Having been to Middleton Moor several times recently it was a pleasant surprise yesterday to see that some gulls had returned. They disappeared when it froze over last month but I counted 130 Common as well as 30 Black-headed plus a handful each of Lesser Black-backed and Herring.
As well as the gulls there were more wildfowl with 5 Pintail, which included three smart drakes, and an increase in Shoveler plus a lone Shelduck.
A Hen Harrier did a rapid pass over the fields at Black Harry Gate and I managed a quick photo before it departed as quickly as it arrived.
Sat in the hide with another birdwatcher he casually stated that he thought he had a Great Grey Shrike and sure enough there it was sat atop a small bush on the eastern bank, distant but easily recognisable. I quickly grabbed a few photos before it dropped out of view.
Formerly seen most winters on Beeley Moor it is now a very scarce visitor and I can only find a single previous record at Middleton Moor on 23 October 1988!
All in all a very nice Christmas present!
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| Great Grey Shrike |
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| Hen Harrier - female |
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| Pintail |
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| Shelduck |
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