An evening 1700hrs/2000hrs and following morning 0900hrs/1300hrs, Some showers and sunshine 16/19 degrees.
Dipper. Missed several weeks of breeding but numbers look average, certainly one second brood at Alderbottom, pair calling in Strongstry and one juvenile, single adult in Irwell vale, pair near Ewood bridge.
Grey Wagtail. Looks like a good breeding year, juviniles seen Strongstry, Alderbottom, Irwell vale and Ewood bridge, at least seven adults also evident.
Kingfisher. None seen, a pair have bred near Ramsbottom (GMC) and have heard of sightings near Rawtenstall but in my area nothing.
Goosander. There have been 5 juveniles around Lumb/Irwell vale area for a couple of weeks but I have no evidence of breeding.
Mallard. Usual good numbers, and some with 5/10 day old chicks.
Grey Heron. One seen in Irwell vale and one over Alderbottom.
Moorhen. Looks like a pair have bred between Lumb and Irwel vale, adult with three well grown young, they could have come down from a lodge.
Common Sandpiper. One flew upstream under Ewood bridge spent some time looking for young but to no avail.
All four local Tits in good numbers as are Blackbird, Wren, Nuthatch, Robin and Dunnock.
Song Thrush. Appear to have had a good year, some still in song, did not see Mistle Thrush but not best habitat.
Jay. Two were very vocal in Strongstry woods,
Great Spotted woodpecker. Only heard one.
Migrant Warblers. seems to be another good year, almost impossible to see them in the very heavy foliage, some still in song especially Whitethroat and Blackcap, I have not seen or heard a Garden Warbler this year.
Chaffinch, Bullfinch and Goldfinch all appear to have done well, the outstanding finch this year is Greenfinch we have had breeding in areas where I have never recorded them before be interesting to see the winter numbers.
House Sparrow. My two main colonies Chatterton and Irwel Vale have good numbers of young.
Sand Martin. No breeding at Strongstry this year, several seen around Ewood Bridge.
Swift. There were 7 high over Alderbottom last evening.
Swallow. 5 along river at Strongstry and 10 plus near Ewood bridge.
Disappointed not to have seen a Treecreeper, possibly due to the huge amount of foliage and undergrowth.
