Working in the middle of a nature reserve, as we do here at The Lodge, has a lot of benefits. The alternative name of 'butcher-birds' is an appropriate one for this small family of birds. you were really lucky to find the latter. Found in open areas with prominent perches, including power lines and short treetops that offer perfect vantages for shrikes to spot their prey. The bright lemon yellows, white and green tones brighten the dullest autumn day. The Great Gray Shrike. I believe I spoke to you at Grain Country Park on October 16 where we shared a seat with my pal Jim near the car park. The Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor is a widespread Holarctic species. Walked about a mile with no luck and returned to the seat too knackered to try the other way. ‘Once the prey is captured, great grey shrikes impale large prey items upon stumps, thorns or barbed-wire. Have you seen something interesting? Define great grey shrikes. Hi Eric, I have been back to the same spot a few times and have not seen the LSW again. Nuptial gift - Wikipedia The prey of a Great grey shrike ( Lanius excubitor ): a green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) impaled upon a thorn Email me your book list – nickupton@thaibirding.com, , Birding Walk in the Churchyard | British Birding, Birding Walk in the Darent Valley | British Birding, Thailand/Vietnam Pittas & Broadbills, 19th April-4th May 2021, Sumatra, Java & Bali, 14th-30th September 2021. Distribution, migration, and habitat. Next morning we saw a Kentos report that the bird had been seen in the opposite direction. Talk about good timing! This small grassland habitat is surrounded by sparse scrub and dry dusty plains peppered with salt pans. It was a “wow” moment! Great Grey Shrike | British Birding November 2nd, 2020 Nick Chasing around after rare birds is a style of biring that can either be a rewarding addiction, if you connect with the species you are looking for, or a disappointment if you end up in some supermarket car park only to be told that you should have been there half an hour ago. A rare bird of prey known as the "butcher" has been spotted at a Surrey nature reserve. To filter/search please enter a phrase. The sun is low creating a very beautiful light, the video being filmed during the golden hour. I wasn’t that bothered as I had a nice day, seeing a superb male Hen Harrier among other things but a few days later I went back on the off chance that it might still be around along with the fact that I just like birding in this lonely area. To filter Rejected records, type Rejected into the Search box, all columns can be filtered. Great Grey (Northern) Shrike - Lanius excubitor Great Grey (Northern) Shrike - Lanius excubitor. © 2020 BirdGuides, Warners Group Publications Plc. Is that OK ? After I found the Ring Ouzel I don’t remember speaking to anyone & indeed I put on the KOS site in which direction it was. Indeed, shrike is thought to be a … The great grey shrike is the largest of the European shrikes. Breeds in open forests and shrubby areas across Europe; moves south in winter. Thrush-sized bird; pale gray overall with black mask. Key information. 100 yards on right (NE) of track from Car Park entrance. All Records (Accepted, Rejected, Pending). Great Grey Shrike: Blackbird sized bird with stout, slightly hooked bill. google_ad_slot = "4284686732"; The latest sighting details and map for Great Grey Shrike are only available to our BirdGuides Ultimate or our BirdGuides Pro subscribers. It will, however, also hunt like a Sparrowhawk, waiting in the dense cover of a bush from which it dashes out, surprising its prey. 0 1 minute read. Winter prey is largely made up of small mammals and some small birds. If you continue to use this site we’ll assume you’re happy to receive all cookies.