The Red Backed Shrike is a stunningly attractive and extremely rare bird to the UK. It is uncertain if they breed here or not but it is thought that this no longer occurs. For more than 2 weeks there have been 3 males at a site on Dartmoor. I have been lucky enough to see just one on two separate days. The last time I managed a photograph from quite a distance. It just gives an idea of the coloration of the bird and for me it will be a reminder of this fabulous event. As a species they perch in very exposed places, this is to give them a good view of the surrounding habitat and their prey, and also to keep a look out for predators and “birdwatchers” My second encounter was quite amusing. I had been told that they were near a dead tree, well imagine that on Dartmoor! So walking along a fence line and overlooking a cleared forestry bank I could see a very tall spindly dead tree and guess what? There it was. I was around 100 yards from it and yet it still saw me. When I tried to get closer it flew down to a lower stump about 5 foot tall. I spotted it and took some photos from around 50 yards. I am glad I did because it was impossible to get closer, it completely disappeared and even though I sat quietly and camouflaged it never showed again even though a Wren and Willow warbler were both happy to approach within 6 feet of me! I know the photo is poor but when you appreciate the rarity of the subject then it is one I am very proud of. It is a bird that has almost had magical qualities for me since my childhood and I have looked at pictures of them for the last 50 years without ever thinking I would see one.

Can you see that almost “bandit-like” mask that they have, I did see it through a spotting scope on my first encounter and I was very impressed with the lovely pinkish breast and brick red back set off by the jet black face mask…….. very impressive!

This is the Willow Warbler that I mentioned. He was bringing food to a nest in a bush next to where I sat. By the time I took the photo the light was starting to fade a bit and it was hard to get a really good sharp crisp shot. But worth another visit to get a better one.

Out on Dartmoor, cuckoos are very evident I have seen them lots of times. Not close enough for a photo but that is on the cards though. I am working on a strategy! I am sure that they use Meadow Pipits to lay their eggs. Meadow Pipits are very common, I really like them they “pose” really well and you can get great photos of them.