Friday 16 October 2009

BROWN SHRIKE still on site







The first-winter BROWN SHRIKE is still present this morning (photograph above showing the richness of the crown taken by Richard Bayldon).
For the benefit of our international visitors, I have placed above two maps showing the location in better detail.
Leave the M25 at Junction 14 (and remember if driving down from the north keep to the right lane until you have passed the new Heathrow Terminal 5 exit) and at the roundabout take the 'Stanwell Moor village' exit. Follow the road into the village and at the public house and very sharp bend, turn right on to Hithermoor Road. Find somewhere sensible to park after about 200-300 yards down, making sure not to block any entrances to garages, parking spaces, etc, and then continue on foot to the footpath leading down the NW side of King George VI Reservoir. After 250 yards, veer off right and continue along a narrow trail for a further 150 yards to a boardwalk and stile. This brings you out on to the north end of Staines Moor, where the Brown Shrike has a larder and territory in the scattered bushes on the north side of the river up as far west as the bridge. View only from the south side of the river to avoid upsetting or disturbing the bird (Lee Evans)