0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- I'm searching for - unusual animals living in Wales.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- Some that have made their way - back here after a long absence.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- Others that display - unusual behaviour.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- And timid creatures - that only venture out nocturnally.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- I like coming to places like this.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- The fallen trees make it look - as if it's been spoilt by man...
0:00:46 > 0:00:51- ..but a very special habitat - has been created purely by accident.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56- It provides the perfect environment - for one of Wales's rarest birds.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- I'm searching - for the Great Grey Shrike...
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- ..a bird that migrates here from - Scandinavia and Russia in winter...
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- ..because our winters - are relatively mild.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- With only 10 birds - migrating to Wales in winter...
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- ..and the vast clearings - in our evergreen forests....
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- ..it's very difficult to find.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- It's an unusual bird...
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- ..which preys on small animals - by impaling them on thorns...
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- ..like a butcher - hanging meat in his shop.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- It stores its food - in a hidden pantry on the land....
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- ..although I've never witnessed it.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- I'm searching for the Great Grey - Shrike and its pantry in Clwyd...
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- ..near Llyn Brenig - and the Clocaenog Forest.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- It's a chilly December morning.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- The bird is spotted here every year.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- This is where the shrike has been - hanging around fairly recently.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- They're odd birds - - half bird of prey...
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- ..half magpie...
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- ..perched on high.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20- They feed on all kinds of things - - large insects, beetles, crickets.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- But they also catch mice, - voles and small birds.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- I'll pull over for a moment - just to take a look.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- The Great Grey Shrike. - Where are you going?
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- Behind the trees.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- It was above - these young larch trees here.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- It's gone behind them now.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- The Great Grey Shrike - needs open spaces in which to hunt.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- He perches - on poles or individual trees...
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- ..hunting for prey - in forest clearings.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- The bird has moved - to an exposed area behind the trees.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- There's a clearing here...
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- ..but he didn't come that way, - it was more that way.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- I'll go a bit further - and if I don't see anything...
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- ..I'll go back to the road and wait.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- I'm sure he'll come back - to the clearing the other side.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- There was no sign of the shrike.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- It had flown far away.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- No, nothing. No sign of it.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- Its territory is vast.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01- I'm going back to the car in case - he returns to where I saw him last.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- There's no sign of the shrike...
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- ..since I saw it in the trees.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- It hasn't returned.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- It must have - two or three different locations...
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- ..where it can go and feed.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- This is one of them, - where I saw it is another...
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- ..and it must have - at least one more.
0:04:22 > 0:04:28- Although it's silent here, there's - a charm of goldfinches nearby.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- They're handsome creatures. - They feed on knapweed.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- When you're searching - for a bird that's elusive...
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- ..especially after catching - a brief glimpse and nothing more...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- ..you're left feeling unfulfilled.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- You search - every branch, every twig...
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- ..and under every leaf in vain.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- I'm going to need a lot of luck...
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- ..if I'm going to find the shrike - and its pantry.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- Nothing. I've been here all day - and the sun's beginning to set.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- It's become very chilly - and it's time to leave.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- I'm disappointed.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39- After seeing the bird immediately - after arriving, I was hopeful.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- But it's a fickle bird - and moves around a lot.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- The road doesn't help either.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- Passing vehicles disturb it.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- Perhaps the best thing to do - would be to move on.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- There are currently about half - a dozen of these birds in Wales.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59- Perhaps I should search - for another that's more consistent?
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- Yes, that would be best.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- The following morning, - I travel south...
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- ..to the Brecon Beacons.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- I'm heading to - the Traeth Mawr bog near Brecon.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- It's a very interesting - and unusual location.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- There's no forest, - it's more like a common.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- There are ferns, thorn trees...
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- ..and mountain ash.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- The bird has been seen - for the past month.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- It was spotted yesterday - and the day before.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- I hope I'll see it today too.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- Shrikes have been - migrating here for years.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- I've arranged - to meet birdwatcher Brian Jones...
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- ..who knows all about - the Beacons' Great Grey Shrike.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- It's cold but it's beautiful.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- Yes, indeed. The best thing to do - is search our surroundings.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- Let's go for a walk...
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- ..and check out the trees - and the large bales.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- It's one of those winter mornings...
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- ..when frost covers - every inch of the landscape.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- The scenery is spectacular.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- But I'm a bit concerned - about the cold and ice.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- With a firm ground - and freezing temperatures...
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- ..there's little food - for the shrike.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- It's nice in the sun.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- The gorse is a great environment.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Yes, because if there are - birds in the vicinity...
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- ..they tend to settle - under the gorse.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- The shrike'd keep watch from above, - ready to seize his chance.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- But there's no sign of anything.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- Apart from that little robin.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- If I were him...
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- ..I'd go and find a bird table.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- So it's predominantly small birds - that you see feeding here?
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- Yes, I'd say so.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- As you know, there are - field mice and voles in this area.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- They hibernate this time of year.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- If not...
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- ..they burrow deep in the ground.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- There are - no insects or caterpillars.
0:08:32 > 0:08:33- So it's going to eat birds.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- Like Clocaenog, Traeth Mawr - and Mynydd Illtyd Common...
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- ..are vast territories.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47- It's a good excuse to search for - the bird in the warmth of the car.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08- Birdwatching from a car - might seem a little lazy...
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- ..but there's - extensive land to cover.
0:09:12 > 0:09:18- It's at least - three miles long by a mile wide.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- There are - so many places the bird could be.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- This is the best way to search.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- We can stop, search - the tops of the trees and carry on.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32- We've no choice in the matter. It'd - take too long to walk the distance.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37- The bird could easily pass us by - without our knowledge.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- No, nothing this side, Bri.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- Nothing at all.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- I wonder where it goes...
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- ..when it's as cold as this?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- It's hard to know.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- But it must have somewhere - to retreat to when it's this cold.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- But weather like this - is nothing to them...
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- ..after nesting in the north - of Scandinavia and northern Russia.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- I think the Great Grey Shrike - has turned soft on us.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- It's not venturing - to the icy uplands today.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- It's gone to find - more conducive hunting territory.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Another day goes by - without a result.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- It's a disappointing outcome...
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- ..because this environment - is ideal for the shrike.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- I will just have to be patient - and wait for milder weather.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35- .
0:10:37 > 0:10:37- Subtitles
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- I'm searching Wales for the Great - Grey Shrike, a rare migratory bird.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- An unusual bird which hunts birds, - mammals and small creatures...
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- ..by impaling them on thorns, like - a butcher hanging meat on a hook.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Only around 10 of the birds - migrate to Wales each year.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- I've searched - throughout December and January...
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- ..only to catch - a brief glimpse of one in Clwyd.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- I've come back to North Wales...
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- ..and the Clocaenog Forest, although - I'm in a different part of it.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- This is Craig Bron-banog where - the bird has been spotted in winter.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- It migrates here every winter.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- But I'm disappointed - to see the snow.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- The harsh winter - hasn't helped in finding the bird.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- Milder weather is required - to allow the bird a chance...
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- ..to establish stable hunting - territory so that it stays put.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- The only bird I've seen - is a bullfinch.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- A handsome bird...
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- ..but not a shrike.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- Craig Bron-banog - is over 1,600 feet above sea level.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- When it's cold, - the rain often turns to snow.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- It's really closing in now.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- I think there'll be a thick - covering of snow before long.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- I try to remain positive.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- Of all the other places I've been...
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- ..sometimes the bird's there, - sometimes it's not...
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- ..but North Wales' birdwatchers - all come here to see the bird...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..because it's here every winter.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- But I've seen no sign of it.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- The weather doesn't help either.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- It was here two days ago, - according to birdwatchers.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- It swooped down from its perch, fed - on insects and flew back up again.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- I'm a positive person...
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- ..but I've been left disappointed.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- I expected to see the bird today.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- But not in this weather.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- It's time to leave. - It's getting dangerous.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- I've decided to return to Bron-banog - on a much better day...
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- ..at the end of February.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- Close to the summit - is experimental land...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- ..monitoring plant growth - in the uplands.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- From this vantage point, - I can see the Clwydian Hills...
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- ..Y Berwyn...
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- ..and Snowdonia.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- What a difference.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- The last time I was here, I was - caught in a blustery snowstorm.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- It was freezing.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- But in a little over a week, - it's sunny here now.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- The bird was spotted here yesterday.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- In this weather, - I'm confident it'll be here today.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- I'm here with Graham the cameraman - and his powerful lens.
0:14:17 > 0:14:23- But believe it or not, the weather's - posing different problems today.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Heat vapour.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- But it's conducive weather - for the shrike.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- At last it's made an appearance.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- It's far away and hiding...
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- ..but at least it's here.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- It's moving about a lot.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- But at least I've seen it at last.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- We're trying to get closer.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- It's gone all the way from there - to here and back again.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- I'm not sure if it's hunting.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Off it goes again.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- It's perched on a wire.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- It's moving about a lot.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- They're rare birds usually...
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- ..but they're even rarer this year.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- I think there are only three of them - in the whole of Wales.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- The most stable and dependable - of them all is this one here.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- This is the third time - for me to come here.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- We've previously had poor weather...
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- ..but finally the sun is out - and the bird's here.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- It's flown far away.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Its hunting territory - stretches far and wide.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- It regularly encircles - its territory...
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- ..catching prey here and there.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- Where did it go?
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- The bird won't come any closer to - us, so we have to change tactics.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- I carry a tent in the car - and it goes everywhere with me.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- I've pitched it there and Graham's - inside with the long lens.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- The bird seems to be - making its way around this area.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- It's about - half a mile away at the moment.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- I still have another three hours - of daylight left.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- It'll slowly work its way around...
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- ..and perch on some of the trees - in front of Graham.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- Like a rural bus service...
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- ..it returns to the same spot - once every two hours, if at all.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- Faith and patience are required.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- But it's faithful - to its territory, fair play.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- This is - the best view I've had of the bird.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- It's 60 or 70 yards away...
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- ..or maybe 60 or 70 metres away - in the distance.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- I'm getting a clear view of it.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- It's so pretty.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- Its beady eyes are looking down...
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- ..searching for insects.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- In mild weather like this, - though it's February...
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- ..there might be lizards here.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- They appear on warm days like today.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- At last - I get a wonderful view of the bird.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- But it doesn't stay for very long...
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- ..and catches no prey.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- That's the last glimpse - I get of the shrike.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- It turns cold once again and Craig - Bron-banog and the Clwydian Hills...
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- ..are covered - in a blanket of snow and ice.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- There are no sighting of the shrike - in any location during March.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- The birds return to Scandinavia - and Russia in early April...
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- ..so I'm worried I've missed - my chance to see the bird again.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- But during - the second week of April...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- ..I hear - that a shrike has been spotted...
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- ..in the uplands of the Neath - and Dulais valleys north of Swansea.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- It's mid April...
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- ..and usually the birds have left...
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- ..but it's been so cold, - they've stayed.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- A couple of local birdwatchers - in the Neath valley...
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- ..saw the bird in this area...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- ..in the same sort of habitat - with fallen trees and so on.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- They've seen it - catch and eat lizards and mice...
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- ..and store a few in the trees.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- This might be the last chance I get - to catch up with the bird.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11- I can't see it...
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- ..but this is a great place - for Graham to hide in a tent.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- I'd like him to get footage of it.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- What I'd like to see more - than anything is its pantry...
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- ..where it catches its prey - and stores it on twigs.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33- I've never seen one in Wales - or anywhere else in the world.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- Oh, wow! Remember what I said - about the pantry?
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- Look at that.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- A shrew.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- Goodness me!
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- Well, well, well, well.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- Look what it's done.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- It's been impaled.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- It looks as if the shrike has - split the twig and pushed it in.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- Goodness me!
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- Is it still warm? No.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- It's quite warm, - but maybe that's just the sun.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- That's the first time - for me to ever see such a thing.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30- I expected to see it on a thorn - tree, but there are none here.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- They've made use - of what's on offer...
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- ..and twigs like this.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- I've snapped it now.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- Let me see how he did it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- Look, he's done it so that the twig - goes straight into the body.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52- If I pull it off, - you can see the blood on the twig.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- It had obviously killed it and - impaled it while it was fresh.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Well, well, well!
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- There you go - - the Great Grey Shrike's pantry.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- To be honest, - I never thought I'd find one.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- I'd better put it back in - case it comes back to eat it.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- I never thought I'd see one.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- I thought we'd missed our chance - because it's mid April.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- But here it is.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- We've caught up - with the bird and its pantry.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- I'm thrilled with that. - Sorry, little shrew.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- I'm pleased I've seen that. - I wonder if there are any more?
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- A little over 100 yards away...
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- ..it had left another pantry.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- It's taken me half a century...
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- ..to find - a Great Grey Shrike's pantry.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- They're like buses.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- You wait long enough for one, - the shrew...
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- ..and then you find a lizard - on top of that tall stump.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- I'm going to take a closer look.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- It's right at the top of this.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- I can't get near it. - It's far too brittle.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- It's done exactly - the same as this as the shrew.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- It's impaled the lizard...
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- ..on the twig and it's stuck there.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- We've been very fortunate.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- It has to be warm - for lizards to show up.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- If the weather hadn't changed - during the last week...
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- ..we never would've found this.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- What a clever bird.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- My luck was about to continue.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- Graham the cameraman captured - great footage of the bird hunting.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- Though far away from the camera, - it catches a lizard...
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- ..and takes it somewhere - to be impaled.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- It catches another.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- This time, it eats it straightaway.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Having hidden away - throughout winter...
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- ..he stays a while longer - before returning to Scandinavia.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- It's only taken me six months - to catch up with it...
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- ..and enjoy this display.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- Its weapon, the sharp beak, - is prominent.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- He uses it to tear through flesh.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- It's a spectacular specimen.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42- But the Great Grey Shrike - is also capable of horrific things.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:57 > 0:23:57- .