NORTH DOWNS & BEYOND

It was an absolute delight to bump into this juvenile/first-winter Red-backed Shrike at the northern end of Littlestone Golf Course yesterday afternoon. It was showy and confiding, taking little notice as the local birders gathered to enjoy the spectacle. Cars brushed past the bird's roadside bush without bothering it, and some birders were able to turn up, momentarily stop the car, wind down the window and to watch the bird just feet away. It was feeding well, and, at the end of the afternoon once having regurgitated a pellet, was observed to roost deep inside its favourite bush. Still present this morning. A full account of my week's stay at Dungeness will appear later.

Red-backed Shrike, Dungeness. This splendid male spent all day long in, and around, the moat. I can just about remember when they regularly bred in the UK. Yes, I know that I don't look old enough... Marsh Frog, Romney Marsh. The ditches and dykes are full of them, and once one starts to 'laugh' it sets them all off. Turtle Dove on Romney Marsh. I cannot think of a better looking (and sounding) dove than this species. 

Dungeness. A smart male Red-backed Shrike stole today’s avian honours. It was found in the moat during the early morning and, apart from going AWOL in the middle of the day, was site faithful well into the evening. But did it win my coveted ‘sighting of the day’ award? No. This did: Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum ssp molinerii), a rarely seen cultivated subspecies of Long-headed Clover. Two plants are now in flower close to the bird observatory, being found by warden Dave Walker. I think it’s quite a looker. The clover that is, although Dave has his fine points. Want to see a piss-poor back-of-camera shot of the shrike? Really? Oh alright then...