0800/1130 hrs Overcast, Drizzling around 10 degrees, calm.

All round were high numbers of Blackbird, Wren and especially Robin, I have not seen as many of this species here before.

Single Dipper at four locations, Strongstry, Alderbottom, Irwell vale and Ewood bridge, this years breeding was below average with only one site known to have two broods, and I think two sites were predated probably by Mink.

Grey Wagtail, singles at Alderbottom and Irwell vale.

Pied Wagtail, three in horse fields at Irwell vale.

Grey Heron, two near old picture frame and one over.

Goosander, five Redheads fishing near Alderbottom.

Buzzard, two perched in a Beech at Chatterton wood.

Chaffinch, several small groups especially at Irwell vale.

Kingfisher, single flying upstream at Ewood bridge.

Goldfinch, several flocks, best 30+ feeding on Rosebay Willowherb along railway enbankment.

Bullfinch, pair on cycle track and a male on garden feeder at Irwell vale.

Three small feeding flocks mainly Blue, Great, and Coal Tits around which also included several Nuthatch and a single Goldcrest.

Only one Great Spotted Woodpecker seen, at Irwell vale.

Jackdaws everywhere especially high numbers in Irwell vale.

Good numbers of Jay all round due to large crop of Acorns.

Collared Dove, four in Irwell vale.

Well over 300 Woodpigeon along the byfields between Buckden wood and Ewood Bridge as the crop of Holly, Hawthorn and Rowen is vast.

Also larage flock of Starling in fields near Buckden woods.

Redwing, only five seen, on Hawthorn in Irwell Vale.

Mistle Thrush, 2/1/1 all in Rowen Strongstry and Ewood Bridge.

Song Thrush, singles mostly in fields around Strongstry and Alderbottom.

Dunnock, several throughout the woods.

Long-tailed Tit, flock of 9 at feeders in Strongstry, and flock of 14 at Ewood bridge.

Several Carrion Crow and Magpie around.

Single female Pheasant at Alderbottom.

Tawny Owls were calling last night at Strongstry.

Regards Brian.