In response to an earlier request, the juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE is still present today (Thursday 23rd October - its 7th day of residence) 4 miles SSW of Rochester just east of Halling and just west of the River Medway this morning on Halling Common (at TQ 710 642), showing well until at least 1045 hours.
DIRECTIONS
From Halling High Street, take Low Meadow to the end and park sensibly to view (TQ 710 642). From Low Meadow, Halling, take the footpath north over the first stile and along the river path, to view hawthorns/brambles on your left (west of the river) just before the second stile/navigational marker. The bird seemed to be favouring this clump, occasionally perching high on a hawthorn that had Clematis growing through it.
DIRECTIONS
From Halling High Street, take Low Meadow to the end and park sensibly to view (TQ 710 642). From Low Meadow, Halling, take the footpath north over the first stile and along the river path, to view hawthorns/brambles on your left (west of the river) just before the second stile/navigational marker. The bird seemed to be favouring this clump, occasionally perching high on a hawthorn that had Clematis growing through it.
All credit to Ian Shepherd I believe who first reported having seen it from his house across the river! Ian seems to do an amazing job of 'finding' things in the immediate area - Pallas Warbler, Leach's Petrel, Pectoral Sandpiper just to name a few.
Please note that the photographs above relate to a juvenile present earlier in the month at Margate, North Kent, in September and excellently captured on film by Barry Wright
