Hi there
As an ever keen birder, I am amazed how many species of Shrikes seem to exist in so many countries in the world
I have lost count now. I have seen a Woodchat Shrike on more than one occasion in Menorca - stunning birds.
They do have a tasteless trait, and that is to spear their prey onto a branch of a bush. A bit macarbre, but that is how they are in their eating habits.
What are the chances of seeing the species in the UK at any time of they year and what species?
Big question have anyone seen one at all in the UK?
Regards
Kathy and Dave
I've no idea (other than that I just looked them up on the RSPB site and it says there are 2 regular species in the UK) - but I just have to say... YUCK!!!
But, as you say Kathy, it takes all sorts to make a biodiverse world, and I don't suppose we humans have a leg to stand on when it comes to messing about with our food.
BB
Hi Kathy,
the recorded species of Shrike in the World is Twenty Nine and for the UK it is Nine!
The UK Sightings are as follows.
Brown Shrike - Surrey - Staines Moor Jan - 2010 Rarity - Mega
Great Grey Shrike - Lincs - Welbourn Feb 2010 Rarity - Scarce
Isabelline Shrike - Mayo - Achill Island Oct 2009 Rarity - Rare
Lesser Grey Shrike - Suffolk - Trimely Marshes Sept 2009 SWT Rarity - Rare
Long-tailed Shrike - Outer Hebrides Rarity - Rare
Masked Shrike - Scilly - St Marys Nov 06 Rarity - Mega
Red-backed Shrike - Yorkshire - Bempton Cliffs Oct 2009 Rarity - Scarce
Southern Grey Shrike - Non Recent 13 Recorded Rarity - Mega
Woodchat Shrike - Cornwall - Nanquidno Valley Oct 2009 Rarity - Scarce
Source: Birguides.com
There has been numerous other locations and sightings, I have only inclued the most recent.
September and October seem to be the best chance of seeing them according the recorded sightings, although some have been sighted in February!
Hope this helps!
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Hi Buzzard
Thank you very much for your listing {will take a print out and keep for my notes}
That is more of the species 'noted' than I thought.
Will keep the months of September and October aside for a chance to see them
Buzzard said: Hi Kathy, the recorded species of Shrike in the World is Twenty Nine and for the UK it is Nine! The UK Sightings are as follows. Brown Shrike - Surrey - Staines Moor Jan - 2010 Rarity - Mega Great Grey Shrike - Lincs - Welbourn Feb 2010 Rarity - Scarce Isabelline Shrike - Mayo - Achill Island Oct 2009 Rarity - Rare Lesser Grey Shrike - Suffolk - Trimely Marshes Sept 2009 SWT Rarity - Rare Long-tailed Shrike - Outer Hebrides Rarity - Rare Masked Shrike - Scilly - St Marys Nov 06 Rarity - Mega Red-backed Shrike - Yorkshire - Bempton Cliffs Oct 2009 Rarity - Scarce Southern Grey Shrike - Non Recent 13 Recorded Rarity - Mega Woodchat Shrike - Cornwall - Nanquidno Valley Oct 2009 Rarity - Scarce Source: Birguides.com There has been numerous other locations and sightings, I have only inclued the most recent. September and October seem to be the best chance of seeing them according the recorded sightings, although some have been sighted in February! Hope this helps! Regards Buzzard
Hi,
I am a proponent of Turkestan Shrike too:)
The best shrike months are arguably-
Great grey- November to February
Red Backed- May and September/October
Woodchat - May / June
Isabelline / Turkestan -October
:)
S
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Hi Seymour
I have only seen the Woodchat Shrike in Menorca - once as a pair on a fance and the other time one male sitting on a utility wire.
They really love to sit on utilitiy wires, and it is the best place to see and observe them
The two we saw together where a male and female divided apart due to the males reddish/brown head crown colouration.
Cannot forget the experience in a rush
seymouraves said: Hi, I am a proponent of Turkestan Shrike too:) The best shrike months are arguably- Great grey- November to February Red Backed- May and September/October Woodchat - May / June Isabelline / Turkestan -October :) S