After a month of rain and several flood warning the River has now settled down to an acceptable level.

0800/1100 hrs 6 degrees overcast then sunny.

Dipper....5 pair well spread over this length, lots of chasing and song.

Grey Wagtail....2 singles and a pair near a commonly used nest site.

Mallard.....several pairs.

Goosander.....pair fishing near Alderbottom, another Male with 3 Redheads in Irwell Vale.

Kingfisher.....single fishing Near Ewood Bridge, couple of days ago a pair were near Strongstry, these are the first of this species recorded in over 12 months.

Grey Heron....single on river in Lumb Vale, 3 nest sites occupied near Lodge farm and one with sitting adult near Irwell Vale.

Moorhen....one pair on the river and two pair on lodges.

Canada Goose....pair on local lodge at nest site.

Around the area of note....

Song Thrush.....at least 4 in song.

Great Spotted Woodpecker......pair chasing and two drumming.

Green Woodpecker......single calling near Hodge Clough.

Buzzard....Single soaring over Hodge Clough.

Long-tailed Tit.... several pairs around, one pair watched building a nest in bramble at Pin Meadow.

Mistle Thrush.....pair feeding in field above Lumb.

Kestrel....male hunting above Hodge clough.

Good Numbers Of Blackbird, Robin, Great Tit, Blue Tit, and Coal tit around the route.

Siskin....3 over Alderbottom 

Bullfinch..... pairs in Strongstry, Irwell Vale and Ewood Bridge, after an average winter feeding station, this species was the star of the winter, up-to 20 recorded at one time, could be a good breeding season.

Chaffinch....Good Numbers in Strongstry.

Goldfinch.....several small charms.

Nuthatch....usual Good Numbers.

Jay...several around and very vocal.

Carrion Crow, Magpie, and Jackdaw all nest build in most areas.

Regards Brian.