Raptors at Cors Fochno

Mervyn and I spent some time at Cors Fochno this morning, hoping to see the Short-eared Owl reported by Mike yesterday. No sign of that but we did get great views of a Hen Harrier and a Merlin, both females. The harrier quartered an area of tall reed/grass and settled on a fence post for a while. The Merlin flew in with prey which it devoured on the ground. Unfortunately whilst doing that it was behind a five-bar gate so we could only see parts of it. But after its breakfast it flew up and settled on the top bar giving splendid views. Buzzard and Red Kite also seen from the same spot.