Spent the morning walking the bank of the Irwell from Stubbins to Ewood Bridge, lots of bank damage and fallen trees, on the plus side several new habitats especially for Kingfisher and Sand Martin. Several weirs have been destroyed and and two bridges ( Lumb vale & Chatterton ) both of which housed Dipper nests.
The river is now back to normal level, the day was bright sunny and 6 degrees the following were observed On the river.....
Grey Heron....3 One flying over Irwell vale.
Mallard..... 12 males, 10 female most were paired up with some displaying.
Moorhen.....1 immature.
Goosander.....1 pair, male displaying.
Dipper.......10 individuals all almost certainly paired up, plenty of singing and displaying, one pair flying into a regular nest site.
Grey Wagtail..... Only one bird in Strongstry.
Kingfisher..... 3 an individual female and a pair together near a regularly used nest site.
