Southern Grey Shrike

So ill start off with the patch. Went out early this morning and it started off quiet, Reed Bunting flew over, and after that small numbers of Linnet, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. Other things moving were Skylark, Meadow Pipit and 2 Swallow and plenty of Song Thrush.
Made my way to the Disused rail track and bingo Yellow Browed Warbler calling, YES!! called a dozen times before going quiet never to be heard again Arghhhh!. Whilst hoping for views and it to call again I had views of Bullfinch 2 Chiffchaff and a Treecreeper. Carried on around to the ponds another Chiffchaff and first returning Snipe of the season.

Onto the week just gone Thursday onwards 4 Swallow 3 Bonxies, Shoveler Wigeon, Song Thrush, Goldcrest and Chiffchaffs was all.

Now to the really good stuff, A Southern/Steppe Grey Shrike had been found in Norfolk, Burnham Norton last week and it had been showing well so I decided id go look, it wasn't a lifer as id seen the Lincs bird.
Rach n I arrived just after 10 to 6 Bearded tits showing really nicely but as I wanted to see the Shrike I left em and moved onto great views of the Shrike, like down to about 25 feet. Very pleased with my pics. Sorry couldn't pick a fav so chose em all ;-) Video too watch in HD.

 

 

  

 

I really do love this time of year in Norfolk, the Geese are going mad the sounds awesome, 500 Pinks around as well as smaller numbers of Brents.

After my fill of this wonderful bird I moved onto Tichwell and headed straight for the sea. On the way along the path a Bittern was showing its socks off in flight for a good 5 min.

 

Arrived at the beach but the tide was now out, it was tricky but managed to spot 2 Slavonion Grebes and a Red Necked Grebe before they drifted far away!  Other birds were many Red Throated Divers couldn't pick out the BT Diver that was about, 8 Eider and 6 Red Breasted Mergansers.
I then noticed on birdguides that there was a YB Warbler by the Island mere hide so rushed to go see it... dipped no sign. Took some shots of Ruff and a Juv Little Stint whilst I waited.

 

 

Wandered around the fen area for a little while before landing back at the visitor centre and was just about to leve when I stopped to talk to fellow digiscoper Gary. Whilst talking a Yellow Browed Warbler called briefly and showed in the top of the trees but all too quick. Whilst waiting for it to show up again someone found a Firecrest In the same trees this showed much better. Left them all too it as it was getting late and time to move on. Luckily the YB Warbler was seen again after id left.
Finished the day doing Rachels stuff and then wandering Kelling Heath and watching the distant lightening storm until dark finishing with a great meal in the club.
Fabulous Day in North Norfolk once again.