Update following our visit to merlin site yesterday.
On the walk we encountered a covey of 7 grouse which was very pleasing,
also whinchat family group with 3 young being fed, and 2 young kestrels.
Very sad but no merlins, only the feather remains (feathers still in the
blood) just off the footpath of a young merlin clearly predated by a fox.
Also family groups of wheatear, and many meadow pipits chasing each other
in the absence of merlins to chase them.
Alastair Proud