Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike by Mike Fitch

Coming across a scarce migrant, such as a Wryneck or Red-backed Shrike, would highlight a session in the field for any British birder. To see both in the same morning would make it a red letter day, given that both are highly desirable scarce migrants that occur only in small numbers each autumn. But to photograph each alongside each other represents a truly exceptional moment – fortunately, Mike Fitch kept his cool to capture a scene that most British birders could only dream of, as the two star visitors lined up alongside each other on a fenceline near Folkestone, Kent. Many congratulations to Mike on taking a photo that must be close to being unique, at least in a British context!

Other notable images

Ringed Plover, Toft Newton Reservoir, Lincolnshire (Nick Clayton).

Curlew Sandpiper, Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire (Glyn Sellors).

Curlew Sandpiper, Sandymount, Dublin (John Murphy).

Pectoral Sandpiper, Dublin, Dublin (Grzegorz Burkowski).

Sanderling, Snettisham Coastal Park, Norfolk (Jim Mountain).

American Yellow Warbler, Foula, Shetland (Rebecca Nason).

Red-backed Shrike, Langton Herring, Dorset (John Wall).

Crossbill, Foula, Shetland (Jill Wilson).

Spotted Flycatcher, Cold Edge Dams, West Yorkshire (Paul Bateson).

Barn Owl, Genappe, Walloon Brabant (Marc Fasol).

Grey Heron, Far Pasture NR, Durham (Steven Fryer ).

Grey Heron, Richmond Park, London (Clive Daelman).