One “shrike” and you’re out!

Although I have seen plenty of shrikes elsewhere in the World (most notably in South Africa) I have, up until now, not managed to find any in the UK. This beautiful male individual was spotted at RSPB Minsmere this morning, so I thought I would call in and take a look. This is my 214th British bird species on iNaturalist.

Red-backed Shrikes were effectively lost as a UK breeding species in the 1990s, following a long period of decline. Habitat loss and fragmentation are the primary pressures contributing to the decline of this long-distance migratory bird. It is now a scarce visitor, most often reported during summer (May to October). Red-backed Shrikes underwent an extensive range contraction through the late 20th century, dwindling to only one pair in the 1990s.

Red-backed Shrikes are known for their impressive hunting skills, often seen perched on exposed branches or wires, diligently scanning for prey. Somewhat grotesquely, they impale their catch on thorns or barbed wire, essentially creating a larder of food reserves for later meals.

Posted on July 14, 2024 05:28 PM by heliastes21