Pantmaenog up to Foel Cwmcerwyn

Cracking walk up to the top of Cwmcerwyn. Plenty of raptors on the wing. 3 sightings of kestrel, possibly the same bird (including a good view a female repeatedly hovering). Female merlin hunting then perched before heading off again. 2 sightings of goshawk (probably same bird), one in forested area - calls of a couple of Jays drew my attention, and later good views of a soaring bird. 2 buzzards and a Red Kite sharing the thermals (another kite over Crundale on the way home). Swallows in ones and twos. One male Blackcap. Chiffchaffs everywhere. Lots of pipits. Parties of Redpoll on the upper path. A single female stonechat. A pair of grey wagtails. A pair of mallard. And a Great Spotted woodpecker. NB Second visit here and third to Ty Rhyg without seeing a shrike - has it/they moved on?