I have never had the DIY gene, so did the thoroughly dishonorable thing and left my wife, mother-in-law and parents decorating/gardening at my home whilst I spent an afternoon birding in Bowland! Disgraceful I know, but well worth it! To hell with the consequences!
The wingtagged male Hen Harrier above provided me with the most prolonged views of a perched male I have had in years, 30 minutes preening on this fencepost, albeit several hundred metres away. What a bird! Prolonged views of 2 Short-eared Owl and a male Merlin were also had, whilst Tawny Owl, 2 Pied Flycatcher and a pair of Whinchat were the best of the supporting cast. Excellent!
