The four common Tits all seem to be in good numbers with young of all four evident.

Bullfinch and Chaffinch have young in most areas in good numbers, Chaffinch numbers have increased here over the last couple of years. Couple of Goldfinch seen with young.

There has been at least five Nuthatch nest sites that have all produced young.

The usual Treecreeper sites were used again this year, although up to three weeks late, there are a pair feeding young now in a dead tree right on the road side in Strongstry.

Blackbirds have bred well as have Song Thrush, but only one breeding pair of Mistle Thrush recorded.

I was tempted to use the word abundant for the amount of Robins around, but maybe that's over the top, although I have never seen so many young Robins, and nearly the same could be said for Wrens. Perhaps they have benefited from the lower numbers of migrants.

Willow Warbler numbers are down, as are Chiffchaff, but Blackcap appear to have done well, one pair of Garden Warblers have reared young and are still around the same site. There was a pair of Common Whitethroat at Ewood bridge, but no sign this weekend.

Dunnocks never seem to increase or decrease, and the House Sparrows in Stubbins and Irwell Vale are about the same.

The Spotted Flycatchers came through late May early June and promptly disappeared, one nest site was partially built then abandoned, two more pair appeared mid June and have both set up nests, not on the river as usual but deep in the woods. Females were on both nests this weekend.

Great Spotted Woodpecker have young at a couple of sites, I am told the Green Woodpecker pair in Irwell Vale have bred but can not confirm this record.

The local Kingfisher has reared three young which are still around, Dippers have young, and at one site have a second brood.

We usually have a couple of Grey Wagtail sites, but I could not find any, Pied Wagtails have bred at three sites in Strongstry.

There has been 12 successful Sand Martin sites and it looks like some are on second broods, even though a sharp clawed predator has raided two nest holes

Jay numbers seem ok, Magpie seen with young, the hay fields have just been cut and this has attracted, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw and Black-headed Gull all with young.

There are more Pheasants around than normal, Woodpigeons are there usual high numbers and Collard Doves have increased also.

Good numbers of Swift, House Martin and Swallows over.

When I returned from holiday and checked the Tawny Owl box that had been occupied it was empty except for plenty of droppings and feathers, I have no heard or seen any young since my return.

Canada Geese, two pair, and Mallard many pair have lots of young, three young Goosander on the river. Moorhen have bred at two sites.