Red-flanked Bluetail

It didn't take much persuading on the part of Liam to have me setting off early this morning to Gloucestershire where the Red-flanked Bluetail showed well near Marshfield. The only other bluetail I've seen was two or three years ago now on the day of the Rufous-tailed Robin dip in Norfolk, when one was at Holme; the Norfolk bird was very flighty and difficult to get a prolonged view of, especially as everyone was running around after it like mad. So, it was a pleasure to spend a laid-back couple of hours in the bird's company this morning in a peaceful patch of countryside.

Woodthat Shrike stick around?

I've dipped a couple of these in the past. Just this year, Ian and I were half way to Essex for one when it came through that it had been gobbled by a troublesome Sprawk - after I went on about it being in the bag and practically ticked already.

I was saying the same thing to Ian today, thinking I could not be wrong this time, but news from departing birders as we arrived that the Shrike had been driven into hiding by some twit photographer made me think I perhaps ought to stop tempting fate.

It wasn't feeling good for the first five minutes - but then the Woodchat Shrike showed. Yay I was right! All twitch attendees were happy from then on. I was very happy as it was a pretty bird and a new tick on my list. Also, it means that I no longer have to feel silly having Brown and Isabelline Shrikes on my list while only having two of the three 'common' Lanius visitors to Britain.

Britain List List 311