Chinese Grey Shrike (Lanus sphenocercus) is an occasional breeder but predominantly a passage migrant and winter visitor to Beijing. It’s a beast of a shrike and always a joy to see. Unlike the shrikes I used to see in the UK, Chinese Grey is vocal and its call is often the first giveaway to its presence. In early September the first few of these birds are arriving in the capital at suitable sites such as Miyun Reservoir and Yeyahu.
This one was recorded at Miyun last weekend. Unfortunately for Western Palearctic birders, it’s not a long-distance migrant and therefore an unlikely vagrant to Europe.
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