Steppe this way!

Well: how could I resist? With Martin & Brian both being tied up, the gap in the weather predicated a lone rush out to Burnham Norton for a look at the long-staying Steppe Grey Shrike.

Easy parking and a short walk soon saw me focusing the camera along a bush-lined dyke: the Shrike obviously felt sorry for me and flew closer - much closer! Twice it approached within fifteen yards, revealing it to have a smaller, compact build and paler plumage than a Great Grey.

A stop-off at Walsey Hills and Salthouse provided fleeting glimpses of a Yellow-browed Warbler and a couple of Ring Ouzels, but little else, so coffee at the visitors' centre and then home!