Barn Owl & Merlin

Early start looking for owls this morning paid off with a Barn Owl hunting along Hill Rd in the grandborough valley then as day light brightened we tried our luck at Millholme Parc Farm and treated to a prolonged view of an adult Merlin trying every trick in the book to catch a Skylark but luckily it managed to avoid its fate. Later while chatting to Cym the Merlin returned chasing another Skylark though this one was more sensible and dived in to cover. A few Stock Dove around but did not see the main flock. After breakfast the mist rolled in so viewing was difficult at Napton on the Hill but the place was alive with Blackbirds and Redwings plus a single Nuthatch. Ended the morning at Napton Reservoir where there were 4 Shoveler, Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, 90 Common Gull and a Great-spotted Woodpecker