First stop this morning was Pont Einon, from where a fine male Hen Harrier was seen hunting over the southern end of the bog. Also here, a flock of ca70 Goldfinches with the odd Linnet and Reed Bunting.
Then to the boardwalk car park. Just up the track were 7 Tufted Duck on Maesllyn and about 80 Linnets.
In the meantime John and Bob, complete with group, had arrived at the car park and when I met up with them told me that the local Golden Eagle had just been showing.
Luckily it appeared again within minutes and put on a great show for us; probably as close as I've ever been to one of these magnificent birds.
Swallows had been moving down the valley in good numbers all morning, and the passage was particularly heavy while we were hanging round the car park, with up to 40 or so birds in the air together at times.
Then we all made our way along the boardwalk to the hide. Luckily, the harrier made another appearance here, so we were all able to enjoy some prolonged views. Outside, a little flurry of small birds included a Redpoll and Willow Tit.
I made my own way back to the car park, from where I enjoyed a passing Hobby, which unfortunately moved through a couple of minutes before the others got back.