Thanks, Mark. Back in about 2009 we also had a release somewhere in Zabeel. Derek Wilby and me found an aviary containing some up there, all with white neck patches. I had one bird at the Pivots [I think in 2010 but it'sin the database] with a dark purple mark on the neck like the birds we see in Oman but none otherwise. One of the birds I saw.this week had no white on the neck and didn't look like an imm so I thought I'd ask. Will post some shrike pics shortly. Seeing Tommy and Maja tonight so will pass on your regards. Alan