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I was counting jackdaws in the field across the road when I noticed a black cruciform shape circling high overhead. At first I thought it was a distant plane then I realised it couldn't be making that circle unless it was fairly close but high. Catching it in my bins I was surprised to find it was a cormorant. I've never seen one soaring like a bird of prey, I associate them with conspicuously powered flight like a duck or a diver. I spent a few minutes watching it, a surprisingly graceful effort.

Four ring-necked parakeets just flew over the garden, heading off in the direction of the Trafford Centre.