A very windy, cloudy start to the morning with full cloud and a cool WSW>4 at 14 degrees with the wind easing and sunshine by 0915 hrs.
Whilst checking through around 30 Reed Bunting on a distant wall a small looking raptor sped through and scattered the Buntings. It reeled around a few times but got nothing before briefly landing on the wall. My immediate thoughts were Merlin and just time to get a few poor shots before it sped off low over the moor away from me.
Later on when BV arrived I told him about the bird and he said the previous day he had seen a Peregrine in the same area. This immediately put the seeds of doubt in my mind though the bird looked too small as it flew in which was all I had to go on.
The bird had no mask as such but a complete white collar around the neck which neither Pere or Merlin have although the bird appears to be in moult. I'll see if I can enhance the photos at all and hope the bird reappears again.
Otherwise, plenty Linnets along with the Reed Buntings but far fewer Mipits and Goldfinch today with no Willow Warblers or Whitethroat.
Cormorant were moving >W with 4 over very high whilst 2 were by the water along with 2 Heron and just a handful of LBB and Black Headed gulls.
The 2 long staying female Goosanders were still present as well as 3 Oystercatcher but Sand and House Martins are down to the last few now with still plenty Swallows.
Next target birds now are Osprey, Marsh Harrier and any waders whilst gull wise, a much awaited Med gull.
A similar day tomorrow, weather-wise with a stronger sou' westerly.
BS