Birdwatchers Flock To Cannock Chase After Reports Of Two Great Grey Shrikes

[NiftyWolfie]

BIRDWATCHERS are flocking to Cannock Chase after reports of two great grey shrikes being seen in the area.

Nick Pomiankowski, who records Staffordshire sightings for West Midlands Bird Club, said: "One was found at Upper Longdon near Startley Lane on November 17, 2011, and has remained in a clearfell area - it was still there yesterday.

 

"The other was found near the Cadet Huts/Shooting Butts on Cannock Chase on October 20, 2011, and was last reported on January 6 but could well still be present."

He explained why there has been such interest in the presence of the songbirds: "These birds regularly winter in the UK in small numbers and Cannock Chase usually attracts one each year. Having two, though, is an uncommon event."

The great grey shrike, which is the size of a large thrush and eats small animals such as mice and frogs, is found all over Europe from Scandinavia to Spain, but does not breed or spend the summer months in the UK. This picture of the bird was posted on Twitter by tourism website Enjoy Staffordshire.

 

 

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Don't think I've seen one of these local at all, would be nice to see one though.

[EllieSword]

No doubt I will get shouted down but its not dissimilar to a grey wagtail from the picture on my screen

[NiftyWolfie]

I would say a wagtail is longer and thinner then the one shown here

[PsychoSteph]

it looks like a bird to me