The weather forecast was not too dismal, so the SWC made the usual trek to the North Coast. I was still keen to have a bash at the Walsey Hills warblers, so Brian dropped me off while he and Norman made their way to Bishop's.
I have to confess I deployed 'Merlin' as I moved along the path and almost immediately got notifications for both Dusky and Yellow-browed. Unfortunately there were also plenty of Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs around (some of which were ringed) Once I'd reunited with the guys we walked out to the sea along the East Bank - just a few Scoter were the best we could manage. However, the walk back gave us flight and ground views of a herd of five beautiful Whooper Swans. By now it was 10am, so we adjourned for coffee, before visiting the Centre Hides. We chatted with Nick A and enjoyed decent views of Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint (two of each!) among the more abundant Dunlin, Godwits and Lapwings, before the pager announced that a Great Grey Shrike was visible at the back of Walsey Hills. Back we trudged: we were pleased to discover that it was visible from the roadside by Snipe's Marsh, but we walked south for 'better' views. Our fourth Shrike species of the year! With rain threatening we headed home.
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