It was most frequently seen on the hawthorns and willows alongside the Calder or alternatively perched high in the fast-growing deciduous saplings in the Millenium Plantation below Hollins Farm. I went to see the bird on at least ten separate occasions and only failed to see it once. However there would be prolonged periods of absence but eventually it would suddenly put in an appearance. It was last seen on April 7, 2008 and was thought by some to have been continuously present for 100 days (and certainly was for 97). Like all Shrikes it was wary but sometimes could be observed down to 30 metres or so. (Interestingly, three years later another, or perhaps the same, bird was seen in this same area over two days December 26-7, 2010).
The photos were taken on 30.3.2008 & 4.4 2008
