With the change in wind patterns, good weather and the lack of many rare birds, we decided to have another look at the long staying Turkestan or Red tailed Shrike at Bempton, Yorkshire. A 7am start from Castleton along with Bob K, Kevin C, Craig B and myself we headed for our first stop at Flamborough Head. Its well known for its breeding colonies of seabirds and due to the height of the cliffs there, a great vantage point to Sea Watch for passing birds returning south after leaving the breeding areas in the north. But after an hour or so it was apparent that today would not be a good day to sea watch! The only thing going on was the number of police, search and rescue personnel, lifeboats and a helicopter also searching for, we believe, a person who had abandoned their car and ended their life in the sea?
We headed for RSPB Bempton Cliffs just along the coast, the weather was warm and sunny with lots of people enjoying the area. As we set off with few directions to find the long staying Shrike that has been in the general area since the 27th June this year. We headed along the path, past Staple Newk where the Black Browed Albatross usually resides, he has not been seen for about 10 days. We found the permissive path headed inland and eventually saw about 10 birders watching, hopefully, the Shrike. The bird was sat in a hedge only 15 yards away as we sat on the grass to watch the bird. Even I managed to get some decent pictures/video of the bird, we admired the Shrike for about an hour. A passing Marsh Harrier in the next field was a nice surprise as we enjoyed watching the Shrike catching, beetles, flys, wasps etc. The bird has almost completed its summer moult and was quite resplendent in its new feathers! A slow walk back to the car to seek refreshment and begin the journey home. A Merlin dashing about, was seen on the way back, a fitting end to a pleasant day out.
