Suffolk’s first Brown Shrike was found last week so I took time out on Saturday to make the drive down to Upper Hollesley Common to see it. The spot is one I know well from our walking exploits over the years but with the road closed at the Melton level crossing access was a bit tricky!
After a detour via Campsea Ash I eventually reached the site, slung the car onto the verge and was watching the bird within about a minute. That’s a slightly unrealistic description of how easy the bird was because it could prove elusive and mobile for periods during my 2 hours stay. Good views were had nonetheless although mostly too distant or obscured for getting crippling photos. 3 Crossbills perched briefly in pines over the road with several more were moving overhead, 3 Stonechats shared the heath and a Dartford Warbler rattled away briefly.
