Whilst birding in the Jubail area I came across a slightly odd looking shrike. The bird appeared to be similar to a Daurian Shrike but lacked the red tail normally associated with this species. The light was not great but the sun came oout briefly and still no red or rufous could be seen in the field. On looking at my photos a hint of rufous may be present at the side of the tail making me think the bird is a very dark Daurian Shrike. Daurian Shrike is a passage migrant and winter visitor. In autumn the first birds are seen in September and remain until March. In late February and early March a good number of passage birds joint the smaller number of wintering birds making sightings common in parks, and wetland areas with reed beds.
