ROSSENDALE ORNITHOLOGISTS' CLUB
BIRD REPORT 2004
First returning birds were at Holmes Terrace Lodge when a pair was seen on March 28th. These birds were sitting by April 7th and on various dates until April 26th. No young were reported during this period, however they were sitting again on June 27th and 2 adults and 2 young were present on August 1st. This pair was present with a single juv. on August 22nd and September 12th, 3 birds were there on October 17th and just a single juv. on October 24th. Elsewhere, during the spring and summer, single birds were at Heap Clough on April 12th and May 20th, Holden Wood Res on June 20th, Calf Hey Res on June 22nd with breeding birds at Troy quarry present from April 1st to June 30th. The only post-breeding dispersal record was of a single at Clowbridge Res on September 6th (a rare occurrence at this site).
Reported from 4 sites within Rossendale and 2 just over the boundary. At A.M.R. a single was present on March 7th, then 3 on April 11th and a single on April 13th. Thereafter a pair was seen displaying on April 20th and 24th and was still there on April 25th. There was no evidence of breeding though a single bird was there on 5 dates until July11th.
Greenbooth Res had a single there on April 11th and a pair from June 20th to 24th. Spring Mill Res held a single as early as February 2nd until the 24th then a pair from March 14th to 24th. Three were there on March 26th and 2 pairs on April 7th reducing to a single pair by April 10th, 3 again on April 12th, then a pair from May1st until June 30th. There was no evidence of breeding. At Clowbridge Res sightings were from June 20th until September 30th mostly of singles with a peak in September. Clough Bottom Res held birds from June 6th when a single was present, a pair on June 7th, and then 3 birds on June 10th. A juvenile was present at Holden Wood Res on August 11th.
A single flying up the valley at Irwell Vale on January 18th was the first record of the year.
Thereafter the majority of records were for Holden Wood Res and Ogden Res in the Grane valley with its excellent supply of fish. Peak months were February with 7 records and October with 5 records. There were many records of single birds on the water. Multiple bird sightings were 3 - 4 on February 28th, 2 - March 21st, 5 - October 1st to October 31st, 2 including an immature on December 22nd. There were no records for June July or August. In addition there was a report of 2 birds at A.M.R. on April 11th and a single at Clowbridge Res on October 7th.
Seen all year round with numerous reports from all areas of the valley. Breeding was reported from three areas. Birds were back at Waterfoot on February 8th and 7 nests were seen on March 17th with young present on April 17th. By May 16th it was established that 6 out of 7 nests were successful with at least one young in each nest. Another nest was found in the Whitworth area on March 16th but breeding outcome was unknown. Herons were also believed to have bred at Crawshawbooth when birds were heard bill clapping in treetops on June 6th. Down was also found on the ground below the nests. Despite this recent increase in breeding birds there were no reports of any large assemblies, the only one being of 5 birds at Holmes Terrace Lodge on November 6th. There was a report of an adult eating a half grown Mallard in the river near Asda on June 27th. Autumn movement was noted over Clowbridge Res on October 10th when 2 birds were seen moving into the area from NW to SE
Only two records this year - 3 flew SW over Higher Hollinbank (Musbury valley) on November 14th at 8:00 am and I. Brady watched 4 birds move over Edenfield towards the Limy valley on November 27th. Time was when A.M.R. had a small regular winter presence. It would appear that Martin Mere has now taken away birds from nearly every area of inland Lancashire - is this a good thing?
Ten records this year in two quite distinct phases. The first in the early part of the year concerned bird moving in a mainly east to west direction. The first were 120 W. over Spring Mill Res February 12th. (JW), 60 NW over Cribden February 14th. (RI), 3-400 W. over A.M.R. February 15th. (KL), 5 NW over Clowbridge Res February 23rd. (RI), 150+ W. over Calf Hey Res February 28th. (RI /DN), 150 W. over Ogden Res February 29th. (KL).
By contrast, autumn records were of birds leaving the Lancashire moss lands to head east over the Pennines, the first seen on October 17th were 3 skeins of 65,100 and 10 moving over Waterfoot, (KL), 100 over Whitworth on October 18th. (SR), 500 over Reedsholme on November 8th. (RI), 100 + 50 circling in low cloud over Swinshaw Moor on November 8th (EW). These two last sightings were part of a much larger movement over east Lancashire on that day involving many thousands of birds. (East Lancs. Birding website)
A single record of 2 birds at Cowm Res on October 18th (SR)
In the early part of the year birds were reported from most of the reservoirs. The largest numbers being seen at New Line Res where 40 were present on January 10th numbers remained high until March 31st when 10 were left. (PF /KL) From April onwards there was a tendency for birds to be found on the more remote waters e.g. Scout Moor Res - 6 on April 18th, Heap Clough - 2 pairs March 13th, Lee quarry - 1 to 2 pairs April 19th to May 16th. This is indicative of this species' early breeding season behaviour when the larger groups split up and contest any suitable area of water. At this time pairs or small groups may be seen flying down the valleys calling usually with the dominant pair from the local water in hot pursuit. Successful breeding was reported from the Grane valley reservoirs - 1 pair + 4 yng. May 9th, All Saints Lodge 1 pair + 4/5 yng. June 27th, Clough Bottom Res - 1 pair +3 yng. May 30th. There were many records of possible breeding from most waters and any number of groups of non- breeding birds but it would appear that these were the only three to be successful. Post-breeding flocks were regular at Grane with a peak on September 12th of 65, A.M.R. held a peak of 94 on August 8th, Clowbridge Res held 53 on September 24th and 60 flew S. over Shawforth on October 4th. Winter numbers were by comparison poorly recorded. However Clowbridge Res held 42 on November 8th, New Line Res held 30 on December 31st, and at A.M.R. 18 flew in at dusk on December 30th.
A pair were roosting on the grass at E.B.S.W. on March 31st later to be seen flying up the valley over Townsendfold (RI) A pair were at A.M.R. on May 2nd (KL)
A single was at Clowbridge Res on May 4th (RI) A single was seen flying around over Townsendfold on May15th (IB).
An unringed pair was present in the Irwell valley south of Rawtenstall from March 28th. This pair and an additional female were on the riverbank at Asda on March 29th. There were an additional six sightings of this pair until April 25th and none thereafter until June 13th when a female was seen with a small young at Ewood Bridge (NJB) this constitutes the first breeding record for Rossendale of this introduced species from the Far East.
Only seven records this year with six of these in the Whitworth area. From January 1st to January 7th 1 - 2 females were present at Spring Mill Res. Between January 23rd and Mar 28th either a pair or 3 females were present. Nearby at Broadley 2 females were seen on January 11th and 3 on January 12th on a small pond. Winter records commenced with a single female at Clowbridge Res on October 18th, thereafter a pair were at Spring Mill Res on October 27th with an additional male from December 2nd to the year end.
Four spring records were all from likely breeding habitat. The first sightings were of pairs at Musbury Heights and Calf Hey Res on March 28th. A pair was at Deeply Vale on April 8th, a pair at Clowbridge Res on April 12th and a pair at Lee quarry on April 17th.
Autumn records were much scarcer with a single at Clough Bottom Res on August 10th and a single at Clowbridge Res on August 17th. There was a single at Spring Mill Res on October 27th and 3 there on December 27th.
By far the largest numbers were located along the rivers in the early part of the year with the R. Irwell at Rawtenstall holding a regular 70 birds and the R. Limy at Lea Brook holding up to 50 birds. The exception was New Line Res which held 40 birds on February 28th and 29th. Smaller groups are to be found on most of the reservoirs at this time. The first broods of ducklings were seen April 24th on the R. Irwell at Rawtenstall when 8 were in the company of a female. Thereafter most records of young were for the month of May with one July record and a report of 8 half-grown young at Cowm Res on August 30th. Of note was the fact that most breeding records came from the rivers. During autumn numbers increased with the highest numbers again being found along the rivers. An early peak on the R. Irwell at Rawtenstall was reached on August 1st when 90 were there with numbers increasing to 100 during September and remaining constantly high through October to the end of the year. Autumn also saw peak numbers on several reservoirs with 70 at Cowm Res on September 5th - 9th, 37 at Clowbridge Res on August 31st, 30 at New Line Res on September 1st, 28 at Holden Wood Res on October 10th and 25 at A.M.R. on October 3rd.
Two males and a female were on the water at Holden Wood Res on March 28th (DN, KL). A single male was on the R. Irwell at Townsendfold on the morning of March 29th (RI)
Only a single record of this scarce duck, 6 were at A.M.R on August 8th (KL), a typical autumn date.
A single male at Clowbridge Res on February 6th was the first of the year then a female from March 20th until March 28th at the same site. A female was at Holmes Terrace Lodge on November 6th and again on November 28th and a female at Holden Wood Res on December 12th. A poor showing in comparison with past years.
Numerous records from 9 different waters with no parties of birds exceeding 12 in number. Clowbridge Res held 4 birds on January 18th but numbers remained low for the early part of the year. Peak months during spring were March and April with 8 and 13 records respectively. Maximum numbers were on the low side with New Line Res holding 4 birds on April 9th and lower numbers were recorded at Holden Wood Res, Calf Hey Res, Holmes Terrace Lodge, Spring Mill Res, Clough Bottom Res and Cowm Res. There were records of males at four sites from late May to July but no proof of breeding. Autumn numbers were generally more numerous with peak numbers being recorded during September and October. Clough Bottom Res took pride of place during September with a single on August 10th rising to 12 on September 17th-18th with lower numbers present until October 24th. Elsewhere, groups numbered no more than four birds at any one time. There were no records for December.
There were two records this year: a male at Clowbridge Res on June 4th and a male on Holden Wood Res on August 4th, at one point being attacked by a Heron.
Recorded from six of the reservoirs in the area with the latest being seen on April 17th at Clowbridge Res when a male and 3 females were present and the earliest, again at Clowbridge Res, on November 8th when 3 females were there. Maximum numbers were on the low side which appears to be a continuing trend. Spring Mill Res at Whitworth recorded the highest numbers with 3-4 pairs between February 14th and March 5th. Display was noted at Clowbridge on February 27th (KGS) and there was an interesting record of a group of seven birds moving SE over Deeply Vale on June 26th (DN).
Birds were recorded in every month of the year. Numbers during January and February were mostly of single figures groups with birds being seen at all of the main reservoirs. There appears to be a build up in numbers during March and April with the highest numbers seen at A.M.R. on March 7th - 22 birds, Spring Mill Res on March 3rd -11 birds, Clough Bottom Res on February 29th -3 pairs. There was a single male at Clough Bottom Res on May 1st and 2 males at A.M.R. on May 2nd. Thereafter A.M.R. had summering birds on the following dates: 18 redheads - June 21st, 3 redheads - July 3rd, and 12 redheads - July11th. Proof of breeding was hard to come by but there was a second hand report of a female with young from the lower end of the valley. Both single birds and pairs were seen in this area in suitable habitat on several occasions throughout March and April which is suggestive of breeding. There appears to have been low numbers through the autumn months with just a single record for August of 5 redheads at A.M.R. on the 8th. September totals were hardly any better with 8 at A.M.R. on September 12th and 3 on the R. Irwell at Ewood Bridge on September 26th. Birds were still on the river to the year end and the only reservoir to maintain good numbers was A.M.R. with a high count of 94 birds on December 30th.(KL)
There were several sightings during spring in south and west Rossendale with birds of both sexes being seen. In addition a male was in the Cowpe valley on February 15th and a male was watched closely by KGS near Crown Point on February 23rd. During the autumn passage a ringtail was at Chamber Height on September 28th (PC) and another at Wet Moss on November 14th (DN) and a male was in the upper Plunge valley on November 20th (IB)
Seen with increasing regularity in one area of Rossendale. A pair was seen on several occasions through the year and it was thought by one observer that a second male bird was present at times. One was watched chasing a Sparrowhawk on April 8th.
Birds were seen in all months being recorded from twenty locations during the year, and from eleven during the breeding season (surely an underestimate). There were year round sightings from the Grane valley, Waterfoot, Whitworth and Reedsholme. Sparrowhawks feeding on other bird species at feeding stations was recorded with a male at Waterfoot on September 4th attempting to take Blue Tit, Great Tit and Chaffinch all unsuccessfully. On September 19th a juv. flew into a window whilst taking a Collared Dove killing itself and the dove. In the Whitworth area birds were watched taking Great Tit and Collared Dove between May and October. Two males were seen in territorial chasing on May 2nd over The Glen at Waterfoot.
Six records this year with three sightings for May. One was in Naden Dean on May 2nd, and on the same day one was being mobbed by crows as it moved north over the Dunnockshaw / Loveclough area. A single was at Hazelhurst on May 11th. The first sighting of the autumn was of one in a large garden at Oak Mount adjacent to Haslingden Road on September 9th. There was a single over Smallshaw Heights on September 20th and three in the Musbury valley on October 8th one of which was being mobbed by a Peregrine.
Still resident in a good number of areas in the early part of the year. Recorded at 18 sites in the breeding-season from late March onwards. Definite breeding was recorded at three sites in the Limy valley, Rossendale General Hospital, New Line, Whitworth, Plunge and Musbury. Display was seen at Jack Lodge on April 4th. J&BR's notes on their pair in the Musbury valley mirror exactly the pair at Reedsholme with birds being present occasionally through January / February and an increase in sightings through March / April with both clutches fledging within a day of each other on 26th and 27th June.
Post-breeding numbers at Clowbridge were noted on June 27th when a pair was present with 2 juvs. Totals then increased over the months and a peak of 9 were seen hunting the hillsides on August 16th. There was then a decrease to the month end (when the young disperse) and only 2 adults were seen from then on. Sightings for November / December appear to come from the moorlands away from the nest sites.
Few records this year with no successful breeding. A male on Great Hameldon on January 11th was the only early winter record. Pairs were on territory in two areas though both failed. The two autumn records were both of single birds with 1 at Cowpe September 12th and 1 at Clowbridge on October 8th.
A bird carrying a Black headed gull at New Line on January 18th was seen by Club members on the winter bird race. Another bird seen by J&BR was perched in the picture frame at Strongstry on the banks of the R. Irwell on April 12th. Most sightings however, were of birds flying over, usually in a moorland situation. At least one pair bred successfully, rearing 4 young to fledging. From records received birds were present in 2 or 3 other areas at some time during the summer.
Continues to be poorly recorded with records from three core areas. Birds were seen on Haslingden Moor on February 28th when groups of 2 and 3 birds were located and on nearby Rushy Hill 3 were seen on February 29th. Three were near Cowpe Res on February 15th. There was a good series of records for Cowpe Moss during March and April but only a pair was seen at any one time, and they were seen with a juv. on August 8th. On Wet Moss 2 pairs were seen on June 6th and 6 there on November 14th were very vocal. The only record for Knowl Moor was of a single male on May 6th.
Two were at Hare Clough in the Musbury Valley on April 24th (J&BR).
A perusal of this year's records would suggest that birds are being seen in areas just adjacent to the moorland edge especially the valley heads with rough sheep grazing. Typical in this respect are the areas Musbury, Cheesden, Windy Bank, Clowbridge and Grane. Most records were of pairs or calling birds though 6 were on Tooter Hill on February 1st
In total, records came from 15 sites and with two exceptions they all occurred in the period from February to June. The exceptions being of a covey of 8 at Heights farm Loveclough on October 16th and a covey of 11 at Tan Pits, Musbury on October 24th. Interestingly, NJB saw a pair on April 3rd flying over the Woolpack pub at Road End which eventually landed on the cricket field.
A bird was heard calling from a rough field near Swinshaw Moor on May19th. Subsequent listening on May 22nd failed to relocate the bird. (RI)
Reported from a wide range of areas throughout Rossendale. Birds were present in the Musbury valley on a regular basis all year with a maximum of 4 birds at any one time. Both the Grane valley and Ewood Bridge recorded similar occurrences. Seen less regularly on the hillsides around Waterfoot, Clowbridge, Cowm Res, and Stubbylee Park.
Present on most suitable stretches of water mostly on mill-ponds and lodges rather than the open reservoirs. An exception is Holden Wood Res with its reed-fringed inlet end. There was a good series of records for this site in the early part of the year with a maximum of 4 on March 29th and 6-8 on April 13th. A maximum of 7 birds were seen at New Line Res on January 16th. Breeding took place at Holden Wood Res with an adult and 2 juvs being seen on August 1st. Elsewhere, breeding occurred at Holmes Terrace Lodge (an adult on nest and a juv. seen on August 1st), Helmshore Museum Lodge, Cowm Res, Lench Lodges, Isle of Man Lodge, Lee Quarry, Calf Hey Res, New Line Res and doubtless several other small Lodges which weren't visited. Birds were recorded from much the same sites through the winter until the end of the year. Maximum numbers were seen at Holden Wood Res - 5 birds December 12th and Holmes Terrace Lodge - 5 birds December 12th,
Only recorded from two sites during the breeding season. A pair was at Holmes Terrace Lodge from March 28th with 3 there on April 9th and continual presence until October 24th when a single was there. No breeding was noted. At Holden Wood Res birds were seen from April 1st with a maximum of 3 pairs seen on May 9th and 11th when 1 pair were sitting. There were 2 adults with 2 young June 20th and 3 adults with 1 young on June 27th. This is the first breeding record for Holden Wood for some time.
Singles at Shortclough Res on April 10th and Clowbridge Res on August 22nd were the only other records for the year.
Possibly a record year with bird recorded at 8 sites during the spring / summer. Its period of presence in Rossendale corresponds with that of the Curlew with birds recorded from March to August. Birds had returned to the Grane valley by March 21st, when a single was seen. By March 29th this had increased to a pair, these being regularly through the summer by various observers. Three birds were present on June 20th and 21st. Breeding was noted at a site at the bottom end of the valley on May 11th when a bird was seen sitting on a nest though no young were recorded.
Elsewhere presence was recorded at Spring Mill Res with 1-2 birds seen from March 3rd until March 26th; A.M.R. had birds on 6 dates between March 7th and July 11th with a maximum of 2. Clowbridge Res recorded single birds on 3 dates between April 12th and June 28th. Birds were also seen at Musbury on April 15th - 2 and Deeply Vale June 26th - 2. Autumn passage was recorded at Clowbridge Res with a flock of 9 overhead on July 13th and singles on August 15th and 18th. There were no later records.
Seen at Holden Wood Res on April 12th and Calf Hey Res on June 5th and 20th with constant presence and suspected breeding by 2 pairs at a site nearby. Four birds were at A.M.R. on June 20th with a single on July 11th and 2 there on July 28th. Lee Quarry had a single on May 14th.
Six were at A.M.R. on June 20th, an early date for passage birds.
Present in the early part of the year in SE Rossendale with sightings on Cowpe Moss on February 15th when 8 were present. Thereafter, birds were seen through March with 10 on the 7th and 4 pairs on the 25th. April numbers were slightly higher with 16 birds counted on the 13th. During May and June sightings of birds dropped off with a comment for June 2nd of, "just a female seen - very quiet". On Knowl Moor small numbers were seen from March 25th when 6 were present until May 20th when 2 birds were calling from separate parts of the moor. Six were also seen on Whittle Pike on April 12th. A pair seen on Higher Hogshead above Bacup on May 2nd was from an area not normally associated with this species (possible range expansion?).
In W Rossendale 20 birds were seen at Hog Lowe Pike April 17th, and 6 on April 21st. Edgerton Moss had 3 birds on May 3rd, (suggestive of breeding) and nearby Rushy Hill had a single on April 9th. Autumn numbers were reported from Nab Hill, Grane when 4 were there on October 24th; Cowpe Moss on October 31st when 23 were seen in small groups and Great. Hameldon when 3 were with a passage of Snipe on the same date. Last of the year were a flock of 23 flying SE over the Musbury valley on December 18th.
Returning birds in February were seen from February 15th with 1 over Cowpe and 35 at Holden Wood Res on this date. Numbers here increased to a peak of 100 on February 22nd apparently spreading out to their territories over the following weeks. Birds were also present on Seat Naze on February 22nd when a flock of 22 were seen. In the Whitworth area 30 flew over Hoyle St. towards the quarry on February 23rd. At Clowbridge 19 flew S. on Feb 16th and KGS noted 15 in a sheep field on February 27th as the first return to high ground. Numbers were somewhat lower during March as birds dispersed to breeding territories but there was a good spread of records from most parts of the valley. On The Hile, Eric Ward reported 20 birds on March 2nd and 2 pairs driving off crows on April 25th. P. & B.R. counted 8 pairs at the LCFS BBS tetrad at Grane from March 4th to July 7th. Breeding was also noted at Whittaker Pasture, Edge Cote, Seat Naze, Sand Beds, Water, Smallshaw Heights, Alden, Bull Hill, Musbury valley, Haslingden Moor, Holden Wood Res, Clowbridge and Moss Quarry Whitworth. Summer flocks were noted at Smallshaw Heights on June 13th when 20 were there, Seat Naze on July 18th - 24th when 34 were counted, rising to 46 on August 15th. There were no other post-breeding flocks reported away from A.M.R. where a peak of 110 was counted on June 20th. Autumn and winter numbers remained low with few birds seen away from A.M.R. where counts of 85 were made on October 17th (48 at Cheesden Bar on the same date), 70+ on November 20th and 50 on December 30th. Exceptions were 14 over Clowbridge on December 5th and 30 at Holden Wood Res on December 12th.
A bird in juv/winter plumage was at Clowbridge Res on September 1st, only the third record for the site, all having occurred in late August / early September (RI-A.J.)
A pair at Lowe Lodge on March 13th were very early birds. There were no other sightings until May 1st when 2 birds were flushed from wet areas on Knowl Moor and a single was on Cowpe Moss. On May 23rd 6 were found on Cowpe Moss. At A.M.R. birds were seen on May 23rd when 2 were present and June 20th when a single was there.
Only 2 records this year one for each passage period. One was on The Hile on March 2nd (EW) and one on Musbury Height on September 12th (J&BR).
Sightings in January and February were in the main of low numbers (1 - 3) being flushed from the higher areas of the valley. Reports from March to June suggest that there is still a good breeding population with birds flushed or seen drumming at Alden, Holden Wood Res, Cheesden, Scout Moor Res, Edge Cote, Swinshaw Moor, The Hile and Reaps Moss where the highest numbers were recorded - 6 drumming birds on April 17th (DN). Post-breeding numbers during July and August were on the low side with numbers no larger than two. However larger numbers were recorded during October probably involving birds from the continent. Passage was noted in N. Rossendale when 21 were present between Great. Hameldon Hill, Hameldon Hill and Nutshaw Hill on October 9th, 50 were there on October 16th and 70 on October 31st. Elsewhere, a site record of 55 were at Edge Cote on October 23rd and 24 were at Nab Hill, Grane on October 24th. There were few sightings to the end of the year but 6 were on Haslingden Moor on November 14th and a single at Edge Cote on December 19th.
All records are of single birds. Birds in the early part of the year were seen at Calf Hey Res and Clough Head quarry on January 18th, Back Cowm on January 29th, Musbury February 15th and Clowbridge on March 7th. On March 28th one was flushed by a Peregrine at Plunge and successfully evaded capture. The first bird of the autumn was at Calf Hey Res on October 17th. Singles were at Clowbridge on November 8th and 9th and on December 5th. There were only 11 records all year with little sign of the usual peak fall in the second week of November.
First returning birds were seen at Nutshaw Hill on March 4th then regularly in the Clowbridge/ Crown Point area throughout the month. Other sites recording birds in March were Holden Wood Res - 4 on March 21st, Spring Mill Res - 1 on March 6th then 1pr on 3 dates, Cowpe Lowe - 1pr on March 13th and Hameldon Hill - 1pr on March 24th. Thereafter numbers built up with all moorland areas recording presence during April, May and June. Breeding-season presence was recorded at 24 sites in the valley with several pairs in most areas. Eight pairs were noted between March 25th and July 7th at the LCFS BBS tetrad at Grane (P&BR). Eight birds were seen at Alden on May 2nd, 2 pairs were on Edgerton Moss on May 3rd, 8 birds were at Sharneyford on May 30th and 8 birds were mobbing carrion crows at Crown Point on June 15th. Autumn passage gatherings were seen at A.M.R. on June 21st when a flock of 12 were present. A pair still in the Plunge valley on July 1st were calling as if young were nearby and 3 birds were still on nearby Turf Moor on August 8th. Birds were noted passing to the west over Clowbridge on July 4th and Aug 18th. There were no records after this date.
Unbelievably only a single record for this year! A single juvenile was seen at Sharneyford on July 17th and 18th (C.M.)
A single bird seen at Top of Leach was recorded during a BBS survey on April 15th (per J. Smith).
First returning birds were at Calf Hey Res on April 16th when 2 were seen. Thereafter a single was at Clowbridge Res on April 20th and birds were at Clough Bottom Res on April 25th. Records were received for 7 sites with a minimum of 10 pairs noted. Two pairs were recorded from the LCFS BBS tetrad at Grane (PBR). Breeding was successful at Ogden Res where a pair with 1 juv. was seen on June 17th and July 15th. Elsewhere, breeding was probably successful at Clough Bottom Res where a good series of records showed up to 3 pairs present during May and June. At Clowbridge Res a maximum of 3 pairs were noted on June 6th but there was no evidence of successful breeding probably due to severe disturbance from walkers and dogs. There were two records of birds being present on the R. Irwell at Townsendfold, a single on May 9th and a pair on July 4th. Perhaps this is a return to days gone by when this species sometimes bred along the riverbanks. There are only four August dates the latest being a single at Clowbridge Res on August 18th.
Early year daytime counts centred around areas of water with 200 at Holden Wood Res on February 1st, 26 at Spring Mill Res on Jan 4th and 30 at New Line Res on February 29th being typical examples. There were few reports of flocks feeding in fields; however E. Ward watched flocks of 30 - 40 feeding above The Glen from March 14th to 16th. The roost at Clowbridge Res continued as in past years with up to 2000 birds present on January 10th dropping off to 6-700 on March 14th. There appears to be a regular summer presence with 2 adults being seen through late April, May and June at sites including Clowbridge Res, Calf Hey Res, E.B.S.W. and Holden Wood Res Perhaps we may anticipate a breeding record soon? Returning birds usually in single figure groups were seen during late June and July at various sites but E.B.S.W. held 130 on August 1st and A.M.R. held 120 on August 8th. Cowm Res held 100 birds on September 30th. An increase in numbers was also noted at Clowbridge Res on September 30th when 100 were there with a further 80 at Dunnockshaw. Winter numbers at Clowbridge Res appeared to maximise towards the end of October with a count of 700+ on October 31st and increasing to the end of the year. Fifty-eight moving towards Edenfield from A.M.R. on November 24th were probably heading towards the Clowbridge roost. Other late year totals included 175 at Holden Wood Res on November 13th and 200 at E.B.S.W. on December 12th.
Present at the Clowbridge roost from January through to March where probably in the region of 200 birds are present. Elsewhere, small numbers were noted at most of the reservoirs. The last of the spring were a flock of 17 at Clowbridge Res on March 24th. Retuning birds were first seen on June 20th at A.M.R. when 100 moved from the east towards Bury. Similar movement was noted on June 27th when 100 flew S. over E.B.S.W; with 15 over Haslingden and 6 over Cloughfold. Further passage occurred on July11th when 150 moved over A.M.R. towards Bury. There were smaller numbers of mostly single figure groups reported from the reservoirs through August to October. Heavy passage occurred on November 6th when 300 flew over the Irwell valley and again on November 28th when there was a large movement up the Limy valley during the afternoon involving several hundred birds. Birds were again noted at the Clowbridge roost to the end of the year with 120+ being present.
Wintering records were few this year with only two sightings before March. Two flew S over Crawshawbooth on January 1st and 13 were at Clowbridge Res on February 23rd. Spring passage commenced with 6 moving N. over Nutshaw Hill on March 7th and numerous sightings during April. There appears to be a twice-daily movement of birds moving south - east around late morning into the N. Manchester area and a return in the evening to the NW probably to Bowland. This was most noticeable at E.B.S.W. where birds were seen on various dates through April and May. Typical examples are April 4th 91 S.E; April 18th 2-300 SE and May 9th 100+ SE. A particularly large passage occurred over Edenfield on May 20th when over 300 birds moved N just before dusk. There was also a passage of birds over Dunnockshaw on June 6th when 90 flew NW at dusk with 3 birds still moving NW on July 26th. At A.M.R. there was a high count of 45 birds on July 10th. Autumn passage was most noticeable at Clowbridge, with birds moving in a mainly east - west direction, the highest count was of 34 on August 7th. The last report was of a single here on August 31st.
However there was a heavy passage over Laund Hey between October 1st to October 18th with high counts on the 15th of 168 per hour and on the 16th of 177 per hour (BY). There was a winter roost at A.M.R. of 120 birds on December 30th (KL).
Few records this year and nearly all from the reservoirs. Singles were at Calf Hey and Ogden reservoirs during January and 2 were at Clowbridge Res on February 23rd. A.M.R. held 20 on June 20th with lesser numbers to early August. Singles flying over were seen at Clowbridge and Townsendfold during early August. Winter numbers were slightly higher with 11 at Clough Bottom Res on November 14th and 40 over Edenfield moving towards A.M.R. on December 30th with 30 flying off towards Manchester at dusk.
Two moving N. over Goodshawfold on January 11th were the first of a small influx. A single was at Calf Hey Res on January 18th and 4 were in flight over Waterfoot on January 24th with the last of the early winter period being an immature bird at Clowbridge Res on February 6th. A single adult flew SW over Clowbridge Res on August 28th and a single adult was on the water there on November 30th.
A single bird was at Clowbridge Res on August 1st. It was seen about 19:00 hrs and was robbed of a fish by a Black-headed Gull.
Few records received. Three birds were seen to be visiting gardens in the Booth road area of Waterfoot during January and February, a habit not previously recorded (EW). Fifteen were at Cowm Res on April 26th and 2 were in the Hoyle St area of Whitworth during July. There was also a group of 6 birds at Reedsholme present all year and a group of at least 30 birds in Rawtenstall centre. This species is certainly commoner than these few records would suggest.
Recorded from 14 sites from all areas of the Valley which would suggest a small stable population. Seven birds were at Broadclough on January 18th and a pair at Spring Mill Res was seen on 7 dates from January - April. At E.B.S.W. 4 birds were seen on March 26th and April 5th. During the breeding season birds were seen at Cowpe Res, Hurdles Quarry, Seat Naze, Stubbins, Warth, Edge Cote, Clowbridge, Higher Hollinbank and Whitworth. A pair was recorded as breeding in the LCFS BBS square at Grane. Records after June appear to be scarce; however there was a constant presence of a single at Hoyle St, Whitworth all year. Seven birds were at Dunnockshaw on June 5th and a single nearby at Loveclough on September 5th. Three were at Higher Hollinbank on December 17th.
Few records in the early part of the year which would suggest that numbers were on the low side. Birds were reported from over a wide area during the breeding season with reports of feeding at bird tables and visiting gardens being a regular occurrence. A bird was still sitting and a fresh eggshell was found at Clowbridge on August 23rd. Flocks began to build as early as July 12th at Reedsholme when 23 flew out of Brooks' Wood. A sign of the large number to come was apparent when 50 were feeding on whinberries at Seat Naze on July 24th. Regular flocks of between 20 and 50 birds were reported from several parts of the valley during the coming months. There was evidence of some passage through the Clowbridge area with 25 moving N. on October 17th, 30 NW on October 18th and 250 N. on December 5th. Numbers increased during November and December. Two hundred plus were reported from the Grane area from October - December with similar numbers at - Hoyle St. Whitworth 200 on December 20th, Gaghills 250 on December 30th, Warth 100 flew up the Whitewell valley December 31st. At Reedsholme numbers increased from 70 on November 3rd to 500 on November 16th, then a regular 100 -300 to the year end. At this time there were reports of between 250 and 300 birds arriving at the plantation at Dunnockshaw to roost. This would suggest that the birds from Reedsholme were roosting there overnight.
Six birds were at Hoyle St Whitworth between January 1st and January 31st. Mating was observed at this time as well as a juvenile bird being present. Good numbers were maintained through the year with breeding being proven when 6 adults and 2 young were seen on several dates in June. Numbers reached a maximum through July to September when 23 birds were counted. Predation by Sparrowhawks was thought to be responsible for reduced numbers by October when 15 were still present. Three pairs were recorded from the LCFS BBS square at Grane. Up to 40 were roosting at Gaghills between January and March 15th. Similar numbers were seen in November but the birds dispersed after the trees were felled on December 18th.
Several records, but all probably relating to the same bird. A male calling at Clowbridge on May 23rd was heard on various dates until June7th. Another or very probably the same mobile bird was heard at Clough Bottom Res from May 23rd until June 7th - quite a coincidence of dates. This is the first record of this species at Clowbridge for some years.
A very pale bird (possibly worn plumage) was present at Clowbridge Res from at least September 4th until October 9th. Seen by several observers, this is the first record for some years for the area.
An escaped bird was in the fields close to the old isolation hospital to the NW of Clowbridge Res on March 17th.
Records from 21 sites show that this species is thriving and with further searching could prove to be even more abundant. All sightings reported were from either quarries or from the moorland edge amongst the drystone walls.
Birds were present at Higher Hollinbank through the spring with a pair being noted as active and vocal during January and February. A fledged young was seen on July 1st and 4 birds were on a barn roof on September 13th. Breeding was also successful at Hurdles quarry where a pair and 1 juv. were seen on September 12th. A pair had 2 juvs at Shawforth during May and breeding probably took place at most sites.
Somewhat under recorded with birds reported from only 13 sites. Further searching would surely find that numbers are at least double this. There was a comment that 4 breeding sites were not in use this year in the Grane area. However a bird was calling at Calf Hey on May 3rd and one was seen there on July 27th. Elsewhere a bird was found dead in the road at Edenfield on March 28th and birds were reported calling at Hoyle St. Whitworth, Waterfoot (3 areas) and Spring Mill Res at this time. A bird came regularly to a garden at Todd Carr around dusk most evenings from March to May. There were no reports of successful breeding. Autumn records were from similar areas with birds calling at Whitworth, Reedsholme and Gaghills during November.
Reported from 6 sites with successful breeding at most of them. All sites were adjacent to rough pasture or moorland. At one site in W Rossendale a nest held 2 eggs on April 13th and 3 young were heard in June. At a site in central Rossendale birds were seen hunting and calling to each other on April 8th and were still resident on May 6th despite a grass fire in the area. In N Rossendale an adult was seen to take food to the nest at 20:00 hrs on May 4th and young were heard calling on May 16th. Three young were watched through May to September at this site after which there appeared to be a dispersal of the young with just 2 birds (presumably the breeding pair) being seen thereafter.
Few records this year with birds recorded at just 2 sites. During the spring a bird was seen displaying at Orrel Moss on March 28th and up to 3 birds were present in the Clowbridge / Crown Point area through the same period. There was no evidence of successful breeding. Autumn records were all from north Rossendale with up to 2 birds seen on various dates to October 17th.
There were 5 April records this year (all single birds) with the first at E.B.S.W. on the 26th, then at Rawtenstall and Healey Dell on the 27th and Hazelhurst and Lee Quarry on the 30th. There were 8 records for the first week in May with only slightly higher numbers involved though 15 at Whitworth and 100 at Clowbridge Res were exceptions. Breeding numbers became apparent later in May when 5 were at Lee Mill on May 12th, 5 at Reedsholme on May 13th, 5 at Stacksteads on May 14th, 10 at Scout Bottom on May 16th and 10 at Edgeside on May 19th. Feeding groups were at Musbury Tor between June 13th and July 15th up to 40 were observed and similar numbers were seen at Whitworth, Waterfoot and Clowbridge Res through July. Still larger numbers were seen at Seat Naze on July 3rd when 150 were feeding. At Clowbridge Res from July 4th - 26th there was a regular evening presence of between 40 and 250 birds. Maximum numbers were seen on the 16th when 200-300 moved in from the east before dusk to feed. Totals during August were on the low side suggesting an early departure - 29 were at Whitworth on August 10th but numbers dwindled with singles and pairs being the norm with the last birds being seen at Whitworth and Edge Cote on August 29th.
Mainly seen along the river Irwell to the south of Rawtenstall where at least 2 breeding pairs were observed. There was a pair at Holden Wood Res on March 29th and further records for September and December. Birds were also seen in the Waterfoot area along both the river Whitewell and Irwell during February and again in September and October. A bird was seen to fly over the car park at the Focus Do It All store in Rawtenstall on April 18th. This is another species that warrants further investigations into its status as a breeding bird.
Recorded from 11 sites during the breeding season, though there could be some considerable overlap in sightings. Birds were either seen or heard during spring at Lumb Vale, Sunnybank, Higher Hollinbank, Holden Wood, Snig Hole, Plunge, Deeply Vale, Reedsholme, Dunnockshaw and Warth. Post-breeding sightings included 3 birds at Plunge on June 26th and a pair with a juv. there on July11th. Four birds were seen together at Edge Cote on July 18th and a bird seen to fly onto an electricity pylon at Clowbridge on August 17th was only the third record for this site. There were very few winter records suggesting that this bird keeps a very low profile at this time of the year.
Reported from all the main areas of woodland. Birds were also seen to be coming into gardens to feed at bird tables in various areas. A good series of records were received from the Musbury area for the whole year with a juvenile being seen during September. There were birds at 4 sites between Townsendfold and Stubbins on May 9th and an adult and 2 juvs were at Cowpe on June 20th. Eric Ward watched a juvenile bird at a feeder on August 23rd moulting into adult male plumage by September 10th.
Not recorded during January. However 3 birds were in song at Rooley Moor road on February 15th, 2 were in song at Musbury Heights on the same date and 2 were in song at Crown Point on February 18th. March saw a widespread increase in numbers with birds singing over most of the higher parts of the valley. Strongholds appear to be the high hill tops with counts of birds on territory in excess of 30 being recorded at Reaps Moss on May 2nd, Cowpe Moss on May 2nd and June 20th and at Alden where similar numbers were recorded on May 2nd and June 13th. On farmland at The Hile Eric Ward counted only 3 breeding pairs between April and June, possibly his lowest count ever. By comparison on the nearby moorland of Smallshaw Heights the species was seen to be breeding in good numbers by P. Fyldes on June 13th. There were no records for July and only a scattering of sightings for August and September. A single on Haslingden Moor on October 10th and 2 birds on Nab Hill Grane on October 24th were the last of the year.
The first record of the year was of 2 birds seen at Townsendfold over the R. Irwell on March 29th. Four were at E.B.S.W. on March 31st and numbers increased through April with a peak of 20 on the 18th. Breeding numbers during summer at Townsendfold broadly reflected the April counts at E.B.S.W. with a high count of 15 birds on July 4th. Two birds were seen to be still entering a nest hole here on August 22nd. Away from this site 2 were at Holden Wood Res on May 30th and August 1st and a single was at Clowbridge Res on May 5th. A juvenile at Plunge on July 11th may have been from the colony at Stubbins; however there were no records for this site this year. The last of the year was a single seen on the river Irwell near Waterfoot at Warth on September 12th.
The first of the year were 2 at Bagden quarry on March 12th (JW). There were no further sightings until April 4th when 4 were at E.B.S.W. where numbers fluctuated over the month with peaks on 100 on the 18th and 70 on the 20th. Peak numbers at Clowbridge Res were reached during early May when 140 were counted feeding over the water. A further peak occurred on May 21st when 45 birds were counted. Further evidence of spring passage was observed over Great Hameldon on April 21st when a single moved west and again on May 2nd when seve²™ra’l singles were seen moving west to east. Breeding was noted at a variety of sites with most first clutches fledging during June and July. There was evidence of this at Naden Dean on June 20th when 4 fledged young were being fed, at Stacksteads on June 18th where 3 young were also seen and at Windy Bank were young were seen being fed on July 5th. Eight pairs were recorded as breeding in the LCFS BBS square in the Grane valley. Later clutches were observed being fed at Edgeside Park on September 21st. The build up in numbers during the autumn started in early August with counts of 24 at Jack Lodge on August 7th, 30 at Clowbridge Res on August 7th/8th and 100 at Stubbylee Park on August 21st. September numbers were slightly higher with 150 at Coal Pit Lane on September 1st, 100 at Jack Lodge on September 4th/5th, and a maximum count of 141 per hour over Laund Hey on September 11th. There was a reduction in sightings during October, notable were 3 flying S over Rooley Moor Road on October 3rd, 3 at Warth on October 3rd, 1 at Higher Hollinbank on October 3rd and 2 at Clowbridge Res on October 4th. BY recorded passage over Laund Hey of 20 per hour on October 3rd with the last of the year there on October 12th. There were no reports of any autumn roosts.
First arrival was seen at E.B.S.W. on April 4th when a single was with Swallows. Birds were seen here on 7 dates during April with peaks of 10 on April 12th and c25 on April 26th. Elsewhere bird were recorded from breeding sites at Edenfield on April 9th, Reedsholme April 19th, Hoyle Street - Whitworth April 22nd, and Booth Road - Waterfoot April 22nd.
Further occupation of breeding sites occurred through May with birds recorded at Park Road d, Waterfoot; B.R.G.S., Waterfoot; Cawl Terrace, Cloughfold; Crawshawbooth and Constablelee. Eight nests were in use at Hoyle Street - Whitworth on July 1st, 3 nests at Reedsholme on June15th and there were 4 nests at Park Road, Waterfoot.
Evidence of a successful breeding season was evident at various sites with 60 at Hoyle Street, Whitworth feeding young as late as September 25th, 50 at Waterfoot on August 20th, 100 at Reedsholme on August 27th, 60 at Cribden Clough on August 30th, 40 at Coal Pit Lane on September 1st, 70 at Gaghills on September 10th, 70 at Cawl Terrace on September 11th, 150 at E.B.S.W. on September 21st, and 30 at Townsendfold on September 26th. There was further evidence of a good breeding season at Ogden Res on August 22nd when 300+ were present and in the Helmshore area where a maximum of 152 birds were perched on wires in mid September. October records were few with 3 at Waterfoot on October 3rd and singles at Higher Hollinbank on October 5th and the last of the year at Reedsholme on October 6th.
Recorded in all months of the year. A flock of 20 were seen opposite the Duke of Wellington pub, Grane, during the January Bird Race on January 18th. Around 25 were on the moors above Lee Quarry on April 17th. Birds were recorded in most suitable areas throughout the breeding season. 70 were recorded in Alden on June 17th and 20 in Musbury on June 20th.
Autumn passage saw the greatest numbers with 20 along Cribden Clough on August 30th, and 60 at Edge Cote, above Marl Pits on September 9th. Clowbridge recorded 50+ on September 24th but this was poor in comparison to previous years. 70+ were moving through Shawforth on October 3rd with 50 at Clough Bottom Res on the same date.
Brian Yorke's study of visible migration from Laund Hey recorded some impressive movements with 152 birds per hour moving south on September 17th, 189 per hour on September 29th and 285 per hour on October 6th!
Seen throughout the year on all suitable habitats. Up to 4 were seen regularly on the sewage beds at E.B.S.W during March and April.
Breeding was recorded at several locations with young being fed on The Irwell at Townsendfold on July 4th and breeding birds at Lee Mill, Lumb Vale, Grane and Waterfoot between April and June.
An interesting record was of a bird feeding in the middle of Staghills Woods on November 14th (KL)
Two were seen on the East Bank of Clowbridge Res on May 2nd (RI).
E.B.S.W was the most regular wintering site with around 20 birds usually present. Numbers reached a peak here during spring with 71 present on March 26th and 55 on April 5th.
Breeding was recorded at Higher Hollinbank where a pair had 5 young in attendance throughout May, at Edgeside where a pair and 4 young were observed on June 14th and at Whitworth where 2 broods were raised. Autumn passage was noted at Clowbridge Res with 35 along the dam wall on August 28th, 26 on August 30th and 33 on September 1st. 10 were at Warth, Waterfoot on September 25th and 13 were at Ogden Res, Grane on September 26th.
November saw numbers building up again at E.B.S.W with at least 30 birds there on November 3rd
The first of the winter was on Bocholt Way, Rawtenstall when one was seen flying towards Newchurch on November 20th. A further single was calling in flight on December 23rd on Park Road, Bacup. Bocholt Way, Rawtenstall was the location for two further sightings of 17 on December 28th and 20 on December 29th
Birds were reported widely from the Irwell, Whitewell, Limy and their tributaries. A pair were seen nest building at Irwell Vale on April 4th. Breeding was confirmed at Stacksteads when 2 young were being fed on May 16th. Birds were in song in November at Warth and December at Constablelee.
This ubiquitous species was reported widely from many varied habitats. 5 were calling at Clough Bottom Res on January 5th with 3 present at Hoyle Street, Whitworth, throughout January. A parent was feeding 4 young in the nest at Reedsholme on May 27th. Up to 10 pairs were recorded from a tetrad at Grane checked for the LCFS Breeding Survey.
So common as to be under-recorded. Song was heard from January 14th onwards at Booth Road, Waterfoot. At least 2 birds were at Hoyle Street Whitworth during every month of the year with 4 young being raised there. 1 pair bred in the LCFS Breeding Survey tetrad in Grane and 2 pairs at Oak Mount, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall.
2 were singing from trees at Holden Wood Res on January 10th and a pair was established and feeding together at a bird table in Booth Road, Waterfoot on January 25th. A breeding pair at Hoyle Street, Whitworth was seen carrying food on April 5th but the nest was later predated by Magpies. A pair bred here again later in the year and were seen with 2 young during July. 6 pairs were present in the LCFS Breeding Survey tetrad, Grane with 3 pairs present in Oak Mount, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall.
Although there were no confirmed breeding records for this year a male was heard in song at Musbury on May 8th (NJB). A female was seen at Edge Cote, Marl Pits on August 14th (KL) and 2 were seen on the edge of a plantation at Clowbridge on August 15th (BL via RI)
The first bird of the year was a male at Windy Bank on May 31st which was seen again on June 6th (PF). A juvenile was seen here on August 15th which increases speculation that breeding occurred here. At Foxhill, breeding was confirmed with a juvenile seen on July 4th and an adult male and a juvenile on July 17th. A family party of at least 4 birds was seen here on August 7th (all KL). Autumn migration started on August 2nd when two were seen at Clowbridge Res with the maximum count of 5 birds present here on September 3rd. 1 was present on Coal Pit Lane, Shawclough on September 1st and 2 at Clough Bottom Res on September 9th. The final record for the year was of a single bird at Clowbridge Res on October 4th.
A pair was present at Calf Hey Res on January 18th and a pair at Spring Mill Res from January 27th through into April. Singing males were heard at Spring Mill in March, Plunge on March 25th and Cowm Res on May 15th. The Grane Valley held at least 5 breeding pairs with many young birds seen throughout the breeding season. Birds also bred in Plunge, Deeply Vale, at Cheesden Bar, Turf Moor, Cowm Res, Clowbridge, Windy Bank and Scar End, Weir. Autumn passage was widely noted with 13 at Clowbridge Res on October 7th, 5 at Cheesden on October 3rd and 4 at A.M.R. on October 31st.
The first record of the year was of two males at Clowbridge Res on March 17th with two further males in Hurdles Quarry on March 21st. A pair was at Lower Bagden on March 24th with 3 males at Spring Mill Res on March 25th. Peak Spring passage saw 21 recorded at Nutshaw Hill Quarry on April 20th and 20 were at the same site on May 4th. Breeding was recorded on most upland areas, quarries and reservoirs. 9 territories were noted from Plunge up onto Cowpe Moss on June 2nd and at least 30 birds, including many juveniles, were recorded between Hurdles Quarry and Waugh's Well on 11th July. Autumn passage was perhaps a little quieter than some years with a maximum of 3 at Clowbridge Res on September 8th and 4 at Lowe Lodge on September 12th. The last birds of the year were at Lowe Lodge on September 25th and 2 in Moss Quarry, Whitworth on October 3rd.
We had five sightings of this elusive bird this year, all on spring migration. The first of the year was a male at Lee Quarry on April 5th. One flew over Hoddlesden Moss on April 12th and another was at Naden Dean on April 18th. On May 3rd a male was on the SW slope of Hameldon Hill. The final record for the year was on May 30th in Lee Quarry.
A male was in song on February 12th on Booth Road, Stacksteads and another at Clowbridge Res on March 4th. A pair was seen to be nest building in Hoyle Street, Whitworth on March 25th. The nest was later predated by Magpies on June 23rd. Autumn saw larger numbers moving in with 5 feeding on Rowan berries at Clowbridge Res on September 28th, 32 going to roost at Tip Lodge on November 7th and 20 at Broadclough, Bacup on November 14th. Between 5 and 7 birds were in a Waterfoot garden from October to the year end and 11 were in a garden at Hoyle Street, Whitworth throughout December.
12 were seen at Clough Bottom Res during the Bird Race on January 18th. 25 were feeding with Starlings and corvids in a field at Loveclough on February 8th and 30 were in a newly "mucked" field near Cotton Row, Clowbridge on March 16th. The last record for the first winter period was 2 in a hedge at Clowbridge Res on May 2nd.
The first returning birds were 10 flying W along the Grane valley and around 50 at Warth, Waterfoot, both records on October 10th. The largest number recorded was between 5 and 600 at Higher Hollinbank on November 9th. 50 were seen with around 10 Redwings, devouring berries in a Holly bush in Dearden Brook on November 20th. In December 110 were at Higher Hollinbank on 24th and 80+ were in Musbury on 26th (J&BR).
The first singing bird of the year was at Park Road Plantation, Waterfoot on January 14th. Further early song was heard with birds singing at Gaghills, Waterfoot on January 27th, Park Road, Bacup again on January 27th and at Reedsholme on February 9th. At Hoyle Street, Whitworth another male was singing on February 15th and nesting is thought to have occurred with food being carried on June 10th and throughout July. 2 were seen at Higher Hollinbank on November 22nd and a single at Reedsholme throughout December.
Early January saw many small flocks with 20 at Green's Lodges on January 2nd, a "few" with Fieldfares at Higher Hollinbank on January 14th and 6 on The Bird Race at Newchurch on January 18th. A count of 40 over Staghills Woods on February 21st and 40 over Snig Hole on February 29th were the highest counts of the first winter period. The last birds were 3 at Trickett's Memorial Grounds on March 29th. The first returning birds were 50 in Trickett's Memorial Grounds on October 9th and 40 at Clowbridge Res on the same date. A flock of 250 at Hoyle Street, Whitworth on October 10th was the largest recorded for the year.
Males were in song at Booth Road, Waterfoot from January 6th to January 8th and also at Gaghills, Waterfoot on January 25th. A pair bred at a traditional site between Booth Road and The Glen fields and breeding was also confirmed at Hoyle Street, Whitworth with birds carrying food on April 15th and young seen during July. A flock of 5 were at Clowbridge Res on September 5th and a flock of 20 at Higher Hollinbank on September 14th. Birds were back in song on November 27th at Higher Cloughfold and Waterfoot.
The first returning bird of the year was reeling at Clowbridge Res on May 7th. At least two birds were recorded here throughout the breeding season and it is probable that breeding occurred. Three, possibly four birds were at Clowbridge Res on July 31st when reeling was again heard. A bird was reeling at Cheesden Bar Lodge on June 26th and was seen and heard again on July 4th. A further bird was heard reeling in Plunge on July 11th. The last record of a good year for this species was of a bird reeling at Clowbridge Res on 4th August
The first returning bird was singing at Holden Wood Res on May 9th and birds were recorded here throughout the breeding season. Three singing males were noted on 15th May and a pair was here on 23rd May. Two males were singing on July 21st and a juvenile bird was seen on August 15th. Although this could have been on passage it is thought to confirm successful breeding occurred at this site. There was a second-hand report of a bird present at Cowm Res during the breeding season.
A male was singing at Groundwork, Rawtenstall on May 1st with another in song at Broadley Fold, Whitworth on June 12th. A pair bred behind Sykeside Hotel at Road End, Haslingden (NJB). The last record for the year was at Greenhill, Bacup on September 10th.
We had no winter records this year and so the first returning birds were heard in song at Stubbins and E.B.S.W on April 13th. Singing males were recorded widely throughout Rossendale with Clowbridge Res and Shawforth both recording birds in the breeding season for the first time. Up to six birds were present behind E.B.S.W on May 2nd with the same number recorded for Staghills Woods on May 1st. The last record for the year was at Ewood Bridge on September 21st.
A singing male was heard on March 28th behind E.B.S.W and this was the first of many records in what was a good year for the species. At least five birds were in song between Rawtenstall and Stubbins on April 13th and three were singing at Lower Cloughfold on May 9th. A pair bred at Ravenshore (NJB) and further birds were present during the breeding season at E.B.S.W, Deeply Vale, Townsendfold, Lea Brook, Reedsholme, Crawshawbooth, Edgeside, Staghills Woods, Park Road Waterfoot, Lee Mill and Stubbylee Park. The last record of the year was at Warth on the late date of November 3rd.
The first birds of the year were around eight singing in Deeply Vale on April 8th. Willow Warblers were present in good numbers in most suitable habitats throughout Rossendale with up to 10 at Marl Pits, Rawtenstall on 25th April and 10+ at Townsendfold on May 15th. Numbers in Trickett's / Staghills Woods, however, appeared to be down this year with just a single bird recorded all year! A juvenile was seen at Warth on August 1st and a pair was seen with 2 juveniles at Shawclough on August 7th. The last record for the year was of a single bird in a mobile tit flock at Clowbridge Res on October 17th.
Birds were noted at Calf Hey during the Bird Race on January 18th and 5+ were singing here on March 13th. 2 pairs were recorded regularly at Staghills Woods during January and February and 2 were at Holden Wood Res on March 29th. Six were feeding in Fairy Glen, Calf Hey on October 10th and over 10 were noted around Calf Hey on December 5th.
A bird at Cliffe Lodge on May 9th was the first of the year. One was at Clough Bottom Res June 6th and August 15th. At Clowbridge Res a single bird was seen on July 15th, 2 on August 10th, a single on August 27th and 3 on August 31st. A family party of 4 birds were feeding at Holden Wood Res on August 4th and a family party, again of 4 birds was at Cowm Res on August 30th.
Up to 10 were seen throughout January at Hoyle Street, Whitworth, with up to 12 seen in Crawshawbooth on January 11th. Two were feeding on peanuts in a Waterfoot garden on January 18th and up to 8 were feeding on fat balls at Gaghills, Waterfoot during January and February. By March, breeding pairs were established and a bird found dead on a Reedsholme pavement on the 8th had moss in its bill. Three pairs were in Staghills Woods on March 13th and a family party of 10 was seen in Stacksteads on June 18th. Peak numbers were recorded during autumn with 17 at Reedsholme on October 2nd, 20 at Cowm Res on October 10th and 20 at John Street, Haslingden on October 15th.
Ones and twos regularly visited gardens throughout January and February at Hoyle Street, Whitworth, Gaghills and Crawshawbooth. One was in song in a Waterfoot garden on January 4th and at Broadley Station, Whitworth on February 27th. Birds were still visiting feeders at the garden in Waterfoot on May 4th and were presumably nesting nearby. Juvenile birds were seen at Clough Bottom Res on July 4th. Two were seen at Clowbridge Res on August 23rd in a gipsy flock with Blue Tits and Willow Warblers. It was noted during October at Hoyle Street, Whitworth that birds were beginning to hide food away ready for winter. During November and December, birds started coming back to garden feeders at Gaghills.
At Hoyle Street, Whitworth a bird was singing on January 4th, checking out nest-boxes on January 11th and displaying on January 17th. A pair was seen entering a nest hole in a barn at Higher Hollinbank on April 12th - April 19th and a bird with nesting material was entering a wall in Clod Lane on April 24th. Juvenile birds were first noted in June at Hoyle Street, Whitworth when 7 were with parents, 9 juveniles were present in July at the same site and up to 20 birds were present on feeders at Gaghills in July. Up to 7 pairs were thought to have bred at Grane and 3 pairs at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall. A large group of 14 birds were present with Long-tailed Tits at Reedsholme on October 2nd. Up to 4 birds were roosting in nest boxes in Hoyle Street, Whitworth throughout October and up to 6 birds were regular on feeders at Gaghills throughout December.
Early song was heard at Hoyle Street, Whitworth when 2 were singing on January 2nd and again at Staghills Woods when up to 6 were singing on January 28th. 10 birds were heard singing at Calf Hey Res, Grane on March 13th and up to 4 birds were checking out nest boxes at Hoyle Street, Whitworth on March 28th. On April 4th, a pair was nest-building in a sparrow box at Hoyle Street, Whitworth and the male was feeding the female here on April 15th. Breeding success appears to have been good with at least two pairs fledging young here in May and up to 10 juveniles seen during June. Breeding was also noted at Higher Hollinbank; Gaghills; Booth Road, Waterfoot; Oak Mount, Rawtenstall and Reedsholme where 7 very large juveniles were being fed on June 7th. Back at Hoyle Street, Whitworth, 4 birds were roosting in nest boxes during October. 10 were seen at Hurst Crescent Rawtenstall on November 18th and the same number at Calf Hey Res on Boxing Day to round off what appears to have been a successful year.
Continues to struggle to become established within Rossendale. Two were seen and heard calling at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall on February 23rd, one was singing in Staghills Woods on March 13th and 3 were present at Healy Dell on April 27th. A male was singing at Sunnybank, Helmshore on May 15th and a pair were thought to have been present here all summer. A singing male was in Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom on June 27th. No definite proof of breeding was recorded.
Seen in ones and twos in most suitable woodlands. One was at Calf Hey Res on January 18th during the Winter Bird Race with a pair seen here on April 13th. A pair were seen in Staghills Wood from January onwards and breeding was confirmed when a pair with a fledged juvenile were seen on July 11th. Birds were also noted from Clough Bottom Res, Healy Dell, Plunge, Reedsholme, Gaghills and Trickett's Memorial Grounds.
Continues to be well spread over most wooded areas of the Valley. A bird regularly visited a garden in Waterfoot throughout January and occasionally snatched peanuts from the bird table. A pair was noted at Staghills Woods throughout February and birds were seen to be carrying nesting material on March 2nd and 2 adults and 3 juveniles were seen here on July 11th. Also seen on July 11th were a family party of 7 in Plunge. 3 were at Broadclough on November 14th and 1 at Calf Hey Res, Grane on Boxing Day.
Continues to thrive extremely well in all areas. Up to 12 birds were regularly seen at Higher Hollinbank throughout January and February with up to 10 at Hoyle Street, Whitworth during the same period. Around 30 were seen feeding with Fieldfares, Starlings and Carrion Crows on a field at Loveclough on February 8th. Nest building activity was noted during early February with a pair carrying twigs on February 2nd. Juvenile birds were noted at Hoyle Street, Whitworth during June and July. The largest flocks of the year were over 30 roosting at Edge Cote above Marl Pits on 14th August, up to 15 at Hoyle Street during October and at least 20 at Reedsholme on December 21st.
Despite the disturbance during the development of Ilex Mill, one of its main breeding sites, the Jackdaw continues to be seen regularly throughout the Valley. A pair regularly visited a peanut feeder in a Waterfoot garden and even clung on to the mesh in order to extract food. 8 were feeding in a field in Whitworth on January 20th with groups of 15 and 7 noted in Waterfoot during February and March. A group of 75 flew S over Edenfield on November 28th and around 100 were at E.B.S.W on the same day.
Rookeries are widely spread over Rossendale but records for this species were very limited for 2004. A group of 24 were feeding in fields at Broadley Fold, Whitworth on January 20th. A flock of over 100 were seen feeding on the moors to the S of Clowbridge Res on both June 6th and June 15th. Around 10 were present at Clough Bottom Res on June 16th. On October 4th the usual small winter flock of about 10 was seen feeding at Fearns Moss.
Remains a common resident breeding in trees from the edge of towns to the edge of the moors. Seen usually in smaller groups in the early part of the year with 8 and 10 regularly seen at Higher Hollinbank, Helmshore during January to March but a flock of 35 were seen on Bull Hill on April 17th. A pair was building a nest in a poplar tree at Hoyle Street, Whitworth from March 17th onwards. On October 8th around 35 were mobbing 2 Ravens over Musbury Tor and there were regularly 100+ birds at Higher Hollinbank during November.
Continues to breed in small numbers with more records than in previous years. Birds were back on their breeding sites by February 8th and by March 30th 5 young were in the nest. All the young had fledged the nest by May 7th but were still in the general vicinity. The adults defended their territory very aggressively and on one occasion were seen to chase Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail and Sparrowhawk out of the area. A family group of 5 were seen over Cowpe Moss on May 23rd and the same number in Naden Dean on May 30th. 4 were seen over Calf Hey Res, Grane on August 26th. Sightings were recorded right through to the end of the year with 3 over Musbury Tor on October 9th, 2 over Alden on October 24th, 2 over Ogden Res on November 13th and 1 over Higher Hollinbank on December 5th.
Flocks of up to 85 birds were recorded at Hoyle Street, Whitworth during January to March with 60 in fields at Loveclough on February 8th. Juveniles were noted early May with 20 at Hoyle Street increasing to around 110 juvenile birds present in June. On June 7th a very large flock of around 6,000 birds including many juveniles was noted feeding in the valley to the East of Clowbridge Res A flock of 200 birds were flying in tight formation on June 27th in Plunge Valley in order to avoid the attention of a Peregrine. Summer flocks of several hundred birds were typical with around 400 at Clough Bottom Res on June 16th, 500 on Turf Moor, Cheesden on July 11th, 150 at A.M.R. on the same date and 300 at Edge Cote, Marl Pits on October 23rd. Winter flocks of up to 125 birds were back at Hoyle Street, Whitworth, during October, November with 100 at Windy Bank on December 2nd.
This species continues to decline with smaller numbers recorded than in previous years. A regular flock of between 10 & 12 were present in Park Road, Helmshore during January to April. At a regularly watched Waterfoot garden only one sighting was made during January and February - much lower than in previous winters. A small breeding colony of around 12 birds remains at Gaghills and the first juvenile birds were noted here on June 26th. A good post breeding flock of around 50 birds was at Clowbridge Res car park on July 26th and 30 were at Bleakholt, Turn Village on October 16th. The only late winter flocks noted were around 10 birds at Gaghills, 14 at Park Road, Helmshore and 25 in a garden at Haslingden. In the Edgeside Lane area of Waterfoot only about 6 were seen compared with 20-30 a few years ago (EW).
At least 15 were coming to feeders at a garden in Gaghills during January and February with 3-4 at Higher Hollinbank and 7 at Hoyle Street, Whitworth during the same period. Song was first heard on February 6th from the "old" wood at Clowbridge Res, with Hoyle Street hearing its first song on February 13th and Broadley Station on February 24th. There were 9 singing males at Troy Quarry on April 3rd. A female was collecting pigeon feathers, presumably for nest lining purposes at Clowbridge Res on April 17th. The first juveniles were seen at Hoyle Street on June 10th with 4 juveniles seen in July. At Broadclough, Bacup around 20 birds were present on October 24th and this increased to over 200 by November 14th. At Cowm Res 15 were present on October 18th and Gaghills regularly had up to 22 birds throughout November and December.
A relatively poor year with low numbers recorded from just a handful of sites. Calf Hey had 10 present on January 13th with 3 or 4 at Gaghills or Trickett's Memorial Grounds during March and April. A female was present at Clough Bottom Res on April 25th was the final record for the first winter period. The first returning bird for the second winter period was a female at Gaghills on October 10th, which remained until the end of the year along with a single male. At Buckden Wood, 8 were with Chaffinches on November 14th whilst 25 were at Fern Isle Wood on the same date. The birds at Fern Isle Wood were seen on several dates the last being 15 on December 28th.
Good numbers were recorded from all corners of the Valley. At Goodshaw Fold, 30 were in bushes on January 11th and at Gaghills up to 40 were coming to feeders during January and February. Up to 10 were regularly seen on feeders in a Waterfoot garden during January and February with song first heard here on February 15th. A day later on February 16th a pair was in display flight at Rushbed. At Hoyle Street, Whitworth the first juveniles were seen on June 10th with the number increasing to 7 during July. At least 12 were in a hedge at Clowbridge Res on November 1st, 15 at Jack Lodge on December 5th and up to 40 on feeders at Gaghills again during November and December
A good year for this increasingly common finch. Hoyle Street, Whitworth, had up to 27 present during January with up to 20 remaining during February & March. At Gaghills, there were 20 on feeders on March 7th and around 12 at Clough Bottom Res on April 25th. A pair was building a nest 2 meters up a Cherry tree at Cowm Res on April 26th. Two pairs were thought to have bred at Booth Road, Waterfoot and there was a pair in Thornfield Avenue. On June 10th, 2 juveniles were noted at Hoyle Street and the number increased to 4 during July. Some large post-breeding flocks were noted with 50-60 daily at Higher Hollinbank on August 17th and 125 at Jack Lodge on September 4th. A charm of 35 was at Clowbridge Res on September 5th with 12 there on September 7th. Up to 9 birds were back on feeders at Gaghills during November and December with Hoyle Street recording up to 25 in November and up to 10 throughout December.
There were plenty of records of small flocks during the early part of the year with 5 present at Constablelee on January 18th, 15 at Calf Hey Res on February 1st, 12 on the former railway line at Camms, Helmshore on February 20th and 3 singing in trees at Trickett's on February 28th. Birds were also regularly recorded on feeders in gardens with a male and female on Booth Road during February and up to 20 on feeders at Gaghills during February and March. The largest flock of winter was 40+ at Higher Hollinbank on March 18th. Records reduced during the breeding season but 2 females were seen at Booth Road, Waterfoot on April 1st, 6 were feeding and singing in a plantation at Heap Clough on April 12th and 8 were at Clough Bottom Res on April 25th. The first bird of autumn was a single calling at Holden Wood Res on September 15th with up to 3 at Laund Hey during early October. A couple of flocks of around 10 birds were seen at Calf Hey on November 13th. A flock of 12 was at the old nursery site in Holden Vale on December 23rd with 24 on 24th.
Up to 8 birds were at Edge Cote, Marl Pits on April 11th and this had increased to 12 birds by April 18th. 10 pairs were noted in Deeply Vale on May 2nd and 8 birds were at Great House, Alden on May 12th. A family party of 6 birds including juveniles was seen in Deeply Vale on June 26th and a breeding period presence was noted at Clowbridge Res for the first time in several years when a pair arrived on July 2nd. Birds were present during the breeding season at Calf Hey Res Grane, Plunge Valley, Naden Dean, Swinshaw Moor, Cowpe Res, Bacup Golf Course and Tooter Hill, Sharneyford. Autumn brought the largest flocks of the year with around 90 on Coal Pit Lane, Shawclough on September 1st and probably the same flock at Jack Lodge on September 4th. A flock of 21 were at Seat Naze on September 9th and 20 were at Ogden Res Grane on September 17th. The last record of the year was of 9 on Moor Bottom Road, Helmshore on November 19th.
A winter flock of 20 birds near Musbury Road, Helmshore on January 31st was a good record for this species (J&BR). It was the only record of winter and the first returning birds were a pair in Green's Quarry on April 7th. A flock of 10 were on Hailstorm Hill on April 12th and 7 were seen flying from fields into Lee Quarry on April 17th. A pair was seen at Lee Quarry on April 30th and a pair was recorded at Ogden Res, Grane on May 13th. Singles flew over Lee Quarry on June 18th and Musbury on June 20th. A flock of 24 was seen in the Musbury area on December 29th and 31st (J&BR).
A flock of 24 along the old railway lines at Holden Vale on February 7th and a single feeding on a thistle at E.B.S.W on February 22nd were the only records for winter. From early April onwards birds were present at both Clod Lane, Haslingden and Calf Hey Res, Grane into June. Up to 4 birds were present at Clowbridge Res from May 17th until August 23rd and it is thought breeding occurred. A single male was singing in Deeply Vale on June 26th. On the Visible Migration Watch from Laund Hey up to 66 per hour were passing through on October 3rd. Singles per hour continued until October 18th. A single was at Clowbridge Res on November 1st and at Holden Vale 12 were with Siskins at the old nursery site on December 23rd with 60-70 there on 24th (J&BR).
The only record in a very poor season was of 7 birds flying E along Calf Hey Res on October 16th (DN).
Good numbers were recorded from many parts of the Valley for this rather secretive finch. At Gaghills, 2 pairs were regular at feeders during January and February with 3 males and 4 females on January 28th. A pair was feeding on Hawthorn buds in Booth Road, Waterfoot on March 1st. A pair was seen carrying twigs at Edge Cote, Marl Pits on April 28th and the first juvenile of the year was at Gaghills on June 26th.with a juvenile at Reedsholme on June 28th. A pair was present at Oak Mount during March - May and further records during the breeding season were noted at E.B.S.W., Haslingden centre with up to 8 birds present, Tonacliffe Meadow, Whitworth, Lea Bank Woods, Stubbylee Park and Greenhill, Bacup. At Gaghills, 3 pairs continued to come to feeders from November 20th to the end of the year. Small numbers were seen at the old nursery site, Holden Vale in late December.
There was just a single record this year of a flock of 50-60 at Musden Head Moor on December 26th (J&BR).
A female was seen in bracken in Plunge Valley on July 6th & 7th (DN).
Appears to be thriving with good numbers recorded from most suitable areas. At Holden Wood Res 3 pairs were back on territory by February 15th and this increased to 4 pairs by April 13th. In Plunge Valley there were 3 males calling from rushes on March 28th and at E.B.S.W there were 3 feeding with wagtails on April 4th. At Clowbridge Res up to 6 males were counted on territory on May 21st and in Deeply Vale 6 males were singing on June 26th. Birds were also seen on breeding territory from Turf Moor, Cheesden, Spring Mill Res, Cowm Res, Foxhill, Cowpe Res, Smallshaw Heights, Twenty Pennorth (Chapel Hill), Windy Bank and New Line Res Up to 10 birds were roosting at Clowbridge Res on November 9th and up to 40 birds were roosting at Edge Cote, Marl Pits on December 19th (KL).