This afternoon I went for a walk around Coatham Stob near Longnewton. The wind was quite strong with a cold bite, but the temperature was still mild so the walk was pleasant. The purpose of our visit was to hopefully see a Great Grey Shrike. After heading for the Oak plantation and searching with binoculars the bird was located sitting on a small sapling. What luck, others earlier in the day had search for hours before seeing this normally not so elusive visitor. Whether the wind was causing extra disturbance for the bird, but instead of sitting on the top of the highest tree it was keeping low with the saplings. A view of a beautiful male Bullfinch and a Kestrel made a very enjoyable afternoon.

2012 Year List

Birds = 72 (Great Grey Shrike & Bullfinch)

Mammals = 5

Moths = 0

Butterflies = 0