Woodchat shrike

Another beauty, and in the manner of shrikes, was out in the open giving crippling views of itself. The Aegean sunshine helped.

Masked Shrike

I could hardly believe my luck when I stopped at a lıkely-looking shrike spot not far from where I am staying ın Turkey, and almost at once got my bins on to a Masked Shrike. It was in full view, an adult male in full dress uniform. I watched it preening and occasionally plunging to the ground after some tasty morsel. A lifer for me, yay! The photo is not mine, so thanks to Google Images and whoever took the pic in the first place. For those of you envying me for basking in Aegean sunshine, you will be pleased to know it is pouring wıth rain this morning. 'It never rains here in May' they say. It may be a rare event, but so is clapping your bins on a Masked Shrike..

Grey mullet

This is a grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and we have three freshly-caught ones, filleted and ready for the pan. From which, mes chers potes, you will gather that I am a long way from the Fens right now. On the Aegean in fact. There are waves of migrant birds goıng through,so watch this space for some tasty pics, The mullet, though, will not reappear as they will be eaten before you get to the end of this sentence....