The long tailed shrike has now remained at Eastleach Downs for almost two months, and has been presenting closer and better views as it appears to grow more confident with birders around it. With the bird being so close to home, and even closer to my workplace, it has been easy to drive over to see it, and I've now visited the site six times, each time hoping for improved photos but at the same time enjoying the presence of this remarkable bird, as it allows people to get within 20 feet, and also flying down to the ground in front of photographers at a lesser distance than even that. The shrike has moved further away from the county border, and has settled on the Gloucestershire side, even sitting in the hedge right close to the road rather than half way along the footpath. One wonders just how much longer it will stay, perhaps it will wait until the weather has a definite colder feel to it. Meanwhile we can just stand back and admire its beautiful plumage, now it has come to the end of its moult. A selection of the (far too many) photos I took yesterday are below.
.JPG)
