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Norfolk Shrikes, late August and September 2025

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Two birds that were 'lifers' for me.  Given my status as a relatively novice birder, that is not unusual but they were pretty special anyway! Red backed Shrike The red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) is a carnivorous passerine bird. Its breeding range stretches from Western Europe east to central Russia. It is migratory and winters in the eastern areas of tropical Africa and southern Africa.   It is red listed in the UK and the last recorded breeding pair was in 2020. This is the juvenile Red-backed Shrike was sighted in Thornham, Norfolk, in late-August and early September 2025, near the coastal path and harbour, in a private area. When I visited at the end of August it was only showing distantly, until it rested briefly on a branch about 30 feet from my location on the coastal path.   Thornham juvenile in late August 1st winter/juvenile between Morston Quay and Stiffkey in late September Lesser Grey Shrike The Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) is a rare and irregu...
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Raptor Foundation Photography day, Sept 2025

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The Raptor Foundation near Huntingdon is a dedicated wildlife charity committed to rescuing, treating, and returning injured birds of prey to their natural habitats. It also provides lifelong sanctuary to those that can’t be released, supports breeding and conservation initiatives, and has educational programs.  There experience days, including the Photography events generates income that goes to support the treatment of injured birds. At least 70% are released back into the wild.  Income for the kept birds is generated by day visitors and their B&B cottages. They have quite an extensive range of birds available for photography sessions. Ashy faced Owl Ashy‑faced owls ( Tyto glaucops ) are native to Hispaniola and nearby Caribbean islands. Although their exact global population is not known it is estimated to be around 2,000 birds. It is considered “uncommon” but stable, and the species is classified as Least Concern. American Kestrel This small  falcon, found across ...
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Exmoor zoo, August 2035

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Exmoor Zoo is home to a diverse array of bird species, including rare and endangered birds, tropical parrots, and ground-dwelling foragers. Several species are part of international breeding programs aimed at their conservation.  In particular, the zoo runs a rewilding project featuring white storks. They also had a large group of Spoonbills. Black crowned Night Heron Grey crowned Crane Lesser Rhea Inca Tern Red billed Chough Southern bald Ibis Tawny Frogmouth Chestnut backed Thrush Hooded Vulture Black headed Weaver Black winged Red Bishop Grey headed Swamphen Grey capped Emerald Dove Pink backed Pelican MeerKat!
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Osprey CJ7 and White tailed Eagle G463, Friday 15th August 2025

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The 'mugging' of Osprey CJ7 over Poole Harbour by the resident male White-tailed Eagle G463 in pictures - as seen from the always excellent Birds of Poole Harbour Osprey Cruise.   The tide was low and CJ7 caught a fish close to where G463 was sitting on a small island, watching and waiting... He immediately launched himself into the air and went after CJ7, forcing her to drop the catch.  He tried to catch the fish when it was falling but failed.  However, he caught a bigger fish on his own immediately afterwards and CJ7 also caught another fish within a few minutes.  Poole Harbour is an amazingly bountiful environment, and it is a privilege to see these birds at such close quarters.   
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