Help, trying to find a Shrike with a map reference

[FUDGEY]

Im thinking of going to Cumbria at the weekend for several things. One of them is a Great Grey Shrike that has been seen recently. Probably wont be there now, but you never know. Ive tried to locate the exact spot of the last sighting through this info, but no joy. Can any one help with this info? Its "GREAT GREY SHRIKE ENE/OF BURTON-IN-KENDAL SW/OF HUTTON ROOF AT DALTON CRAGS S/OF TRIG POINT AT CSD555775" Thanks.

[mpiekp]

I think its here

Try dropping the C of the grid reference and use it here

Lovely birds, seen two this year. The best bit in my own village.

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

Im thinking of going to Cumbria at the weekend for several things. One of them is a Great Grey Shrike that has been seen recently. Probably wont be there now, but you never know. Ive tried to locate the exact spot of the last sighting through this info, but no joy. Can any one help with this info? Its "GREAT GREY SHRIKE ENE/OF BURTON-IN-KENDAL SW/OF HUTTON ROOF AT DALTON CRAGS S/OF TRIG POINT AT CSD555775" Thanks.

You could do a search for 'shrike' on this website, or trawl through the last few months posts:

LDBWS > Latest Birdnews

GG Shrikes can have large territories in winter and move around a fair bit, this website will give you more info on this particular bird's habits (it's thought to be a returning bird and has been around for a couple of winters).

As mpiekp suggests, the trig point is at SD5577 so type this into Streetmap - Maps and directions for the whole of Great Britain - that seems a good starting point!

Cheers
Jonathan

[FUDGEY]

Thank you folks a great help, looks like weathers ok for Sunday so wish me luck

[mpiekp]

Good luck, I dont doubt you know what your looking for. Don't lose heart if it takes a while to find, they can be elusive. Took an hour so spot one of mine on a local patch, but was rewarded with half an hours viewing of it back and forth with different prey.

[FUDGEY]

Thansk mate, I am not getting my hopes up though. I have no experience with them, but I have read they like vantage points to scan from. How high do they prefer to be? 20 feet or so of the ground?

[mpiekp]

It depends on the territory really, as you approach, look for what has good views over more open area's.

The one's I've seen local have been at tops of tree, but have seen them at street level on wires, looking over fields lower down the hill.

Might be worth while viewing of the area from google maps to get an idea of lay out, with the terrain layer on.

[Dogghound]

They really like clear fell where they will often sit in a small shrub or bush. I tend not to find them in the tops of pines. They are very distinctive and have a distinctive flight, almost a fluttery woodpecker like flight. I would take a scope and scan areas of clear fell/open areas/glades adjacent to where it was seen. How recently was it seen?

[FUDGEY]

Thanks guys some good info, all tehse snippets help greatly. Dogghound its been seen a few times this week I believe, also think it comes to this spot annually.

[Dogghound]

Fingers crossed then mate sounds like your in with a good chance. Try and get some good shots too (which I know you will) I love these birds. Im lucky as I live between the coast and forests on the north york moors so get both coastal migrants and wintering birds.