First Woodchat Shrike of the year!

[wingspanner]

A short tour of Laguna Camelias in Soto Grande (rain stopped play after about an hour) this afternoon was rewarded with my first Woodchat Shrike of the year. There were also many Pallid Swifts, Red-rumped Swallows, Barn Swallows, Sand and House Martins. A single Yellow Wagtail (iberiae) was also a first for the year. A small flock of Cirl Buntings have over wintered here and were still present along with 3 Penduline Tits, a single Purple Swamphen but the Little Bittern found there last week was not seen. [Img] [/ img]

[Peter]

Nice photographs and still keeping my eyes wide open for my 1st Woodchat Shrike. Think Stephen Daly had one early last week?

Peter 

[Heidi]

Saw my first Woodchat Shrike of the year yesterday too!!
Took a run up to El Chorro for a walk and were rewarded with sightings of our first Swifts of the year too, as well as a sighting of a Dartford Warbler (not seen in this area before).
After what seems like the longest wettest winter I can remember, spring is not far away!!

[Peter]

There you go then, just like a London bus, when one comes along so do 5! Seen yesterday together with exceptional heavy spring migration of Blackcap and to a lesser extent Black Redstart.

Peter

[Marbella_bird]

First Woodchat Shrike of the life! One superb example yesterday 2km from Cartajima sitting very obviously on a bush near a water trough. Luckily within binocular range of the small access road   and a huge privilege for me on only my second outing. 

Alexandra

[Peter]

They are super birds and always look forward to them returning in the spring.

Peter