Paid a visit today as the most recent Great Grey Shrike has been around for several weeks now. Upon arrival I had the misfortune to see the shooting brigade had encamped in the field to the left of the small parking area. They appeared to be training their dogs which were running around in all directions. Shotguns were going off, whistles were whistling away and the khaki clad toffs were shouting to their dogs at will. Needless to say the Shrike had 'done one.'
Gave it an hour and a half scanning walls, bushes, posts etc before I left. Managed to see Buzzard (1), Raven (1), Kestrel (2), Reed Bunting (c.5), Curlew (c.6) and plenty of Meadow Pipit amongst others.
Found the Great grey shrike very quickly today, or I should say my young companion did!
You have to approach the fell from the village of Grindleton, near Chatburn and Clitheroe. Take the road out of Grindleton signposted to Slaidburn and after about a mile you will see another signpost saying 'Slaidburn 5 miles'. Take the rough road/track going straight ahead just as the main road bends round to the right. Follow this track uphill until you reach a gate across the road and park. The bird favours the area on the LHS right up to the skyline and also a clearing in the plantation further up the hill.
We passed through the gate and scanned all the walls and posts going up the hill and there it was on a post. Earlier in the day it had been perching on an old barn and line of trees on the skyline.
Recently the bird has also been flying over the ridge and on to the road over Waddington Fell. So it is advisable to check Birdguides on the day to see which side of the fell it is - it is a long way round by car.
