while in Guisborough forrest this morning, the large flock of siskins with redpols mixed in with them were very vocal. suspecting a predetor I looked for the usual Srawk or Tawney Owl. nothing obvious about and I moved away,
then the culprit came out,
the Black Mask was very obvious, with a rich brown back.
the front had flecking on it but Cream in colour.
Size is dificult to judge but it was only slightly Larger than the Robin and dunnock that were alarmed at its presence.
Red Backed Shrike was my first thought.
came home and looked at all the shrikes in my Collins guide.
the Mask was Red backed through and through but the colouring more like Grey Shrike.
It was below the Trees in the shade so my judgement of colour may be wrong.
Also the Collins says arrives in May. so a bit early
sorry No Photos but any thought anyone
Steve,
Certainly will not be a Red-backed Shrike... as you've already discovered yourself, there's no way on would be here this early. Assuming it was a shrike, Great Grey is the only likely contender and even then, a very scarce bird in Cleveland so it would be an excellent find!
Stew.
Thanks Stu,
sorry for late reply but been away with work,
I saw the Great Grey at Sledale in October.
Wil just have to go down as a mystery.
the size was the limiting factor for me, probably too small even for RBS if I am honest