Three days observations around the river between Stubbins and Ewood Bridge. Sunny and showers 13/18 degrees.
Dipper Four pairs on territory, this is normally 5 but one territory has been empty all spring. Only one pair are feeding young the other three are at various stages of nest building, they all had a very difficult April as the river levels were up and down all month.
Grey Wagtail Pair in Strongstry are feeding three newly fledged young, pair at Alderbottom are nest building, pair in Irwell vale were carrying food away from the river so could not locate nest site, only a single seen around Ewood bridge.
Goosander Male and female together most of the time, but female flew up steep bank at Lumb a couple of times, this has been a nest site in the past.
Kingfisher Single, first for some time flying upstream in Irwell vale.
Grey Heron Juvenile awkwardly fishing from weir in Irwell vale, two adults in trees at Alderbottom.
Mallard Females with 9/5/8 and 10 young. Males everywhere.
Pied Wagtail Nest site in wall near Ewood bridge.
Common Sandpiper Yesterday a single flew upstream at Ewood Bridge.
Moorhen Pair with nest on bank at Lumb.
Sand Martin No nesting activity at Strongstry site, second year with no nests. Three birds hawking around Ewood Bridge.
Surrounding Woodland.
Willow Warbler Several all round and in song.
Blackcap Carrying nest material at Strongstry and Alderbottom.
Whitethroat Pair at traditional site between Irwell vale and Ewood bridge.
Chiffchaff Song has now diminished.
Swallow Several feeding in Strongstry, Irwell vale and Ewood bridge.
Swift Four high over Alderbottom.
Jay Six or seven seen.
Green Woodpecker One calling in Irwell vale.
Buzzard Pair high over Lumb.
Cannada Goose Two on river sitting bird on lodge at Lumb.
Goldfinch All round.
Greenfinch Improving numbers this year, several calling in areas were not normally seen.
Chaffinch Several in song.
Bullfinch Two pair at nest sites.
Four sp of Tit seen all round, Blackbird, Wren, Robin, all in good numbers.
Nuthatch Usually strong numbers
Dunnock Usual numbers.
Mistle Thrush Pair feeding fledged young on cycle track.
