10:00 - 12:00hrs approx. 7 Blackcaps in song between Newhallhey and Ewood Bridge, Chiffchaffs in song at Townsendfold and The Holme, 4 Swifts over The Holme + 2 Swallows at nest site on Combining Co. building, 1 Ad + 1 juv. Dipper at Sand Martin colony where there was a min. of 14 holes along with c25 birds, Jay at Ewood Bridge, 1 Juv. Heron in river at Townsendfold and 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling at The Holme on return at 12:10pm. Of note was the absence of any singing Whitethroats and very few Willow Warblers. There also seems to be a dearth of Mallard broods but having found at least 3 sucked eggs in the woods at Clowbridge last week it would appear that the crows have to bear some responsibility. Yes I have seen the comments from B.Y. et al. Grasshopper Warblers were reeling well at Clowbridge last night 21:00 hrs onwards.
