Merlin (brown one I think an immature male) from Holden Wood north straight over hill. Nothing else unusual around and no summer migrants on a full lap. Great spotted woodpeckers at Calf Hey car park and Heap Clough, 4/5 yaffling green woodpeckers. Curlews both sides of valley. 2 pairs teal and 3 great crested grebes total.
Common Sandpiper on the river south of K Steel. 1 willow warbler and 2 chiffchaffs EBSW/ Irwell vale.
Yesterday (10/4) Fieldfare flocks of 100 and 150 in the Greenfold area (Gib Hill Lane and Greenfold farm) plus about 40 starlings
