Confirm IDs Central France (1 Viewer)

[Mike Beer]

Hello I took these photographs yesterday in Central France, both birds were a long way away. Please confirm 1. Black Redstart 2. Red-backed Shrike.

Mike

 

[Richard Prior]

Oui pour them both Mike!

 

[Mike Beer]

Thank you
Mike

 

[Bewick]

Hello I took these photographs yesterday in Central France, both birds were a long way away. Please confirm 1. Black Redstart 2. Red-backed Shrike.

Mike

Can I ask you what type of location did you find the red-backed shrike. I'm going to visit family for the second time this year and red-backed shrike is on my list. Sadly on my first visit I was not able to find the RBS even though I checked areas that resembled its habitats, did get the golden oriole, montagu's and cirl though. My family lives in a rural area on the far centre west of France, what was the type of area that you found yours?

 

[Jos Stratford]

Can I ask you what type of location did you find the red-backed shrike. I'm going to visit family for the second time this year and red-backed shrike is on my list. Sadly on my first visit I was not able to find the RBS even though I checked areas that resembled its habitats, did get the golden oriole, montagu's and cirl though. My family lives in a rural area on the far centre west of France, what was the type of area that you found yours?

Mixed habitat, scrubby areas with bushes, mature hedgerows, etc.

 

[Bewick]

Mixed habitat, scrubby areas with bushes, mature hedgerows, etc.

Sadly that’s exactly the places I checked

 

[Richard Prior]

Sadly that’s exactly the places I checked

Well don’t give up L b, the R bShrikes are on the move now so can turn up anywhere there are beetles and larger insects to be found, hawthorn and wild rose bushes are good for them in my part of France.

 

[Bewick]

Well don’t give up L b, the R bShrikes are on the move now so can turn up anywhere there are beetles and larger insects to be found, hawthorn and wild rose bushes are good for them in my part of France.

I'll be hanging around those type of bushes then

 

[Richard Prior]

Just thought, if this current extremely hot weather continues it’s worth looking at low branches on large trees instead of just atop bushes, the shrikes appreciate the shade at the moment!

 

[Bewick]

Just thought, if this current extremely hot weather continues it’s worth looking at low branches on large trees instead of just atop bushes, the shrikes appreciate the shade at the moment!

Thanks, that makes sense. In my search for them and the orioles I got severely sunburnt on my back. I sometimes forget how hot France can get... my problem is that I never give up.

 

[Mike Beer]

Can I ask you what type of location did you find the red-backed shrike. I'm going to visit family for the second time this year and red-backed shrike is on my list. Sadly on my first visit I was not able to find the RBS even though I checked areas that resembled its habitats, did get the golden oriole, montagu's and cirl though. My family lives in a rural area on the far centre west of France, what was the type of area that you found yours?

Sorry I did not answer before but I have been away for a few days. I found the Red-backed Shrike in our garden, we have a large rear Orchard and I saw if fly into one of our fruit trees. We are in the centre of France very rural area.

Mike

Can I ask you what type of location did you find the red-backed shrike. I'm going to visit family for the second time this year and red-backed shrike is on my list. Sadly on my first visit I was not able to find the RBS even though I checked areas that resembled its habitats, did get the golden oriole, montagu's and cirl though. My family lives in a rural area on the far centre west of France, what was the type of area that you found yours?

 

[Bewick]

Sorry I did not answer before but I have been away for a few days. I found the Red-backed Shrike in our garden, we have a large rear Orchard and I saw if fly into one of our fruit trees. We are in the centre of France very rural area.

Mike

There’s a garden that one of the farmer has where there are a few fruit trees, probably going to stake that out then. Thanks.

 

[Michael Billerbeck]

Hi, If I may add something more here:
My experience with observing Red-backed Shrikes by now is that they always could be found in nature reserves,
also nearby a bush alongside a barbed wire fence to attach insects to it.
Cattle was also almost always nearby. Good luck.
Here is a video of a friend who filmed them lately while we were watching them this year:

 

[Jos Stratford]

My experience with observing Red-backed Shrikes by now is that they always could be found in nature reserves

Perhaps in France I don't know, but certainly not the case in the Baltic States and Poland for example - they are still common and widespread across the general landscape

 

[Bewick]

Hi, If I may add something more here:
My experience with observing Red-backed Shrikes by now is that they always could be found in nature reserves,
also nearby a bush alongside a barbed wire fence to attach insects to it.
Cattle was also almost always nearby. Good luck.
Here is a video of a friend who filmed them lately while we were watching them this year:

Sadly I’m in an area where the majority of land is just vineyards and cornfields however the last time I visited I did find my first field with a barbed wire fence and sheep. When I visit next summer, I’ll make sure to spend extra time there. I have a feeling that the huge amount of pesticides being used is the main reason why I have not found a RBS.

 

[Michael Billerbeck]

Perhaps in France I don't know, but certainly not the case in the Baltic States and Poland for example - they are still common and widespread across the general landscape

Agree, I have to admit, the focus on "nature reserve" was not necessary, I saw them also across the general landscape.