Brown Shrike at Warham Greens - a lifer for Linda and me!

It's not often these days that Linda and I add a new bird to our life-lists (you know - the ones we don't keep any more!) With today possibly being the last decent weather for the time being and the weekend 'mega'  Brown Shrike popping up on the pager first thing, we downed a quick breakfast and were out of the door by 8.00am.

Do you ever have those days when you know you're going to connect? Well today was one of those, despite the fact that on arrival at Garden Drove we were told the bird hadn't been seen for over an hour. We plodded through the pig slurry,  enjoying the sight and sound of thousands of Ivy Bees along the track. Eventually we came across a small gallery enjoying great views of this welcome little stray. Among these were Sue & Ian, with whom we've chatted in the past. They were kind enough to let us look through their scope: what an absolute stunner! The bird worked its way nearer, eventually catching a shrew which it impaled on a thorn.

After 'filling up' we decided it was time to head eastwards, stopping on the way home for a 'Normal for Norfolk' cuppa and scone at Wiveton. As we were enjoying our elevenses, five Buzzards and a Kite wheeled overhead - just marvelous!