Sunday, December 09, 2012

CSI Great Grey Shrike




Well what a story ,I met with Sue at Southowram on sat morning to collect the Shrike and unbeknown to me a headless Blue Tit.The Shrike and Blue Tit were found on her door step just like the bottom pic.The Shrikes bill is full of bits of Blue Tit,the head was not found unless its in the Shrike,Sue said her cat had been in all night as sometimes cats bring in there kills.I can only think that the shrike must have been fighting with the Blue tit and flew into the door and killed itself.??I think the Shrike is an adult male.??Many thanks to Sue Holden for all her efforts to find out about the Shrike...

4 comments:

David Sutcliffe said...

Thanks for the update Andy and well done for following it up. Looks like it happened as you suggest. Wonder if we have any more GGS's in Calderdale - I would certainly be thrilled to find one!

Dave Hunton said...

I think your bird is a juvenile due to the prominent pale coverts bars and patterning on the breast.

Dave

AndyC said...

You may well be right dave,good to get a comment from someone on this subject.

AndyC said...

Thanks dave,I have just been out and had another look at it.The bill which i thought was all black is indeed very pale on the lower bill and gape indicating juv plumage as well as what you pointed out.The bird is now in the hands of the HxSS.