one on March 30th 2011. Also had another Willow Warbler singing on Lancelot.

Also: Wood Sorrell on Slape Lane along with Dandelion

Also on way up noticed this stone near to the side of the gates at the entrance to Burton Fell (Slape Lane End) and it really does remind me very much of the "Coffin Stones" which you see in Grasmere/Rydal areas!! I wonder what this was used for?

This may well be the Swallow Week....

(Please click over sketch to enlarge)

Sunday April 3rd 2011 (0900hrs) Had a (new to me) Chiffchaff calling from opposite the Greenlands Farm on the Burton Road.

Sunday April 3rd 2011 (1030hrs to 1230hrs) - Great Grey Shrike present in the mid deforested area on the Dalton side approx 1/2 way up the path, first seen on the post against the wall to your right boundary, then seen same distance but across on the left hand side in one of the larger trees, and then returned to the other side of the path where it was seen to go down for prey and lost from sight after that.

Also on vismig: (1030hrs to 1230hrs) Meadow Pipit: 120 (best parties: 25,9,9,6,5) Linnet: 3 Chaffinch: 2

Some Mipits seen to be flying side on to compensate wind.

Best migration corridor for Mipits is probably 50 yards either side of gate which leads up to Trig point.

Mipits as usual harrassing the Shrike.

Also Barren Strawberry starting to show on the Dalton Crags side.

As usual met some very interesting friends..

The Skylark versus the Merlin.... plus GGS

(Please click over the sketch to enlarge)

At 0700hrs this morning, I noticed two further "Chiffchaffs" had arrived during the night. One singing from within the gardens opposite Mowbray Drive entrance in Burton in Kendal and another near Dalton Hall.

At 0815hrs, still raining heavy, so will try and check out the Shrike a little later today.

From 1530hrs up to 1700hrs, Went up through Dalton Crags to the Trig, and found the Shrike on our way down, it was more or less 1/2 way up the (deforested area) on the Dalton Side.

Also had a Swallow over Russell Farm (Dalton Village), and the Stonechat (Male) was singing on territory at the top of the deforested side of Dalton. Also 11 Meadow Pipits went through on passage in pairs, 3 Linnets and 1 Chaffinch.

Also reported that a pair of Ring Ouzel on passage had been seen earlier, again on the deforested side. Had a chat with some very interesting people whilst up at the Trig, whom also had a similar interest.

Fantasy Flyover for vismiggers!!

(Please click over sketch to enlarge)

Been up at Trig from about 1400hrs to 1530hrs. And can confirm Great Grey Shrike is there. After almost giving up on it, it re-appeared in the smaller trees in the corner of Lancelot, near the stile 50 yards up the boundary wall from the gate. Then coming down after leaving the Trig it was in its usual territory about 3/4 way up on the Dalton side (deforested area).

Also had a couple of Raven, and a few Meadow Pipits on passage. Very windy up there so you could'nt hear the Mipits that well.

This is probably the best thing to do this morning!!

Its now 0754 hours and I am thinking, that this is probably the best thing to do on a morning like this........... (maybe get out later in the day!) (Click over sketch to enlarge)

Nearly forgot!! Had a party of about 30 Meadow Pipits crossing over Tarn Lane, Burton In Kendal, on full migration and moving North, as late as 1925hrs yesterday evening.

Also had a spent Blackbird egg in the verge near the Canal Aquaduct last night.

Today: 1830hrs to 1930hrs went up to the Trig from Dalton Plain Quarry Car Park. Very windy, and no reports of the Shrike, I checked out most of its usual haunts. Will check again tomorrow.

GG Shrike and Vismig at Hutton Roof

(This is a photo of the Shrikes favourite tree, which it is seen on most days - this is a view looking from the East side of the tree, but it can also been clearly seen with binoculars straight away from leaving Dalton Crags and on entering the deforested area - please click over photo to enlarge and click again to supersize)

Today the Shrike was seen from about 0900hrs up until leaving the Trig point at 1030hrs and for the majority of this time it was again on its "favourite tree" (see photo above). I did see it also do a almost vertical climb of 20ft to catch a insect and then diving straight down and back up to its favourite perch.

At 0645hrs I had a new calling Chiffchaff from Vicarage Lane, Burton and this bird was again heard and seen later, having crossed the road whilst going up Slape Lane at 0800hrs. Lots of midge plumes this morning whilst going up Slape, quite near to where the footpath crosses over. One Curlew flew over Slape towards a South East. Treecreeper noted near to gamecrop.

5 separate Chiffchaffs calling again in Burton Fell (lower section) and one suspect Willow Warbler (unconfirmed), also lots of Bullfinches both on the Fell and on the Common.

Vismig: (0900-1030hrs) all North or North West unless stated otherwise. Very cold and starting to get wet, so left around 1030hrs, the migration had reduced to a light trickle.

Meadow Pipits: 30

Linnet: 4E

Also had Male Stonechat on territory, Redpoll - several presumed local, also Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, and Goldcrest singing in Burton Fell.

I do think in regard to vismig that something may have been going on yesterday afternoon, because on travelling through to Milnthorpe via Moss Lane (Burton to Hale), there were at least 3 Mipit parties going through all parties of no less than 10 birds each. This was purely has I travelled the Moss which takes about 3 minutes, so perhaps there where lots of stuff going through, I was not in a position to stop and count. This was at 1530hrs and probably because the weather changed and it came good late for migration.

GG Shrike & Vismig at Hutton Roof.

I managed to get up there earlier today (0800hrs-1030hrs). (Click over photo to enlarge, and click again if you want to supersize)

Whilst heading towards the Common, I soon spotted the Shrike which as usual was sentinel and was in the trees above the footpath not far from the gate which leads up to the Trig (see first photo). And what a privelige, the Shrike actually stayed put while I walked quietly underneath it towards the Common gate. Usually it would be away at 50 metres distance. And it does'nt stop there, because whilst at the gate, I heard it start chunnering and murmuring and then it would make a shrieky trilling and it repeated this on several occasions. Most of the time it was being distantly mobbed by blogging Meadow Pipits and at times, odd ones would actually perch themselves about 3 or 4 branches away from the Shrike within the same tree. It stayed in that same tree while I was at the Trig for maybe up to 20 minutes before dropping over into its "favourite tree", remaining on the Dalton side. By about 0930hrs it must have moved on yet again, because I never saw it anymore.

I did try and make a recording of the bird calling on my mobile phone, but sadly it is very quiet and the recording could do with editing and enhancing, but if I could get it OK I would only be too pleased to share it. So if there is anyone out there who could try and sort it I would only be too pleased to send it through by email on a wav file.

Vismig this morning was really poor and hardly got going whilst I was there, but what bit there was even started to petre out by 0930hrs I gave up by 1000hrs. By then it had got cold and had started with light rain. But whilst there I had: (all North West to North)

Meadow Pipits: 71 (best parties: 20,10,5)

Redpoll: 2 (1N and 1E)

also had: 2 Green Woodpeckers yaffling to one another, one at Charcoal Burners and the other over in Lancelot.

Also: the Male Stonechat on territory, Bullfinch 2, Ravens, Sparrowhawk.

Trig-happy Shrike and Chiffchaffs etc etc.

0800hrs - 1230hrs (Please click over photos to enlarge, click again to supersize)

Noticing this last few days the blossom has been out up here. Went up to Trig via Slape Lane, Burton Fell approach and Lancelot, and seemed to take ages to reach the Trig.

On way up Slape Lane had lots of Wood Anemone (still closed not sunny enough at 0800hrs) and also lots of Dog Violets on the floors of the hedgerows.

A Chiffchaff was singing in the wood opposite Pickles Wood off Slape Lane. Then shortly after entering the approach to Burton Fell, I had 5 separate Chiffchaffs singing their ditties! On entering Lancelot I heard a Redwing go through above me.

Took photograph of small flower found on the mound of a Meadow Ant colony, can only think it might be Rue Leaved Saxifrage. On the same mound was the most beautiful coloured "Purple Moor Grass".

After leaving Lancelot and going over the stile to the Common, It was a lovely suprise to see the Shrike immediately on the hawthorn NE of the Trig, only some 20 metres away from the Trig itself (see photo). It stayed around the area E and NE of the Trig for the next couple of hours being constantly semi-mobbed by scores of Meadow Pipits and also on one occasion mobbed by a party of 6 Redpoll. Now and again it was seen to dive down and catch prey. On one occasion in particular it was seen to catch a Lizard with success. By about 1130hrs it had moved around and gone back down into the Dalton (deforested area) and was seen from the Trig, sentinel on one of the larger trees far down on the Dalton side.

Vismig stuff: (0930hrs-1200hrs) all N/NW unless stated otherwise.

A single Swallow which was hawking the Common for at least 15 minutes before continuing North.

Meadow Pipits were going through fairly regular with 222 during the time I was present at the Trig, best parties were: 6,5,9,5,5,10,9,6,10,14,6)

Also had a few Redpoll going through: 13 (best party 6, the rest pairs or singles). They are also holding territory down in Dalton.

Siskin: 2

Alba Wagtail: 2

Chaffinch: 1

Other Stuff: A pair of Stonechat within 30 yards of Trig. A pair of Buzzards.

Hawfinch, Stonechat & Great Grey Shrike on Dalton

Shrike showing well, again in Dalton (deforested areas) there up to me leaving at 1300hrs. Told earlier it had been scoped having caught a Lizard. Nothing showing in the "impaling" tree.

Stonechat male showing in usual place to the top right hand corner of Dalton (deforested) as you walk up from Dalton Crags. There is actually a pair and he is constantly chacking.

Migration was really quiet today with only 27 Meadow Pipits going North in 3 hours, compared to the last few days of about 150 averaging over 2 1/2hours. Also: Chaffinch, 3, Redpoll 2, and resident Kestrel and Bumblebees 2.

A bonus on the way back just before heading back down the slope to the Car Park was a calling Hawfinch giving both its heavy call followed by its ticking call and calling for over 3 minutes

Swallows at Hutton Roof and other Migration

The day started well with a fresh "Chiffchaff" calling from "Thornleigh", Burton.
Then from 0900hrs until about 1145hrs went up to the Trig Point on Hutton Roof checking out migration. I had the following: (all North/North West unless stated) Swallows: 4 (a pair which went straight through, and two singles at different times. One of the Swallows was watched over 20 minutes whilst it hunted on the Common.
Also had: Meadow Pipits, 156 (over two and a half hours) best parties 3 at 9 and 1 at 7
Skylark: 1
Redpoll: 2S
Greenfinch: 1
Chaffinch: 2
Linnet: 1
Curlew: 1 E
Also Bumblebee x 2, Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming at bottom of Crags, also had two Yafflers, one at Bottom just after leaving Plain Quarry car park and the other at the start of the deforested area after leaving the Crags. Somebody also reported Hawfinch close to the Car Park (Plain Quarry)
The Great Grey Shrike was showing well from 0900hrs to my last sighting at 1045hrs. Again seen on its "favourite tree" on Dalton Side, early on, but since 0930 and up to 1045hrs,it was seen by looking NNE from the Trig on the high point of a 12ft hawthorn in line with the main footpath and on the horizon (about 200/250 yards NNE from Trig). Checked out its "larder tree" (see photo) and there was either the same bank vole but with only its backside/tail left (see photo below), and if so it had been moved to a totally different area and spike or its yet another Bank Vole.

GG Shrike & Migration at Hutton Roof 24th March 2011

Good sightings of Great Grey Shrike on Dalton side in the main and occasionally on the Common below the Trig 0900hrs - 1130hrs.

Checked out the impaling tree and noticed the Bank Vole had been turned around to the opposite way, but I am sure it was the same vole and impaled on the same hawthorn needle.

Also: Vismig near the Trig (0930hrs to 1130hrs)
Meadow Pipits: 160 mainly N or NW today. Mainly singles, best parties: 25,9,6,5 and 4s.
Redpoll: 1,
Chaffinch 4,
Skylark: 3 (2S 1N)
Siskin: 1
Linnet: 1

Also had 2 Peacock Butterflies, 5 bumblebees, Stonechat (male), Ravens, Song Thrushes, Kestrel being mobbed by Crow.

Odd specimens of "Rue Leaved Saxifrage" now in flower on or near limestone areas on the upper levels.

GG Shrike & Migration at Hutton Roof 23rd March 2011

0900hrs - 1130hrs. Today again the Shrike was showing up well in the Dalton deforested area (rotting woodpiles). It spent most of its time on its "favourite" tree.

I checked out the impaled prey in the small tree below the Trig point and it was still there, so took several photos which are now included within yesterdays blog (below - click on home and scroll down). The prey we have now decided was a Common Bank Vole.

Migration: Meadow Pipits where at about 60 per hour going North. Also had some Chaffinch, Siskin (2 pairs), Skylark 5N (2 parties).

Had two bumblebees. Also present was Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard (2), Woodpecker drumming near Pickles Wood.

Trig via Slape Lane, Burton Fell & Lancelot Clark Storth and Return:

Strobe lighting effect all the way along Slape was not pleasant
Low Sun caught every opening of the tall hedgerow,
Three Blackbirds squabbling and fighting whilst chasing
one another in a large circle, wonder which won!
Tits calling everywhere, Great, Blue and Coal, but no Marsh!,
Fresh Roe Deer tracks deep in the muddy path..
Bullfinch pee'uud and then also trilled, I have never
heard them trill like that before,
like Waxwing's Trill.
Overhead, Redpoll, Sparrowhawk, and Pigeons and Crows.
Stepping over the pavements with grikes and clints,
Its like prehistoric giants footprints, massive, and yes!
I can see the Coral lookalike staring back at me.
Its grey or silver grey or lighter than battleship grey,
Theres still some of last years ferns deep down and lost water..
Waited for Dave to take his first photos of the shrike,
Spent time watching Meadow Pipits and Larks move North.
Took photos of the Bank Vole impaled, how did that
Shrike ever get that Vole to that position I will never ever know,
It certainly was without doubt the houdini act of 2011, and,
no one, nowhere will raid his "larder"...
Heading back, past BAP seat,
Wal with his working parties, cleaning up the pavement,
Woodpecker drumming near Pickles Wood, and
race back as fast as the legs would carry because I was late!
Co blimey!!

GG Shrike with impaled prey on Hutton Roof - Tues 22nd March 2011

(please click on photo to enlarge, then click again to supersize)

Went up on Hutton Roof yesterday, looking for Great Grey Shrike but without any sightings.

Steve managed to find a dead Common Lizard within 50 metres SSE of the Trig, on the side of the pathway.

6 Fieldfare called in at some trees quite close to the Dalton Woods/Dalton Crag (deforested area).

Today went up on Hutton Roof again and watched the GG Shrike for over an hour where it moved first from a tree near the gate as you enter the Common, quite close to the boundary wall on the Lancelot side, then we lost it and then re-located whilst having a rest at the Trig, it was on the top of a large hawthorn in a North East to the Trig, then seen to fly further across to the North, then back to the North East to a low hawthorn where it was seen to go down for prey. Then watched carrying mouse (vole or shrew!) to yet another hawthorn which was only 35 metres SSE of the trig where it seem to go to ground. I then saw it 20 minutes later on a large hawthorn to the first right right hand side more or less in the path which goes from the Trig South. On inspecting the tree where the Shrike seemed to go down and dissapear for a while, the mouse was there well and truly impaled. I was suprised to see it had not impaled it on the outer edge of the tree, but some 12" back into the tree which was just a complete maze of "nasty" hawthorn needles, so how the bird actually managed that I really dont know, its must have been like "houdini" and it was making sure nothing else got into its larder......

Then watching the bird for yet another 30 minutes, this time back into its "favourite tree" on the other side of the wall (Dalton deforested rotting timber piles area).

GG Shrike & Migration at Hutton Roof 18th March 2011

0900 - 1030hrs.

Today I watched the Great Grey Shrike for almost 90 minutes. During this time it visited several trees, all within the Dalton deforested area (rotting woodpiles), and was witnessed sentinel to all trees.

The first sighting was in the small group of about half a dozen trees which lies about 50 yards from the gate/boundary wall which goes into the Common where the Trig is situated and lies immediately to the side of the main pathway (see top sketch).

But for 80% of the time I witnessed it, it was in its "favourite" tree (see bottom sketch). I did see it swoop down on prey and return to its tree with the prey within its bill where it continued to digested the prey. It looked like a large beetle or bee or something like that.

Also whilst up there, I had some birds on a South to North direction migration eg: about 30 Meadow Pipits, mainly in singles or pairs. Also had a couple of Chaffinch, One Alba Wagtail, One Linnet. Had about 3 pairs of Siskin which some where dropping into Dalton to Feed. Also One Curlew heading to the South East.

Other records: One mail Stonechat seen in beatiful breeding plumage and heard regularly "chakking". Probably the same I had yesterday. Also Raven. Also had Green Woodpecker on way up at Bottom of Dalton.

Skylarks calls where half hearted today and the migration was less that this time yesterday, although the weather was blue skies, little wind.

No Shrike, but lots of movement with Pipits - 17th March 2011

0900hrs - 1030hrs.
Went in search of the Great Grey Shrike on Hutton Roof. But on reaching the Trig the weather turned bad with visability down to almost 10 metres and at best 20 metres, so that turned out a bit of a washout. It was reported to me yesterday that the Shrike was seen yesterday (16th March 2011) but had crossed over the boundary into Lancelot Clark Storth.

On Way up to trig after leaving Dalton Woods, there where lots of Meadow Pipits crossing over the Dalton (deforested area - rotting Woodpiles), and they were going in a South to North direction, with just one party heading in a more North West. I counted plenty and estimated that they where going through at about 40 birds per hour. Most of the birds I saw were singles with just odd pairs. I did have one party of 15 birds and another of 7, but did suspect these to be passing "blogging" parties that had been held up somewhere further South because of the poor visability and had decided to recommence their journeys. Also there was Alba Wagtails, Linnets and Chaffinch on the move also.

It was nice to see a pair of Stonechats had come in and I first met them just after leaving the Dalton Woods area and finally saw them South of the Trig, they were a pair and I regularly heard them chakking, and chasing one another as though in courtship.

Also a couple of singing Skylark, holding territory, some Meadow Pipits holding territory at the Trig area.

Also had calling Buzzard and Ravens.

Derwentwater - Keswick - Wed 16th March 2011

(Photos: top - Ruskin Memorial Near to Friar's Crag 2nd: One of Keswick's Greylags 3rd: A breeding Frog at Great Wood. 4th: A small sample of the habitat where the Frog Nurseries are at the Great Wood. 5th Looking over Strandshag Bay towards Friars Crag. Please Click over photo to enlarge and click once more if you wish to supersize.)

It was decided to go up to Keswick and check out the "frogs" at Great Wood, on the side of Derwentwater. We where not dissapointed if anything there where probably more than last year, but spread out throughout all the wet areas within the woods. This must be a top "frog nursery", because there is spawn all over the place, and you can hear the frogs calling in all directions.

Also large swarms of biting midges were out in force. I read somewhere that this year was going to be a bad year for the humans and a very good year for the midges, something to do with the snow we had this winter and how the snows kept the ground insulated for longer, causing a better incubation of the midge larvae.

Plenty of Greylags and Canadas about.

Photos GG Shrike at Dalton Crags/Hutton Roof etc.

(Top two photos shows GG Shrike on trees on the Dalton (clearing side with woodpiles). The third photo down shows a general photo of the same Dalton side with all the trees it likes to sit sentinel, and shows some of the woodpiles. The fourth photo is a area just below the Trig point which again is one of its favourites. and the fifth photo was on my way up through Dalton Crags this morning (from the Plain Quarry side). The final photo is at the Trig Point. Please click on photo to enlarge, and click once again to supersize.

This morning started early at 0610hrs with 4 Song Thrushes fighting and squabbling near to the Tanpits at Burton In Kendal.

0915hrs - 1100hrs.

Had a walk from Plain Quarry to the Hutton Roof Trig, a absolutely beautiful morning with little cloud.

Greeted with Green Woodpecker calling from just behind the Plain Quarry on the Dalton side. Buzzards circling above and the odd Raven could be heard honking. Several Chaffinches going overhead, but considered local because they where heading in various directions over the shrubby tree areas above the pavement on Dalton Crags.

On leaving the Crags and hitting the deforested area with the woodpiles, I could hear a Skylark, singing in full song, also Linnets were passing overhead, not sure but think in a North East direction.

On Common near Trig, there where several Meadow Pipits, marking territory and doing their "parachuting" displays

Great Grey Shrike was present and gave some terrific views. In the main it was seen in the Dalton area (deforested woodpile area - W or NW of the boundary wall).

Great Grey Shrike on Hutton Roof 13th March 2011

Walk to Hutton Roof Trig point via Slape Lane, Burton Fell, Lancelot Clark Storth and return via Dalton Crags, Dalton (hamlet) and back down Vicarage Lane. (1600hrs - 1815hours).

Had 12 Greenfinch above Vicarage Lane,
Three Flowering Lesser Celandine on Slape Lane, the first this year..
Gorse also starting to flower on Lancelot Clark Storth.
Two separate Song Thrush singing and sitting sentinel,
and the beautiful Great Grey Shrike

Witnessed GGS at 1715hrs. Looking from behind the Trig towards SSE follow the little footpath and when you get to the first incline immediately in front of you. It was on the largest of the hawthorn trees to the far right of this hill about 50ft in before the boundary wall. It was on the highest protruding branch to the left hand side. And it was seen here when I landed at Trig and still here on my depart.It was seen to leave the tree and swoop down on something towards the ground and then within seconds back to the same branch of the tree. Could not see it impaling or eating, so whether it missed the prey or not...

No Shrike on Hutton Roof yesterday or today

I have been up on Hutton Roof both yesterday and again this morning between 0930hrs and 1030hrs. I have checked all areas but the Shrike was not showing.

In fairness it was blowing a gale up there, something like 40mph gust yesterday and probably a little less at 30mph gust again today, so I don't blame it if its decided to sit tight. Its probably moved down to lower altitude where the winds will have abated, so that it has more chance of abundant prey!

Also today I heard quite a few Meadow Pipits, that where either back on territory, or having a stop over. Also several Skylarks going through and at least one partly singing, so perhaps back on its territory. Also lots of Thrushes and Finches feeding from the floor against one of the rotting woodpiles, which lay within the close proximity to the Dalton Crag Woods.

Addendum added: 12th March 2011: Members of the L&DBS reported it present yesterday at 1200hrs.

Dalton to Hutton Roof Trig and thereabouts (11th March 2011)

Great Tit calling with explosive, "Chuff chuff chuff chuff",
A Vole or Shrew ran across my path, only feet away...
Light or White or even Black, moving Clouds,
From the South West with little rain to the North East,
A skyward call of repeated "thrup" was sung with such sweetness,
I looked up, but cannot see you, but I know your there..
The Skylark also crosses above my path today
Yet from the ground Meadow Pipits call, whilst tucked away..

Great Grey Shrike on Hutton Roof again today..

Please click on sketch above to enlarge. The bird was last seen from standing at the rear of the Trig point and then looking South towards Carnforth. You will then notice a large thin tree which I have tried to identify its features within the sketch. Look there first! and good luck....

Went back up on Hutton Roof again today to check out the Great Grey Shrike. Went usual way via Slape Lane, Burton Fell, Lancelot Clark Storth and onto the Common.

Earlier had about 20 to 30 Curlews, very noisy at 0620hrs over Drovers Way, Burton, heading from N to South.. Wondering why they would be going in this direction? Is it too cold for them on yon moors!! and they've decided to come back..

0930hrs - 1300hrs
Redpoll calling from off Snape with Chaffinch as well,
Still lots and lots of Blackbirds, perhaps twenty or more,
And also earlier, 20 or more at Clawthorpe too, but again
all males, perhaps 40 birds but only two two females.....
Side of Slape last years ploughed field, had thousands
of stones which had now come to the surface.. Across
on the other side, a field full of remnant base stalks of,
long harvested maize, overwinters and waits to be ploughed in.
Fresh mole hills on the side of Slape, perhaps 24-48 hours old,
still fresh and the ground was so hard, where they had dug..
Strong fresh smell of fox musk at broken wall between,
Burton Fell and Lancelot..
Great Tits repetitive "Squeaky gate" opening and closing rapidly at
ten miles per hour.
Dry, deep black, peaty footpath from ancient dead old bracken,
recently churned over by maurauding grazing cattle let loose.
Two Roe Deer gave me as much suprise as I gave them,
heard them with shock, just at the side of me, from cover,
they left and bounded, and where a long way away within seconds.
Just landed at the Trig and looked South to find that beautiful
of birds, the Great Grey Shrike, I watched for over half hour,
before it skulked away yet again..
On leaving Lancelot, just within Pickles Wood, was a pair of
Marsh Tits......

Great Grey Shrike back at Hutton Roof - 7th March 2011

Today at 1430hrs I had the Great Grey Shrike on Hutton Roof. I was watching it for over one hour whilst it moved about more or less in the same areas as it did last year, below the Trig Point. I wonder whether its just arrived or whether its been around for a few days.... Can't see any other reports.. (Last year it arrived back on the 10th March and stayed around until about the 25th... so its 3 days earlier than last year....

Cumswick & Scout Scar - Kendal 1st March 2011

Please click over sketch or photo to enlarge.

I seem to remember something about the "Kendal Racecourse" from when I was a young lad! I'm sure it was up and running in the 1950's and 1960's period.... probably a "over the sticks".. can't be sure!!

I said to Charlie, "I was allreet until I si them Skylarks" and now I can't help but keep looking up to find some more!