Three special winter visitors.......

29 Nov - A quick visit to Park Corner N of Cirencester, a scan of the bushes and there was the Great Grey Shrike! I just had time for a couple of photos before the bird flew off towards Cirencester Park, photos 1-4 JM. Late afternoon, I stopped at Hawling on the way back from Cheltenham - fairly windy but the ringtail Hen Harrier glided elegantly over the seaside field at 4pm, then when almost dark 2 Short-eared Owls appeared and their distinctive silhouettes could be seen over the ridge. Also seen - 2 Red Kites and a female Sparrowhawk. A good Gloucestershire tally, 3 of my favourite winter birds on the same day..... Earlier, 9 Goosander and a Kingfisher in CWP but no Smew yet......