Saw the Woodchat Shrike at around 6.30pm today, atop a bush next to the electricity pylon mentioned below. In fact, it was the first pylon on the opposite (left) bank of the canal if following Docs directions, also below. Our Cheshire Birds and Wildlife WhatsApp group has unfortunately reported that, as at 8.18pm, the bird had flown out of sight, so unsure as yet as to if it has been refound.
Whilst walking along the canal, I was thinking that the adjacent crop field looked good for Quail and, sure enough, one was reported calling after I had left.
Woodchat Shrike showing well on opposite side of canal than towpath on a electric pylon base , and it fed from there in the main for 2 hours until I left at 2pm . Not a bad bird 4 mile from my front door . Picture on my Flickr site.
At Daresbury, along the Bridgewater Canal accessed from a bridge on Delph Lane at SJ572826 and heading SW there is today a stunning male Woodchat Shrike. Found by a survey worker covering this area the bird showed closely from the canal towpath initially but was flushed by a cyclist and went missing..... which is when I turned up!! After around 45mins it was relocated a fair distance further along and down by the railway. A track WNW by a field allowed views down to 100-150m, the bird showing really well in the sunshine and feeding actively. A record digiscoped shot is attached. Apparently some time after I left the bird returned to show much closer along the towpath! Typical. Well twitched by a small gathering whilst I was there, up to 40 folk or so I'd reckon!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 4th of June 2025 03:03:19 PM
