Stewchat...

This evening I walked Bunty through the pastures at Alnwick in front of the castle by the river. My first Merlin of the autumn came straight overhaed. I was alerted to its presence by the Swallows mobbing overhead. It dashed by in typical hunting mode taking a swipe at a Swallow before leaving towards the coast. No doubt we'll meet again at Boulmer...

This one was nicely on time. Merlins return to our coasts here from the third week in July, and from August through to October they can be seen on most days spent on the open coastal strip, becoming scarcer as winter progresses.

Confession time. Look back at my Suffolk post. The 'Black tailed Skimmer' photo is a male Scarce Chaser. I was (am) pleased with the photo too, pity I cocked it up...