ROSSENDALE ORNITHOLOGISTS' CLUB
BIRD REPORT 2006
The first of the autumn were seen flying over Clough Bottom res. on October 29th when 7 birds were seen moving high to the NE. On the same date 6 ads and 2 juvs were at A.M.R. (Roch). Three birds were present on the morning of November 1st at Clowbridge res. and presumably the same three were seen flying over Clough Bottom res. later in the day. Seven birds were calling in flight over Birch Avenue, Haslingden on November 2nd.
January 22nd proved to be a very good day for this species with a large passage recorded over the southern part of the valley. Around 2000 birds in 9 or 10 skeins were seen moving W over Spring Mill res. between 09:30 hrs and 10:30 hrs and 2000 were seen moving over A.M.R. in 4 skeins between 11:00 hrs and 11:15 hrs. One observer was reported as having watched birds at A.M.R. moving from 09:30 hrs so that the overall total must have involved several thousand birds. All were moving from E to W.
On the same day 4 skeins totalling c100 birds moved E over Clowbridge at 11:30 hrs.
Other spring movements were of 200 moving W over Gaghills on January 24th, 120 moving E to W over Holden Wood res. on February 11th and 4 birds moving NW over Laund Hey on March 28th.
Autumn records began on September 27th when 48 were moving W over Laund Hey. There were several records of birds moving over this area from this date onwards until October 22nd. Seventy were seen flying E on October 8th, 150 flying E on October 13th, 38 flying N to S on October 22nd and 100 flying E on October 24th with calling birds heard on two other dates.
Also during October 110 birds moved W over Clowbridge on the 13th, 70 flew NE over Gag Hills on 14th and again on 21st. On October 22nd DN observed a large movement, with skeins of 27, 90, 72, 200, and 240 moving S over Deeply Vale between 08:05hrs and 08:25 hrs.
Other movements at this time involved 200 birds flying E over the Kings Highway VisMig watch point at 08:55 hrs on October 29th and c130 over Clough Bottom res. flying NE on the same day. There were no records for November but during December 100 flew S over Bacup on the 9th, c60 moved W over Reedsholme on 20th and c100 moving W over Grane on 21st were thought to be of this species.
Two birds were at Holden Wood res. on April 29th and 30th.
Numbers during the early part of the year were low with New Line res. again holding larger numbers of birds than elsewhere. Twenty-five there on February 26th was the highest count for any site up to the end of March. From early March onwards there were records of paired birds from numerous waters with several sites holding several pairs. Birds were recorded at 22 sites over the course of the breeding season with multiple pairs at some sites. As an example there were 4 pairs at Scout Moor res. on May 5th but only a single pair was on the water, the rest had been chased onto the banking by the gander of the dominant pair. Successful breeding was recorded from 8 sites involving no less than 15 broods. All of those sites were in the quieter or more remote areas i.e. Deeply Vale, A.M.R. and at least one quarry pool. One pair bred successfully in a moorland situation well away from any significant water body.
Post-breeding gatherings were recorded at Holden Wood res. on June 11th when 30 were counted and A.M.R. on July 16th when 37 were there. August saw higher numbers still with 163 at A.M.R. on August 21st and 50 at Clowbridge res. on August 29th. Autumn saw a further increase with A.M.R. recording high counts of c140 birds on September 17th and 245 on September 22nd. At the same time Clowbridge res. held 90+ birds on September 12th, 100 on September 16th and 60+ on September 21st. Numbers here continued to hold up well into early November a regular flock of 60+ birds. Spring Mill res. held a maximum of 53 birds on October 14th. Elsewhere, counts were of lesser numbers (30s/40s) and a notable absence of birds in the Grane valley through the autumn to the year-end. From records received there seems to be a definite decrease in numbers from about mid November. There were few records of birds moving between sites, 3 W over Laund Hey on October 12th and 70 over Seat Naze towards Clough Bottom on December 28th being the exceptions.
A feral bird was at Cowm res. on September 18th.
2004 – There was a reliable report of successful breeding in the Irwell Vale area for this year. Eight young were reared to the hatching stage and were seen on the river downstream of the sewage works.
2006 – Present at E.B.S.W. from March 29th when a single was there. A pair was there during the whole of April and the last record was of a single bird on May 1st. There was no evidence of successful breeding. Four birds at A.M.R. on March 31st were possibly returning to breeding sites nearby. A single female was at Clowbridge res. on July 30th and 3 were circling, presumably on moult migration at dusk on August 20th.
There was a single early winter record of a bird at A.M.R. on January 22nd. Thereafter the spring brought birds to that reservoir on three dates with 2males and 2 females there on March 10th, a single male on March 31st and 1male and 2 females on April 1st.
Autumn passage began with a single male at A.M.R. on July 16th then a female or immature on August 27th and 5 birds on September 9th. Spring Mill res. held a single male on September 10th.
At Clowbridge res. 3males were present on September 10th, singles on October 11th and 20th then 1 male + 2 females on November 3rd and 4th. Holden Wood res. held a single female on November 5th and there were 3 birds at A.M.R. on November 12th. A pair was at Jack Lodge on November 19th and the last of the year was 1 male and 2 females at Holden Wood res. on December 24th.
A male was at A.M.R. on April 3rd followed by a pair on April 30th (Roch).
During the early winter period there was a pair at New Line res. on January 2nd and singles were at Clowbridge res. on January 22nd and 31st. A male bird was at Brownhouse Wham res. Whitworth on January 24th. The only breeding season record was of a pair at Deeply Vale on a small pond on which they had been seen in previous years, suggesting that there is an amount of site fidelity in this species. The first of the autumn were recorded at A.M.R. on October 14th when a group of 9 were present. Thereafter a single was at Cowm res. on November 19th, 3 flew over New Line res. on November 20th and 5 were seen to be flying towards here over Park Rd at Bacup on November 27 and again on November 28th. Seven were at Shortclough res. on December 17th and a single was at Clowbridge res. on December 21st (ELOC), (E.F.). Three were at Holden Wood res. on December 27th and the last of the year was at Clowbridge res. on December 31st (ELOC), (GW).
Common all the year round with notable congregations in excess of 50 birds at Rawtenstall centre on the R. Irwell, Cowm res. and Holmes Terrace lodge. The first young were seen at Irwell Vale on April 29th when a female was there with a brood of eight.
Breeding records came from all the expected areas and over a protracted period extending to the last days of August. Records suggest that it was a productive year.
It is of interest that the larger sheets of water (Clowbridge, A.M.R, Grane etc – Cowm being an exception this year) lack the large gatherings of this species. The birds do appear to prefer the smaller shallower waters such as Holmes Terrace lodge, New Line res. and the R. Irwell at Rawtenstall. Though it could well be that these waters all receive a regular supply of bread. Does anybody know if the birds move off these waters onto the reservoirs at dusk to roost?
Three records all for the autumn and all were from A.M.R.7 birds were there on September 10th, 3 on September 12th and a single bird present between September 19th and the month end (Roch).
One was seen briefly at A.M.R. on September 24th (Roch).
Only two records of this species this year the first was a female at A.M.R. on July15th (Roch) and another female there on November 26th.
A male was at Troy quarry on January 8th and there was a further single at Clowbridge res. from January 22nd until January 27th. A pair was at A.M.R. on January 22nd and a single was again at Clowbridge res. on February 8th. At Holmes Terrace lodge there was a pair on March 19th with a male present until April 30th and 2 females there on March 26th. Although there were sightings here of singles and a pair over this time period it is not known if breeding was attempted. A.M.R. held a flock of 12 birds on March 31st. The first of the autumn was a juv taking flies off the surface at Clowbridge res. on September 4th. Five males were at A.M.R. on October 11th and the last of the year was a male at Calf Hey res. on December 24th.
Recorded from fourteen waters over course of the year but only in small numbers. During the early winter period singles and pairs were the norm but Cowm res. held birds on six dates with a maximum of 5 birds on February 12th. This was the highest total anywhere to the end of April. There was a record of a single at Lowe lodge on April 26th. A male in the Grane valley at Holden Wood res. and Calf Hey res. between April 29th and May 13th was the only summer record. Autumn passage was recorded on June 25th when 4 birds were at Cowm res. with birds present there until July 9th. Seven were there on September 3rd. But numbers elsewhere through the autumn were of singles and pairs. Cowm res. continued to hold the highest numbers through October to December with 6 there on October 16th, 5 there on October 22nd and 6 there on December 9th. There were 5 at Clowbridge res. on October 23rd reducing to 3 on October 25th and 2 on October 26th. The last of the year was a single bird at Spring Mill res. on December 31st.
There were two spring records of this species this year when a single male was at A.M.R. on April 13th and 3 males and 2 females there on April 15th. A more typical record was that of a male there on June 21st. A single bird was at Ogden res. on August 3rd.
The vast majority of records came from Clowbridge res. during the early part of the year. There were no double figure counts, but 5 were there on January 22nd followed by a regular 2-4 birds until March 23rd to 25th when 3 pairs were present. The last of the year here was a single male on April 16th. Cowm res. held 6 birds on January 22nd then a regular 2 birds until April 9th when 4 were present. Spring Mill res. had birds on four dates between January 9th and March 2nd with a maximum of 8 on that date.
There were odd records from the Grane valley reservoirs but with no continual presence.
The first sighting of the autumn was of 2 females at Cowm res. on September 3rd. By comparison Clowbridge res. didn’t record its first bird until October 30th when a single female was present. Again Clowbridge provided a consistent series of records; there was a continual presence until the year-end with a maximum of 6 birds on November 17th though singles and pairs were more normal. Most other reservoirs recorded odd birds or pairs.
This species was seen from most sizable water areas in Rossendale through the early year with an obvious lack of records during May and June. A.M.R. held the largest numbers at this time with counts of 80 birds on January 1st, 50 on January 10th, 77 roosting on February 5th and 44 roosting on February 20th.
Both Clowbridge res. and Shortclough res. in the Limy valley held double figure groups of birds through February. Elsewhere counts of less than 10 birds were regular and widespread and could be seen on most waters including the R. Irwell.
There was breeding season presence at one locality with 6 birds there on March 19th, 2 pairs seen on April 8th declining to just a single female on May 28th. No young were observed. Records during June and July were scarce but there was a build up of birds at A.M.R. on July 14th when 19 roosted there, suggestive of birds breeding in the area. The first returning bird was noted at Clowbridge res. on August 8th with a single female present. Thereafter birds were regular there to the year-end with the highest count of 25 females on September 17th. Lower numbers were recorded elsewhere from all the major reservoirs with occasional sightings of small numbers on the rivers as far up as Waterfoot. There was a distinct period when male birds returned to the valley from their moult site with records of males being seen with increasing regularity from late November. As in past years A.M.R. recorded the highest numbers with usual late evening roost counts of 89 birds on September 19th, 96 on September 25th, 100 on September 28th and 95 on September 29th. Good numbers appeared to be maintained everywhere until the year end.
A single was at A.M.R. at September 4th to 5th (Roch).
Once again recorded from only the highest parts of Rossendale with records coming from three or four core areas. A pair were on Egerton Moss on March 26th and May 28th. A single was on Haslingden Moor on April 9th, a pair on May 21st and 4 there on December 17th. Cowpe Moss held 1 on April 23rd, 1 on May 3rd, 3 on October 2nd and a single in nearby Cragg Quarry on October 23rd. A single was seen at Wet Moss on May 28th.
A pair were on the lower slopes of Whittle Pike on April 15th (DN)
This species experiences population peaks and troughs, and as such 2006 would appear to have been a reasonably good year with records coming in from 15 sites. Sightings came from most of the usual areas with a good breeding season presence being noted. Both the Alden and the Musbury valley saw birds present through the whole year. Though a nest found on April 27th at Musbury Heights had eggs that had been sucked. Highest numbers were seen during October when a covey of 9 were on Musbury Tor on the 10th. Birds were also seen in the A.M.R. – Deeply Vale area and in the Grane valley over the course of the year. Evidence of successful breeding also came from Chapel Hill where 6 were seen on September 10th and October 15th. A covey of 8 was seen at Laund Hey on August 30th and again on October 1st and a covey of 6 birds were at Spring Mill res. on October 9th. There were no sightings for the Limy valley which might be down to observer coverage as much as anything.
Just a single record this year with a bird at Turf Moor on June 15th (KL) – a typical date for this species.
Quite a widespread distribution with an affinity for similar ground to Grey Partridge judging from the received records. As an example birds were seen in the valleys of Musbury, Grane, Plunge, Cowm and Deeply Vale. Numbers are never high with a max. of 3 or 4 birds at any site, although 7 females were at E.B.S.W. on January 8th.
Breeding records came from two sites with the first returning bird being seen at troy quarry on March 11th. It would appear that breeding was attempted here when a sitting bird was seen to cover its eggs on May 1st. There was no confirmation as to whether the outcome of this was successful. A single bird had returned to Holmes Terrace lodge by March 23rd and a pair had a nest on June 23rd this nest contained eggs on July 15th and 3 juvs were present on August 14th and 17th. Post breeding, single birds were seen at Calf Hey res. on August 18th and 20th. Cowm res. held a single on September 30th, one was on the R. Irwell at Ewood Bridge on October 7th and one was at Jack Lodge on November 19th. Of particular interest was a pair with a full grown young at Clowbridge res. on October 7th.
Scarce during the early part of the year with 2 at Spring Mill res. on January 21st, 1 at Clowbridge res. on February 6th and 8th, 2 at Ogden res. on March 5th and 1 at Twine valley (Turn) on March 19th. Single birds were recorded at four sites during the breeding season. Pairs were present at Cowm res. Spring Mill res. through the breeding season though no breeding was thought to have taken place. A pair at A.M.R. on May 13th had a nest there. Display was seen on July 16th but the outcome of any breeding success was unknown. Both Clough Bottom res. and Holden Wood res. held birds on three dates during July and August. All records from late August until mid October were for Clowbridge res., which held up to three birds over that period on 24 dates. There was a continued presence there until the year end with regular 2 to 3 birds present usually and a maximum count of 5 birds on November 5th, something of a record for this site. Birds began to appear at other reservoirs from early November onwards with Holden Wood, Cowm, Spring Mill and A.M.R, all recording one or two birds to the year-end.
A single bird was at Clowbridge res. from possibly January 14th but definitely January 16th until January 19th. This bird was watched by several members of R.O.C. and E.L.O.C. and appeared to feed well enough with views down to only a few metres, before moving on. Another or more likely this bird was seen at Foulridge res. later in the month. Quite probably the first record for the R.O.C. area.
A continuing increase in both sightings and numbers with records coming from most of the reservoirs and many sightings of birds on the move. In the early part of the year singles were at Clowbridge res. on 5 dates to March 1st. In the Grane valley birds were seen on 6 dates to April 9th with a group of 6 birds on Ogden res. on March 19th. Other notable sightings were of 7 flying down the valley at Townsendfold on February 5th. A single bird at Cowm res. on April 9th was the last of the spring.
One of the first autumn sightings was a single flying W over Rawtenstall on September 17th. Other flyovers included 3 birds moving S over Birch Ave on September 22nd and a single flying towards Cowpe res. on December 26th. There was a regular presence of 1 – 2 birds in the Grane valley throughout November. During December outside of the Grane valley sightings became more widespread with records of 1s and 2s from Clough Bottom, Shortclough, Cowpe and Clowbridge. Numbers in the Grane valley appeared to reflect the increase at this time with 4 birds at Ogden res. on December 3rd and 5 birds at Holden Wood res. on December 21st and 6 there on December 24th with an all time maximum of 7 birds there on December 31st.
Low numbers were recorded in the early part of the year with ones and twos widely distributed from all the expected waterways. Occupation of the only known breeding site was noted from January 14th when 4 nests appeared to be tenanted, thereafter regular observations recorded 6 nests on February 25th and 10 nests on March 26th though it was thought that only nine were successful (KL). Another observer recorded an average of three young per nest. Post-breeding records reflected the widespread distribution of this species with numerous records of birds along the river courses, lodges ponds and reservoirs. The largest count of any daytime roost was of four birds at Holmes Terrace lodge on July 10th. Reoccupation of the heronry was recorded on December 25th when a single bird was there with another two birds close by on the river.
There was a report of a single bird hunting over Hameldon Hill on March 11th in the area of Hapton Park eventually moving westwards over Hameldon Common (E.L.W.- C. Galeski).
XA second bird was seen at Heights Farm, Loveclough on March 25th. This bird was moving E with two Carrion Crows and a Curlew in close attention (A. Nuttall).
Is it possible that this was the same bird on both occasions?
Just three sightings this year. A female was seen hunting low over the eastern side of the Hameldon moors on January 8th and another was seen on Orrel Moss on March 19th.
Yet another female was at the head of the Grane valley on the unusual date of July 8th, and a male bird was on Haslingden Moor on November 8th (ELOC – CG) a more typical date.
A single bird was watched to soar out of sight over Rawtenstall on April 23rd. Thereafter all records came from a single area with six sightings between April and August. It was thought that two pairs were in the area over the course of the spring and summer months and there was a record of a juvenile bird on August 3rd a few miles away from the core site. A single juvenile was seen feeding on prey in a Waterfoot garden on December 12th.
Continues to thrive with sightings from all over the valley throughout the year. Records during the breeding season would suggest that breeding took place in all the usual areas of woodland. A bird was seen carrying prey at Horncliffe on March 31st and three birds were soaring over the Grane valley on April 9th. There were two records of interaction with Ravens – a Sparrowhawk was being mobbed by two Ravens over Haslingden Road on January 28th and one was watched attacking a Raven at Musbury on September 18th. Birds were seen to take Starlings and Collared Dove as prey items.
Twenty six records this year as opposed to just six in 2004; without a doubt the best ever year for this species since the formation of R.O.C. There were seven records up to April 23rd, four from June to August with the remainder spread from September to November.
The first of the year was a single bird over Haslingden on February 19th there were then several further sightings all of single birds. Typical examples were from Edge Cote on April 10th and Whinberry Naze and Cowpe Lowe on April 23rd.
The first of the autumn was over Haslingden Rd on July 29th and a single was seen at Calf Hey res. on August 27th. There were then 11 sightings between September 9th and November 14th. All were single birds with the exception of two over Birch Ave. Haslingden on September 9th and possibly the same two at Hutch Bank quarry on the same date with three there the day after.
Three were seen soaring over Lumb Vale on October 15th. Most records for the year came from typical moorland situations but one bird was seen over Bacup town centre on September 27th and the last of the year was over Rawtenstall centre on November 14th
There are very few records for Rossendale of this species but a single bird was reported to the East Lancashire Birding website as having been seen flying E in the area of Clowbridge res. on February 10th.
Just two records with one for each passage period. The first record was of two birds moving N over Clowbridge res. on April 22nd (CB), the second was of a single bird being mobbed by Carrion Crows at Spring Mill res. on October 22nd (KL)
Records came from numerous sites during the early winter period suggesting that a nucleus of birds remain in the area through the winter. Indeed one or the pair at Reedsholme was seen to come into roost on a window ledge throughout the year. Breeding numbers appear to be holding up well throughout the valley though there was an absence of records from the east which is probably a question of observer distribution rather than any lack of birds in that area. Reports during the breeding season were received from a minimum of 15 sites. Evidence of fledged young came from twelve sites with a late brood at Reedsholme not leaving the nest until August 7th due to Jackdaws filling the nest hole with twigs. Post-breeding family parties were not much in evidence; there were no reports of family parties hunting over the hillsides reminiscent of past years. Birds appeared to be widespread during the autumn with records of singles and pairs from any number of locations. B. Yorke recorded birds at the Laund Hey VisMig site on 16 dates between September 7th and October 27th though it was thought that the birds were probably local to the area. Presence was recorded to the year-end from most areas of Rossendale with again a lack of records for the eastern section.
With just twelve records all year it would appear this small falcon is struggling to maintain a hold in Rossendale. There were four spring records none of which amounted to any suggestion of breeding though all were from likely breeding habitat. Autumn records came from Cheesden - a female sat on a fence post on September 30th, Spring Mill res. - one being chased by a Peregrine and male seen on October 22nd and Laund Hey 1 moving S on October 23rd.
An unbelievably early bird was seen at Whitworth on April 3rd (D. Ousey – E.L.W.). A bird was in the Musbury valley on May11th being pursued by a Peregrine (J&BR) and a bird was at Clough bottom res. on August 28th (PF).
Consistent reports all through the year from over a wide area. Single birds were seen well away from the breeding sites during the early winter period though four together over one site on March 19th was the exception. At a second site three young were hatched though this reduced to two, later both were ringed and DNA sampled. A third site was less well monitored, though a pair were present though the breeding season it wasn’t known if breeding was successful. Through the autumn and winter birds again appeared to be well spread being seen in several unusual situations. A single was chasing Collared Doves at Clowbridge on September 22nd, a juv. flew over Edgeside estate on November 9th and 1 flew over Ventnor Rd, Haslingden on December 23rd.
Reports came from fifteen different waters throughout the year. Early winter counts were much as last year with New Line res. and Holden Wood res. holding up to 5 birds during January and February. Ogden res. held 4 birds on March 19th. Birds then appeared to split up with pairs or threes being seen from then onwards. A displaying bird was seen at Heap Clough quarry on April 17th. Birds were seen on several dates thereafter and breeding is thought to have taken place. A pair appeared on Clowbridge res. on April 29th but didn’t linger to breed.
Breeding was noted at Lench lodges where a bird was sitting on May 7th and 3 juvs were seen on June 25th. A pair had 3 young at Holden Wood res. on August 10th, and a pair with 2 juvs were on the R. Irwell near to the sewage works on August 17th. There were some good autumn counts with 6 at Holmes Terrace lodge on October 29th increasing to 7 on November 5th then 8 on November 12th. New Line res. held 5 birds on October 8th with a regular 4 then until a high of 20 on November 19th. Counts during December came from a wide area with records from most water bodies including Cowm res. Jack Lodge, Lench and Shortclough res. The highest count at this time came from Holmes Terrace lodge where 7 birds were seen on December 27th.
Very few records this year with most records coming from Holmes Terrace lodge. A pair was in residence there from February 26th until August 12th. There was no evidence of any attempted breeding. A single bird was still there on October 29th. Aside from those sightings there was a single bird at All Saints lodge on March 26th and a single at Shortclough res. on April 3rd.
There was a possible sighting of this species near Rawtenstall on February 18th. The observer was driving towards Rawtenstall along the by-pass at about 8:30am when a bird flew up from the R. Irwell, flew over the by-pass and landed in the Irwell at the other side. The observer slowed to about 20 mph as he drew level with the bird which flew with neck extended. His description of colours and markings closely match that of this species. He has seen the species abroad, but always on the ground, never in flight. However, the lack of corroboration, the briefness of the sighting and the absence of other sightings of Crane in the region at this time mean that we can only treat this as a possible sighting. The site is a regular feeding area of Grey Heron, a species more likely to be feeding in the river than Crane, which is usually found in fields and meadows. It seems more likely that the bird was a Heron flying (unusually) with neck extended for the short distance it travelled.
After last years noted increase in sightings 2005 saw a return to more usual levels. Most records came from the areas around the reservoirs. First returns were noted at A.M.R. on March 1st when a single was roosting there, Clowbridge res. a there single on March 20th and at Holden Wood res. where a single was seen on March 26th. A pair was present in the Grane valley all summer though it was thought that breeding didn’t take place. Similarly at A.M.R. there was a good series of records through the summer with no evidence of breeding. A pair at Shawforth attempted breeding twice but was unsuccessful on both occasions. Four birds flew up the Grane valley on June 17th and the last sighting for the year at A.M.R. where 2 were seen on July 8th.
First returning birds were seen at Shawforth on April 1st where a pair was present through the summer though no young were seen. There was also an adult at Spring Mill res. on May 8th. Birds had retuned to the Grane valley by April 9th though despite being present in several areas through the summer and display being seen no successful breeding was reported. The last of the year was at Calf Hey res. on July 16th.
Just a single record this year with a single bird seen at A.M.R. on August 21st.
There were sightings around the year with the exception of the months June, July and August. During the early winter there were 5 birds on Cowpe Moss on January 15th. Two were heard on March 18th and 4 pairs and a flock of 14 birds were there on April 15th. Nearby a pair were on territory on Knowl Moor on April 28th and a pair and a flock of 6 were at Top of Leach on April 29th.
Breeding season numbers appeared to be on the low side on Cowpe Moss with just a pair and a single bird there on May 5th. Records from the western areas started with a flock of 25 on Haslingden Moor on April 9th. A male bird was on the moor edge there on April 30th. On Wet Moss a pair was seen on May 28th. A pair with young was on Bentley Moss on June 30th. At the Laund Hey VisMig site birds were recorded from October 7th when several parties were heard flying over. Birds were heard on four other dates to October 19th with a maximum of 4 moving S on October 10th. Twelve birds probably of this species were seen to fly over Haslingden Moor on November 3rd and 8 were there on December 17th.
A bird passed over to the S at the Laund Hey VisMig site on September 23rd (BY).
Thirty birds were at A.M.R. on January 15th and 12 were at Ogden res. on January 22nd, suggesting that numbers were on the low side during the early winter. Eighteen at Holden Wood res. on February 10th and c20 moving E plus c30 moving S over Clowbridge on February 13th were the first indications of movement back into the area. Further movements involved 70 flying over Holmes Terrace lodge on February 25th and 18 were close to breeding habitat at Laund Hey on March 1st. At A.M.R. 63 birds were roosting though this number had dropped to just 2 birds on March 19th. During March and April birds were seen on breeding territories at various sites including Shadlock Cote, Deeply Vale, Whittaker Pasture, Musbury Heights, Musbury Tor, Sand Beds, Seat Naze, Stacksteads and Holden Wood. The largest numbers reported were at Whittaker Pasture where 18 were present on March 19th. Whilst still a widespread breeding species in Rossendale most colonies appear to hold a lot fewer pairs than in days gone by. Successful breeding occurred at Troy Wood and Deeply Vale with young seen at both sites during June and July.
Post-breeding flocks were noted from June when 27 were at Alden on the 8th. At Mitchell House res. 45 birds were there on July 2nd and 60 were at A.M.R. on July 16th. Numbers here had increased to 250 on June 21st. At the Laund hey VisMig site birds were recorded on five dates between October 16th and October 24th with a high count of 22 on the first date. Thirty birds moved S over Haslingden on October 26th and 15 moved S over the Kings Highway on both October 29th and November 1st. Lower numbers were seen at several sites around the valley at this time with birds being reported from as high up as Hameldon Hill and around the reservoirs. Late year totals included 30+ at Clough Bottom res. on December 3rd, 50 over Haslingden on December 23rd, and 400+ roosting on the roof of the Camfil building at Broadway on December 27th.
A pair were on breeding habitat at Cowpe Moss on May 6th. Three adults were at Spring Mill res. on May 7th and 2 were at A.M.R. on the same date.
Two were at A.M.R. on July 10th (Roch).
Just two records of this elusive species. One was at Hurdles Quarry on November 4th and one was at Cowpe res. on November 18th (KL).
Records came from very few areas of the valley during the early part of the year with mainly singles being recorded. However there was evidence of a larger presence at Edge Cote where 11 birds were flushed on April 2nd. Breeding season records were few and far between with only five sightings between April 17th and July 8th, though 3 birds at Cheesden on April 17th were probably breeding stock.
There was a good series of autumn records from Edge Cote (KL) with 3 birds there on August 20th then 6 on September 10th, 19 on September 30th, 32 on October 15th, 39 on November 5th, 26 on December 3rd and 7 on December 26th. This series shows a prolonged passage of birds between early October and early December and was reinforced with sightings of 61 birds on Hameldon Hill on October 15th and 41 birds there again on October 23rd. At a site near Compston’s Cross 21 birds were seen on November 4th and 20 were on Hameldon Hill on the same date. Other sites from the high areas held mainly single figure groups during this time period the highest count being of 5 birds on Haslingden moor on December 17th.
A single bird was at Calf Hey res. on January 8th and there were five records from Clowbridge between January 17th and March 20th when 4 birds were there. Elsewhere a single bird was at Dunnockshaw on February 18th and 3 were there on March 21st Singles were at Fern Isle Wood on March 2nd, Lumb Vale on March 31st, E.B.S.W. on April 1st, Heap Clough on April 1st and Lumb Vale on April 8th.
There were no breeding season records this year. Autumn records came mainly from Clowbridge with the first two birds seen on November 16th there were then four more sightings of 1s and 2s to the year-end. A single bird was at Calf Hey res. on December 3rd.
A flock of 21 birds flew onto A.M.R. at around midday on September 5th (Roch).
A single bird was at Clowbridge res. on November 10th (PG).
A single bird probably on northward passage was on Rooley Moor on June 2nd. Three birds were at A.M.R. on August 11th and a single was there the day after.
Recorded from early March with reports of singles and pairs from most of the high moors throughout the month - the first was at Clowbridge on March 9th. There was a flock of 34 with a regular 20 – 30 at A.M.R. at this time. Breeding season records came from at least twenty areas of moorland with several areas holding more than one pair e.g. 5 pairs at Grane May 28th. It would appear from records received that most birds had left Rossendale by mid June.
Evidence of post-breeding flocks came from Calf Hey res. where 8 were present on June 10th and Haslingden Moor where 6 were present on June 11th. The last of the year was seen flying E to W over Haslingden on August 17th.
There was just a single record this year for this species with a single at Clowbridge res. on August 16th.
A single bird flew onto A.M.R. from the direction of Deeply Vale on August 5th (Roch)
Two birds flew off A.M.R. towards Deeply Vale on August 4th (Roch).
The first returning birds were seen at both Clowbridge res. and A.M.R. on April 15th. Thereafter there was a continual presence on at least six of the reservoirs in Rossendale. High counts were recorded at Clough Bottom res. on April 24th when 4 birds were present, Clowbridge res. on May 3rd when 2 pairs were present and at Ogden res. on May 18th when 6+ birds were seen. An empty nest was found at Ogden res. on June 10th with no sign of any young in the area. Of interest was a report of a pair breeding along the Cheesden Brook (C.H.). It must be some years since there was such a record from any of the rivers in Rossendale.
Most birds appeared to have left the valley by the end of July with only two August records and three September records, with the last birds seen at Clough Bottom res. and Clowbridge res. on September 1st.
A summer plumaged bird was at A.M.R. on August 20th (Roch).
A fully summer plumaged bird was seen at A.M.R. on several dates during June and July and possibly the same bird again on August 3rd (Roch). This is probably the first record for the area of this nationally increasing species.
Daytime numbers during the early part of the year included c70 at New Line res. on January 2nd, this site continued to hold reasonable numbers through to the spring. Other waters holding similar numbers of up to 100 birds included Spring Mill res., Cowm res., Holden Wood res., and Cowpe res. Up to 100 birds were at E.B.S.W. on January 8th. The evening roost at Clowbridge res. held c3000 at this time with numbers tailing of in early February due to birds moving back to their breeding grounds. There was an appreciable drop in numbers everywhere towards the end of February with counts during March being well down. By April only single figure flocks of mainly adult birds were being seen with most records coming from E.B.S.W. Only a single bird was seen during May, at Holden Wood res. on the 21st. Early June records were again mainly of small single figure groups but the first returning birds were seen at Musbury when a flock of 22 adults with a lone juvenile bird were seen there on June 14th. Sightings then became more regular with numbers picking up considerably through July and August though the largest flock recorded was of 32 birds in the Grane valley. A juvenile of the year was picked up dead at Townsendfold on July 10th having got its head trapped in a fence. Though numbers remained relatively low the species was widespread with the largest numbers seen in the Whitworth valley at Spring Mill res. with counts of up to 85 birds and 100 at Cowm res. through September.
Passage at the VisMig site on Laund Hey saw birds moving on eight dates between October 12th and 27th with high counts of 70 on October 16th and 85 on October 25th (BY). Eighty birds moved S in 3.25 hrs over Kings Highway VisMig site on October 29th (BY). One hundred birds were at Cowm res. on October 30th. November saw a real increase in numbers with several large counts, 400 were at Clowbridge res. on the evening of November 2nd. However it would appear that these birds were not roosting at this date as c600 were watched moving off the reservoir towards the W at dusk on November 3rd. The winter roost at this site doesn’t start until later in the month with birds ceasing to roost there by mid February. At A.M.R. 290 were roosting there on November 12th and c500 there on November 26th. Daytime numbers during this period were good with flocks of 40 to 200 birds recorded over a wide area including Holden Wood res., E.B.S.W. New Line res., Cowm res. and Harden Moor. Away from the reservoirs at this time flocks were observed on farmland at Tip Lodge, Turn, Musbury, Shadlock Cote and Seat Naze. There was one instance of possible predation by a Peregrine when the remains of a B.H. Gull were found on Rooley Moor on November 29th.
There appears to be little change in status from last year with records for all the main reservoirs in the valley. Largest numbers for the early winter period were recorded during the first weeks of February when 144 were roosting at A.M.R. on February 5th and 120 on there on February 11th. At Clowbridge res. c100 were roosting there on February 13th and 60 were at Holden Wood res. on February 10th. Thereafter, numbers dropped appreciably with very few records for March, the last of the spring was a single immature bird at Clowbridge res. on March 26th. The first returning birds of the autumn were seen at Cowm res. on September 18th when a single adult was there, at the Laund Hey VisMig site when 4 flew S in 3.25 hrs on September 22nd and a single at A.M.R. on September 23rd. Low single figure counts were noted mainly from the reservoirs after this time but there was an upsurge in sightings from early November onwards. Ten birds feeding on the football fields above the Glen at Waterfoot on November 4th and 60 birds at A.M.R. on November 12th point towards an influx at this time. At Shadlock Cote 30 were present on November 19th and 100 were feeding in fields at Turn on November 26th. Small numbers were present in the Whitworth valley through to the year-end with a high count of 10+ at Cowm res. on December 9th. Elsewhere numbers were seen to be as usual. There was a roost count of 200 birds at A.M.R. on December 16th with daytime presence noted at all the reservoirs through to the year-end.
Very few records were received for the early part of the year. Five birds were seen flying over Edge Cote on January 22nd and 5 were at A.M.R. on February 11th. There was a slight upturn during March and April with birds being noted on six occasions. Some of these records were from E.B.S.W. and A.M.R. and refer to birds moving along the same flight lines as Lesser Black Backed Gulls. It could well be that Herring Gulls are being overlooked in their movements. There was a paucity of records for the summer months and autumn numbers were along the same lines with only three records for that period. Numbers picked up slightly around early November when 2 adults and 2 juvs were at Grane and 1adult and 2 imm. moved NW over Stony Rake on November 5th. December brought better numbers to the area with records for six dates with a high count of 35 birds at Clowbridge res. on December 17th, which eventually moved off the water westwards. Thirteen were seen moving N over Holden Vale flash on December 24th.
Most records in the early winter were of birds on the move with c400 flying W over E.B.S.W. on January 23rd, though 200 were at A.M.R. on January 30th. There was a period of movement in February when 15 flew N over Constablelee on February 3rd, 14 flew N over Clowbridge on February 6th, 200 flew over Hurdles quarry on February 6th and 16 flew over Clough Bottom res. on February 27th. Two were seen amongst Lesser Black-backs over Ewood Bridge moving NW on March 27th and 7 were moving in the same direction over Grane on the same date. There were then no more records until June 12th when 10 were seen in the Grane area. A.M.R. appears to be the only site to record birds through the summer months and into the autumn with only very low numbers seen e.g. 20 on September 25th being the highest count for that period. Winter numbers were also on the low side with the exception of 100 at A.M.R. on December 18th and c50 at Clowbridge res. on December 27th.
A single bird was in the company of Lesser Black Backed Gulls at A.M.R. on July 5th and possibly the same bird was seen again on August 3rd (Roch)
What was probably the highest count on record for the area was seen at A.M.R. on January 1st when 150+ were there (Roch). Although this number wasn’t repeated A.M.R. still held the lions share for sheer numbers over the early winter period. Fifteen were there on January 22nd, 22 roosted there on February 5th and 70+ on February 20th. During the same period at Clowbridge res. birds were recorded on nine dates with high counts of 8 birds on January 4th, 6 on January 7th and 4 on January 26th. Small numbers of over flying birds were noted at a few sites but the last of the winter was of a 2w bird flying E over Hurdles Quarry on March 19th. There was an unseasonable record of a single bird over Sharneyford on July 9th. The first record of the second winter period was a single at Clowbridge res. on November 25th. There were then a further six records to the year end with high counts again coming from A.M.R. of 35 roosting on December 16th and 36 there on December 27th. Twenty-nine birds were moving over Townsendfold in the direction of A.M.R. on December 24th.
An immature bird was at A.M.R. on April 9th (Roch).
An adult bird was feeding at Clowbridge res. on June 25th (RI & DN) A bird possibly of this or the next species was seen at Laund Hey on September 11th heading S (BY)
Three birds were present for a short period at A.M.R. on May 4th (Roch).
Three birds passed through at A.M.R. on August 28th and 2 were seen briefly at the same site on September 16th (Roch).
Recorded from most of the expected sites around the town centres. A regular fifteen came to feed at a garden at Gaghills during the year and a bird was seen to be carrying nest material on January 14th nearby at Waterfoot. High counts included c20 at Stacksteads during December and 90 at Rawtenstall in the same month.
Continues to hold it own despite the concerns for farmland species and was recorded from a minimum of seventeen sites between March and June. Present during January at Lench, Spring Mill res. and Musbury suggesting that not all our birds leave the area. Surprisingly there were no records for February. By March birds were back at four quarry sites including Troy, Greens, Hurdles and Lee and by April there were records for a further seven sites. Numbers were never very high, four being a maximum anywhere. Further records during April and May came from Deeply Vale, Huttock Top, Clowbridge, Shawforth and Cowpe. Breeding was noted at Healey Dell and Musbury though no doubt it did occur at most sites.
Numbers from July onwards were higher probably coinciding with post breeding. Five were at A.M.R. on July 22nd, up to 6 birds in the Lench / Hurdles Quarry area from August to October and 4 at Clough Bottom res. on August 27th. Movement was noted at Grane when 5 birds flew SW on September 24th and at Laund Hey on five dates with a high count of 8 moving S in 2.5 hrs on October 24th (BY). Six birds were at E.B.S.W. on October 29th though there were only two November dates and the last sighting of the year was of two birds at Musbury seen from December 16th to the year-end.
Low numbers were recorded during the early winter period though the species was widespread. A bird was seen displaying in Rawtenstall centre on January 13th. Breeding was recorded at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall; Staghills Woods and Newhallhey and no doubt at all the usual sites. Autumn numbers were a little more encouraging with c30 at Deeply Vale on October 22nd, 50 at Cowm res. on October 23rd and 80 at Lench on October 29th. Larger numbers still were in the Whitworth valley where 120+ were at Fern Isle Wood on October 25th and at Cowm res. where 100 were counted on October 30th and at Reedsholme where c200 were seen in woodland on October 30th.
Birds were recorded at Laund Hey VisMig site on 19 dates between September 16th and October 27th with high counts of 50 on October 10th and 142 in 3.5hrs moving S on October 22nd. Larger numbers still were counted at Calf Hey res. with 257 to W in 5.75 hrs on November 2nd, 234 to W on November 3rd. There was further reduced passage until November 7th with 64 to W and 6 to E on that date (BY). Sixteen were moving W over Townsendfold on November 12th and 100 were at Hameldon Hill on November 19th. On the same date c100 were in Brookes’ Wood at Reedsholme and were seen to be moving towards Dunnockshaw before dusk on November 29th. Further large movements were seen through December with c400 at Cowm res. moving towards Bacup on December 2nd, 250 W over Holmes Terrace Lodge on December 3rd and c200 at Reedsholme on December 4th. Numbers appeared to drop towards the year-end with groups of 40 – 50 being more regular however there were still 150 at Reedsholme on December 30th.
As last year there were records from widespread areas of the valley with birds generally confined to parks and gardens. There was a report for the early part of the year from the Whitworth valley that numbers were again much reduced with just two birds making infrequent visits to a garden there. Breeding was recorded from Oak Mount and Whitworth and no doubt occurred elsewhere. A bird seen during May at Higher Hollinbank in the Musbury valley was first ever seen there despite the species being numerous just down the valley. By June numbers at Hoyle St, Whitworth had increased to 10 birds including 3 juvs. with numbers being maintained at this level to the year-end. Good numbers were also recorded at Clowbridge where an increase has been noted over the past few years. A flock of 25 birds were there on November 25th. E.B.S.W. held 10 birds on December 3rd and 10 birds were in a garden at Irwell Vale on the same date. There was a constant year round presence at Gaghills, Waterfoot where up to 10 birds came to feeders with a maximum of 17 coming to roost during December.
A single bird of this species was seen flying over Gaghills at Waterfoot on May 4th.
A bird calling at Musbury on May 2nd was the first of the year. The same or possibly another bird was heard from May 18th until June 16th, reportedly the first Cuckoos to be heard in that valley for three years (J&BR). In the Plunge valley on May 5th a silent bird was watched at some distance perched on a wall being mobbed by Meadow Pipits. A bird was calling on several dates at Deeply Vale between May 1st and May 24th before moving into the Rochdale area (Roch).
A report of a breeding pair during early July was proven to be correct after two observers visited the site twice later in the month. Both adults and at least one large young were seen on the evening of July 16th. There were further sightings of what were almost certainly birds from this site up to a mile away during August. It is not known if these birds are from captive stock but the location would suggest otherwise. This instance is the first confirmed breeding of Barn Owls in Rossendale for some years.
Present in the early year at Musbury, Clowbridge, Grane and Hurdles quarry. Breeding season presence came from a minimum of fourteen sites all from the dry-stone wall areas of the valley or amongst the quarries. Sites included Deeply Vale, Alden, Haslingden Moor, Edge Cote, Troy Wood and any number of the quarries in the area.
A good series of records came from the Musbury valley where a pair was observed mating on March 14th and one bird was on the nest by April 20th. A bird was still sitting on May18th and on June 24th a juvenile was seen hopping onto the porch of the building. Two juveniles were seen on July 7th and the pair and one juvenile were seen on July 23rd. There was then a continual presence of a pair until the year-end. Elsewhere there were many reports of single birds on breeding territory and doubtless pairs were present at most of these sites with breeding probably taking place.
Records came from twenty sites during the course of the year suggesting that this species is very common in view of the fact that was recorded from several sites which have not been logged before. There was defined period of calling birds from early January to early April with birds heard at several sites. Apart from the usual sites around the reservoirs and the valley bottoms there were records from Edgeside estate, Edge Cote and near Cloughfold primary school. Breeding was reported from Oak Mount and Musbury where a bird was sitting eggs on May 5th. At Hoyle St Whitworth a bird was seen to take frogs during early May but, according to the observer, failed to take a rat, which seemed not to be bothered by the bird’s attentions. There were numerous records of pairs or singles seen during the breeding season at several long established sites. A resumption of calling was noted at Reedsholme, Rawtenstall, Alden, and Helmshore from August onwards with a pair at Hoyle St, Whitworth calling regularly throughout December.
Recorded as breeding successfully from three areas. At one site a pair had three eggs on April 26th and at least one large young by June 7th. A second site had two juveniles calling on June 23rd with further sightings of both adults and young on July 23rd. The third site held a single adult on March 25th and on several dates through the spring and summer. Despite regular monitoring of the site no young were heard until August 20th when a single juvenile was heard calling and was last heard on September 4th.
Two birds at Clowbridge continued to winter with sightings there from February 13th until February 17th. Thereafter a single bird was seen on a further six dates until April 4th with no further sightings after that date. A single bird was seen hunting near the Musbury valley on January 8th and April 6th; two birds were in the area on February 9th and a single was in the same general area on April 23rd. There was no indication of breeding but the dates are suggestive. Elsewhere during spring two birds were at A.M.R. on March 18th. No birds were recorded through the summer months. Autumn brought a single bird to A.M.R. on October 6th with 2 there on November 12th and 26th. A single bird was seen at Peersclough Rd on October 22nd and two birds hunting the moor at Crown Point on December 26th were the last of the year.
As last year, April 24th saw the first arrival with a single in Haslingden. Single figure sightings continued to be seen to the end of April and the first larger counts were of 15 birds over Bacup and the same number over Stacksteads on May 3rd. Numbers continued to rise as May progressed with 20+ at Edgeside on May 6th, 20-30 at Higher Hollinbank on May 18th, 30 over the Grane Valley on May 21st and c200 at E.B.S.W. on May 28th. By June 1st c10 pairs were nesting in Fairfield Avenue, Edgeside, c4 pairs were seen at the Pine Street Colony with similar numbers on Broadley’s Mill at Reedsholme during June. Numbers appear to have been quite low throughout the summer with 32 over Hoyle Street, Whitworth, 40 over Rawtenstall centre and 50 over Edgeside the highest count recorded. The birds at the Reedsholme colony had left by 28th July, with the Pine Street colony, Haslingden leaving on July 31st. Fifteen were seen at Clowbridge on August 9th and this was the last double figure sighting of the year. Small numbers continued to be seen throughout August. A late record was of single flying down the Whitewell Valley on September 4th and the final record for the year was of a very late bird at A.M.R. on September 23rd.
Seen in every month and from several locations, the majority of records however are for the Irwell S of Rawtenstall. A single was seen on the Irwell at Lumb Vale on January 8th with several further sightings here throughout the year. A single was also seen on Lench Lodges on several dates throughout the early part of the year but not after the end of March. A pair was confirmed as breeding during July when food was seen being taken into the nest. The late date would suggest this might have been a second brood. Post breeding records came from a wide range of localities including Bacup, Jack lodge, The Whitewell Valley, Helmshore and Wallbank Lodge, Whitworth.
Even though it was recorded throughout the year in suitable locations, the Green Woodpecker remains an uncommon site throughout much of Rossendale. The first record of the year was of a single at Newchurch on February 5th with further records from nearby Staghills Woods from March 26th to August 11th throughout. The other site with regular records was Higher Hollinbank where the first record was on March 27th with a further eight sightings to October 27th. Other sightings came from Deeply Vale, Loveclough, Clough Bottom res., Seat Naze, Marl Pits, Plunge, Stoneholme, Holden Wood res., Jack Lodge and Healy Dell where one was “yaffling” on December 31st.
Recorded in all suitable areas, the species continues to thrive in Rossendale with a good number of breeding records for 2006. Three males were drumming in Staghills Woods on March 5th. An adult was seen entering the nest hole with food at the same site on May 14th whilst in Stubbylee Park an adult was feeding young at the nest hole on June 2nd. At Higher Hollinbank the adults were seen with two juveniles on June 26th where after the female was seen on several occasions with one of the young until July 17th. Sightings continued until the year-end from many locations, including several records of birds visiting garden feeders.
The first returning bird was a single in the company of meadow Pipits on Haslingden Moor on January 21st. The first substantial numbers of returning birds were 20 at Clowbridge res. on February 19th where the first singing birds were noted on February 21st when 3 were in song. Spring records were noted from most moorland areas with 30 on Scout Moor on April 15th, 60 on Cowpe Moss on April 23rd, and 27 in the Alden Valley on May 4th the highest counts. An odd bird was still in song at Clowbridge on June 25th but this was the last recorded date for breeding activity. Passage migration was first noted on Sept 25th when 31 moved S during Bryan Yorke’s VisMig observations from Laund Hey. Small numbers continued to be noted on passage until November 5th. The last record for the year was of a single bird above Marl Pits on December 3rd.
All early records for the year were from E.B.S.W. where the first of the year was seen on April 1st, two days earlier than last year’s first sighting. These were mainly of single figure counts until 10 were seen on April 14th and 20 were seen there on April 17th. Away from E.B.S.W. birds were seen moving N at Heap Clough, Grane on April 16th and again moving N at Clough Bottom res. on April 23rd. Breeding records came from the usual site on The Irwell at Townsendfold where birds were first seen inspecting the nest holes on April 21st. It is thought most of the breeding attempts at this site failed following heavy summer rains and a second attempt was made a little further downstream at a previously used site. The only other sightings during the breeding season were at Holden Wood res. where 1 was seen on May 28th, 1 again on June 4th and c6 on June 11th. The first returning birds were 10 heading S over Cowpe Moss on July 15th and the final record for the year was of 4 birds seen entering the nest holes on The Irwell on August 12th.
The first returning bird of the year was exceptionally early flying NW over Hameldon on March 25th. A string of sightings then followed from E.B.S.W. with a single on March 31st, 60 on April 9th and 100 there by April 10th. Numbers peaked at E.B.S.W. during mid April with 250 seen there on the 16th and 200 on the 17th. Breeding birds were back at Tenements Farm on April 19th and the first young of the year were seen at Warth where they were being fed by adults on June 25th. During the breeding season birds were recorded throughout our area with c25 regularly seen at Higher Hollinbank, up to 50 over Sharneyford on July 6th, and 50 at Clough Bottom res. on August 4th. Good numbers were recorded by Bryan Yorke during his VisMig observations during the Autumn with 100 seen moving S on September 16th, 285 S on September 22nd and 334 S on September 23rd the highest counts. The final record of the year was of a single flying S over Laund Hey on October 15th.
As in most years E.B.S.W. provided the first record of the year when 2 were seen there on April 9th. This site provided the bulk of the early records with up to 10 birds present on 16th April and again on the 30th April. The end of April saw the first birds retuning to their breeding sites with 3 back at colonies in Waterfoot on 27th. Breeding records appear to have been down on previous years with only small numbers recorded at Reedsholme, Water and Whitworth. Feeding birds were present in good numbers however at Higher Hollinbank with c 20-30 most days and 50 at Holden Wood res. on August 3rd so hopefully some breeding went unobserved. There was an excellent count of over 500 birds seen at Higher Hollinbank as they passed by in one flock on August 26th (J&BR). Good flocks were seen again at the end of the breeding season with 50 over the treetops at Reedsholme on August 29th, 50 over Hoyle Street, Whitworth on September 9th and 65 flying S over Birch Ave, Haslingden on October 3rd. The last records of the year were 2 over the rooftops at Reedsholme and 4 at Lumb, both records on October 4th.
A pair bred in The Grane Valley where the first bird of the spring was seen on May 4th. A singing bird was heard here on May 16th and further sightings noted on May 18th and June 9th. One was displaying on June 18th and observed during the summer bird race and one was regularly seen during Jim Rostron’s fishing visits to Ogden res. during June and July. Jim saw 2 birds there on July 11th one of which was a juvenile which was struggling to get out of the by-wash. The last record for Grane was of 2 birds on July 23rd. A further 5 records occurred during September and October from Bryan Yorke’s VisMig observations the last being a bird S on October 10th.
Even in the depths of winter birds were recorded from many areas with Bacup Cemetery, Haslingden Moor, Lee Quarry and of course E.B.S.W. all recording January sightings. The first returning spring birds were seen on February 16th during VisMig observations from Laund Hey, with 2 birds in fields at Crown Point on the same date and 20 back in Alden on March 5th. Bryan Yorke’s VisMig observations during March saw numbers increase, with around 80 birds per hour heading NW on both the 20th and 25th. Breeding pairs were noted from all suitable areas and this species remains a very common breeding bird throughout Rossendale. The return passage was first noted on August 9th when 10 moved S through Clowbridge res. Further records of passage through Clowbridge was noted on many autumn days with 60 on September 10th, 50 on September 20th and 100 on September 23rd some of the higher numbers. Around 100 were also noted at Clough Bottom res. on September 23rd. VisMig records from Laund Hey were very impressive with 1194 S on September 16th, 973 S on September 22nd, 615 S on September 23rd and 2308 S on September 25th the highest numbers but good passage continued until the end of October.
Following a blank last year we had three records for 2006. E.B.S.W. had a single male present on the coke beds on April 16th and a further single was seen there on May 1st. A returning bird was seen at Peersclough on September 25th. Just outside our area at A.M.R. a bird was noted on spring passage on April 25th with a returning bird there on August 12th.
One was regularly taking mealworms from a garden in Hoyle Street, Whitworth during Jan, February and March. A good count of up to 7 birds was regularly present on E.B.S.W. during the late winter period. Breeding disputes were noted on March 19th at Townsendfold where the male of a pair was driving off a second male bird. It was noted that at least 5 pairs bred on the Irwell between Rawtenstall and Stubbins. Further up the valley an adult was seen with 4 juvs on the Irwell at Warth on June 3rd whilst on the Limy a pair was seen with 4 young at Reedsholme on June 4th. Meanwhile over in Hoyle Street, Whitworth a pair had 2 juvs on 20th July and this was thought to be the second brood. Birds were recorded on all suitable habitat and it would appear to have been a very successful breeding season with additional breeding confirmed at Cowpe, Mitchell House res., Holden Wood res., Alden, Ogden Valley and Calf Hey res. Small groups of up to three birds were recorded to the end of the year at many sites, including a small number on VisMig watches.
Good numbers were recorded from the main winter site of E.B.S.W. with 85 there on January 6th, 60 on March 5th and c100 on March 19th. Our local quarries did well for early breeding pairs with birds present in Hurdles, Lee and Troy during March and April. Clowbridge res. had a pair back on territory on April 16th and a pair was on the Limey at Tup Bridge on April 21st. A pair were feeding young in Bacup on May 17th, a pair were carrying food at Clough Bottom res. on May 31st with juvs were seen at Hareholme on June 3rd and Clowbridge on June 25th. VisMig was noted from Laund hey on several dates with 27 and 33 S on September 22nd and 25th the highest numbers. A good sighting was a flock of over 50 birds at New Line res. on October 8th (PF). Numbers began to build at E.B.S.W. towards the year-end with 83 there on November 14th and 101 on November 16th.
There were one or two birds on 5 occasions during April at A.M.R. (Roch)
A small flock of between 4 – 6 birds was seen regularly in Hoyle Street, Whitworth, between March 29th and April 13th. They were usually sat high in poplar trees, sometimes with starlings and may have been eating buds. It is thought they roosted nearby at a local mill.
Single birds or pairs were noted from most rivers and streams during the early part of the year. A surprising record was of one in Lee Quarry on March 28th (PF) whereas a pair at Jack Lodge behind the waterfall on April 23rd was a little more usual, as was an agitated bird on The Irwell at Ewood Bridge on the same date. A bird was in song at Townsendfold on May 8th and the first young of the year were on The Limy near The Craven Heifer where 3 juveniles were being fed on May 18th. An adult was carrying food at Ogden res. on May 18th and further breeding was confirmed at Lumb Vale, Helmshore, Ravenshore, Alden, Musbury, at Stacksteads where at least 2 pairs bred, and many other sites in what appears to have been a very good breeding season for the species. A bird was back in song at Lench on October 29th with another at Groundwork, New Hall Hey on November 5th. Two were seen at Groundwork on November 12th, one was singing whilst the other was attempting to eat a fish that was much too large for it!
This species continues to be recorded, from many varied habitats with garden records from Hoyle Street, Whitworth, Oak Mount Rawtenstall and Higher Hollinbank, Helmshore during the early part of the year. Birds were also recorded from Bacup centre, Troy Quarry, Hutch Bank Quarry, Holden Wood res. and Clough Bottom res. amongst many other areas. A pair were carrying nesting material at Hoyle Street, Whitworth on April 15th and at least two pairs bred at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall.
A singing bird was noted at Oak Mount Rawtenstall on January 28th, as was another at Holden Wood res. on February 12th. At least four birds were at Oak Mount on February 18th and two pairs successfully bred here. Breeding was also confirmed at Hoyle Street, Whitworth with up to 3 juveniles seen here during July. One was singing and displaying to a female on November 16th at New Line res. Up to four were seen in a garden in Hoyle Street, Whitworth throughout December.
Up to three were in Hoyle Street, Whitworth and up to six at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall during the early part of the year. Food was being taken to four young in the nest at Hoyle Street on March 30th and three pairs bred at Oak Mount. Young were also seen in Bacup centre on May 17th, with one at Gaghills on May 19th and again at Staghills Woods on May 21st. A bird started singing again on August 31st at Higher Hollinbank and continued almost daily thereafter.
A pair, were seen in Cragg Quarry on October 22nd with just the male seen there again on October 28th (KL).
We had just one record during the spring and that was a female feeding from fence posts on the lower slopes of Bull Hill on May 28th (DN). All other records refer to autumn passage birds at Clowbridge res. with either four or five birds being noted, usually in the company of Stonechats, on four dates between August 20th and September 1st (RI).
Winter records were widespread with The Grane valley, Clough Bottom res., Clowbridge res., Cowm res., Spring Mill res., Higher Hollinbank, Cowpe Lowe, Alden, Deeply Vale and Turf Moor all producing many sightings. Most records were of single birds or pairs but it was thought two pairs over wintered at Clowbridge. A male was holding territory at Clowbridge on April 10th and by May 4th a pair were seen carrying food to the nest. On May 6th, 2 pairs were present in Deep Clough, Grane and again birds were carrying food. On May 22nd a family party of two adults and six young was seen at Clowbridge res. and at the same site a minimum of four pairs were on territory on May 29th and this increased to five pairs present by June 3rd. At least five pairs were also recorded in The Grane Valley, 4 pairs in Plunge, 2 pairs at Cowpe res. and pairs at Swallow Shore, Clough Bottom res., Bentley Moss, Spring Mill res., Alden, Higher Lench, Mitchell House res. and Tooter Hill. With a minimum of twenty-six pairs recorded and no doubt several others going unrecorded this was an excellent breeding season for Rossendale’s Stonechats with good numbers of juveniles noted. Autumn records were also abundant with 11 at Clowbridge on September 11th, 10 on the 20th and 6 on September 21st. At Holden Wood res., 10 were present on October 8th and 7 there on October 15th. Pairs or singles were recorded from many locations until the year-end.
Our first returning bird was seen in Lee Quarry when a male was seen on March 28th and a party of 8 birds was also seen on the same date at Hameldon Scouts. Clowbridge followed the day after with its first of the year and 4 were on Harden Moor on April 1st. Good numbers followed in April with 6 at Clowbridge on the 7th, 8 at Musbury Heights on the 9th, 7 at Clowbridge on the 9th increasing to 9 there on the 10th. A group of 10 birds at Musbury heights on April 18th were thought to possibly be of the larger Greenland race (BY). A group of 13 on Nutshaw Hill on April 29th was the largest number recorded during the spring passage. On April 19th, four males were singing and displaying at Cowm res. and on April 30th a bird was seen pulling wool from a dead sheep when building a nest in the base of a dry stone wall above Cowpe res. The first juvenile was seen on May 7th at Cragg Quarry with further breeding records from Cowm res., Hurdles Quarry, Turf Moor and Musbury Tor during June and July. Autumn passage was first noted at Spring Mill res. on September 10th when 4 were present and then at Clowbridge res. on September 16th when 6 birds were noted. The last record for the year was of a juvenile bird in Britannia Quarry on October 11th.
2006 was a better year than of late with six spring and six autumn records. The first of the year was a female on the northern side of Hameldon on March 30th. This was followed by a bird at Clowbridge res. on April 7th. A male was seen in Hurdles Quarry on April 8th and either again or another bird was there on April 23rd. A female was in Plunge on April 15th and the final spring record was a male above Cowpe res. on April 30th. The first returning bird was a female at Thieveley Scout on September 30th followed by one at Cowpe res. on October 2nd. Three sightings followed at Spring Mill res. with singles on 14th and 17th October and 3 present on October 20th. The final record of the year was of a male at Rakehead on the late date of October 29th.
Up to 11 were seen in a garden at Hoyle Street, Whitworth, during January with full song being heard there on the 18th and 22nd. Good numbers were also recorded along the old railway line at Helmshore and up to 10 were at a feeding station at Gaghills during January. At Hoyle Street, nest building in an Ivy bush was observed on March 25th and a pair was carrying nesting material at Gaghills on April 14th and at Stacksteads on April 15th. Young were seen at Hoyle Street during May with up to 5 present and a family group of 6 birds were feeding on Whinberry in Gin Clough on July 16th. Some autumn passage was noted from Bryan Yorke’s VisMig watches with 22 W from Kings Highway on October 29th and 18 W from Stoney Rake on November 4th. Between 15 and 20 were present in the hedgerows at Warth in mid November and 20 were at Cowm res. on November 19th. Up to 20 at Lench on December 10th and 12 at Helmshore on December 19th were also good counts. The year ended with c10 feeding on haws at Shortclough res. on December 31st.
A flock of 20 were in Bacup cemetery on January 8th and 50 were at Clowbridge res. on January 24th. Many other flocks of between 20 and 75 were recorded during January and February but the highest count of the first winter period was of a flock of 300 birds at Clowbridge res. on March 1st. The last birds of the winter were a flock of 15 heading NW over Clough Bottom res. on April 23rd.
The first returning birds of the second winter period were a flock of 12 heading NW over Laund Hey on October 17th. A flock of over 60 birds was seen at Higher Hollinbank on October 17th with a flock of 400 at Cowm res. on October 30th and 300 at Clowbridge res. on the 31st. November saw some large numbers recorded from the VisMig watch point at Calf Hey with 2,020 W on the 1st, 5,940 W on the 2nd and 1,474 on the 3rd (BY). Around 1,000 passed through Clowbridge res. on November 3rd and a flock of over 600 was at Musden Head Moor on November 5th. Other large November flocks were 250 at Cowm on the 5th, 300 at Water on the 7th, 500 in Deeply Vale on the 12th and 600 at higher Hollinbank on the 25th. Many smaller flocks were seen at numerous locations up to the year-end.
Three or four were seen regularly along the old railway line at Helmshore during January and February. Singing birds were at Trickett’s Memorial Ground on January 15th, another at Reedsholme on the 17th, one at Hoyle Street, Whitworth on the 22nd and one at Oak Mount on the 28th January. Further spring sightings were numerous with 2 at Clowbridge res. on March 2nd, 3 there on March 23rd, 3 singing at Marl Pits on April 30th and 4 singing at Irwell Vale on the same date. May went a little quieter as breeding was underway with the only confirmed breeding pair at Oak Mount. A bird was in song on November 6th at Reedsholme with another at Park Road, Bacup from November 27th to the year-end. During December, other singing birds were recorded from Gaghills, Helmshore and Holmes Terrace Lodge.
Up to 70 birds were in Staghills woods on January 7th, 50 at Marl Pits on January 22nd and over 60 at Higher Hollinbank on January 31st. The largest flock of the first winter period was 150 in Cowpe on February 26th. Only small numbers were recorded until the last of the first winter period were seen on April 2nd when 6 were in Hoyle Street, Whitworth.
The first returning birds of the second winter period were at Haslingden on October 10th when a flock of 40 headed NW. Numbers increased with several large movements being noted during October especially from the VisMig watch point at Laund Hey with 148 S on October 13th, 750 S on the 16th, 580 S on the 20th, 318 S on the 22nd and 481 S on the 26th (BY). Flocks of 120 and 150 were seen at Clowbridge res. on October 26th. Smaller numbers were recorded during November but 328 W through Calf Hey res. on the 2nd and 160 there on November 5th were noteworthy. Small numbers were recorded to the end of the year with 75 at Townsendfold on December 24th the largest flock.
A pair was taking sultanas from a garden at Hoyle Street, Whitworth from the start of the year and a pair was in a Waterfoot garden on January 23rd. A flock of 6 was seen in Lee Quarry on January 28th with a pair at Clowbridge res. on February 13th. A bird was in song in Rawtenstall cemetery on March 5th with another singing in Bacup centre on March 29th. A bird was seen sat on a nest in a tree over The Irwell at Townsendfold on April 2nd and one was seen to be very territorial as it chased away Magpies and a Jay at Hareholme during April. A family party of 6 were in Staghills Woods on May 14th and 4 were at Higher Hollinbank on July 31st. Large autumn flocks were noted with 16 at Higher Hollinbank on August 2nd, 20 at Spring Mill res. on August 20th, 48 at Holden Wood res. on September 24th and 14 in Lee Quarry on October 4th. Smaller numbers were seen to the year end with 10 at Cowm res. on November 19th and 7 at Ogden res. on December 3rd the largest flocks seen.
Two birds were reeling at Clowbridge res. on the early date of April 23rd. Two birds were heard here again on the 24th, 25th and 26th April and by May 1st the number reeling had increased to 4 birds, what is thought to be the highest count recorded. Two or possibly up to three birds were heard reeling throughout the breeding season at Clowbridge res. which remains our stronghold for this species. The last two of the year were heard reeling here on July 30th. We also had a good number of records from The Irwell Valley below Rawtenstall where the first was recorded at Groundwork on April 25th. Five further records were noted between here and Holmes Terrace Lodge between April 30th and July 10th involving at least two reeling birds. We had three other sites where the species was recorded. The first was of a reeling bird at Calf Hey on April 27th with the second a reeling bird at nearby Deep Clough on May 6th. The final site was Ashworth Moor res. where a reeling bird was heard on July 8th and again on July 22nd. This species continues to slowly colonize suitable sites within our area.
2006 was a disappointing season for this species with just five records. The first was at Deeply Vale on June 8th, when a bird was singing at the “top” lodge. A singing bird was heard again on June 25th from the same site, which had breeding birds in 2005 and this species probably bred here in 2006. Holden Wood res. which has recently been our most consistent breeding site only had one record and that was of a bird loudly “tacking” on July 17th but no young were seen. A single bird was seen at Groundwork on August 17th and a single bird was flushed from rushed at Clowbridge res. on September 12th.
The first returning bird was heard in brief song at E.B.S.W. on April 4th. Numbers rose steadily throughout April at this site with 3 singing males on 23rd and 6 singing by the 26th. A minimum of 8 singing birds were noted along the Irwell between Rawtenstall and Stubbins on May 28th and at least 4 singing birds were noted along the Limey between Gin Clough and Crawshawbooth on June 25th. Sightings, or more often singing birds, were recorded from most suitable habitats, especially along our river valleys, throughout the breeding season. The last record of the year was of a bird still in song at Reedsholme on July 18th. We had no records of birds over wintering with us.
It was a poor year for this species with just two sightings being recorded. Both were from New Hall Hey where a bird was feeding actively at the side of the railway track on July 3rd and then seen and heard in brief song on July 15th (DN).
It was a disappointing year for this species, with just one record, of a singing bird at Marl Pits on May 28th (KL).
A male in song at New Hall Hey on May 5th was the first record of a very good year for the species in Rossendale. A pair was found at Laund Hey on May 9th and another singing male was at Bocholt Way, Rawtenstall on May 14th. Two singing males were at Ewood Bridge on May 28th with one carrying nesting materials. In early June a male was present by Helmshore Museum Lodge on the 4th and again on the 18th. In Deeply Vale, 3 males were singing on June 8th, one of which was also carrying food. On June 23rd, 4 males were singing in the general vicinity of Townsendfold and on June 25th seven territories were noted in Deeply Vale where 6 singing males and a male with 2 juvs were noted. A pair bred near The Sykeside Hotel during the summer and this takes the total number of territories held to thirteen, the best total for many years. The final record for the year was a bird on passage at Clough Bottom res. on August 14th.
The first record for the year was in a garden off Bowl Alley, Helmshore on March 5th. Such an early date would suggest this was an over-wintering bird. The first bird in song was at E.B.S.W. on April 8th with a calling bird being recorded during most of April at this site. A male was in song at Cloughfold on April 16th and another singing at Brookes’ Wood on April 30th. Singing males were noted in song at several sites during the breeding season including Trickett’s Memorial Gardens, Waterfoot, E.B.S.W, Newchurch, Reedsholme, Laund Hey, Park Roads, both Waterfoot and Bacup, Oak Mount, Rawtenstall, Alderbottom, Townsendfold and Strongstry. Most records involved singing males but breeding was confirmed at E.B.S.W. when a family party was observed on July 9th. Autumn records came from Grane, Buckhurst, Broadley Station and Spring Mill res. with the final record of the year at Higher Lench on October 2nd.
Two singing at E.B.S.W. were the first of the year on April 4th. Numbers increased quickly and by mid-April 6 were singing at Irwell vale and 12 were singing in Deeply Vale. Twelve were singing at the old tip at Facit on April 23rd and 8 were in song at Clowbridge res. on April 25th. Up to 12 were in song at Grane on May 21st and c20 were in song between Rawtenstall and Stubbins on May 28th. A bird was seen carrying food to the nest at Clowbridge on June 10th and one was seen feeding young in the nest and removal a faecal sac from a nest at Marl Pits on June 11th. It would appear to have been a very good season for the species in Rossendale with many records from all parts of our recording area. Several were noted on passage during September with the last record of the year a bird calling from bushes at Holden Wood res. on September 17th.
The conifer plantations around our reservoirs remain the strongholds of this species and 4 at Clowbridge on January 14th and 3 at Calf Hey on January 16th are typical records. Two pairs, however, were taking seed from below a feeder at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall on February 18th and 2 or 3 pairs bred here. Singing birds were heard at Clough Bottom on May 11th and again at Calf Hey, Grane on June 11th. Two juvenile birds were feeding in gorse bushes in Deeply Vale on June 25th. Autumn records were usually of three birds or less but around 6 were at Calf Hey on October 9th, 5 in Fern Isle Wood on October 23rd and around 12 were in The Grane valley on November 5th.
The first record for the year was at Warth on June 3rd. This was followed by further birds, at Reedsholme on June 19th and Clough Bottom res. on June 23rd and again on June 28th. Breeding occurred at Warth where a family party was present on July 8th. A juvenile was seen at Mill End on August 7th with 2 adults there on August 9th. A family party was also present at Clough Bottom res. on the 8th, 27th and 30th of August. Four were seen at Broadley Station, Whitworth on August 29th and the last record of the year was of 2 at Edge Cote above Marl Pits on September 10th.
A male was singing in Waterfoot woodland on April 30th. It was later observed entering a nest box and a female was also seen. On May 21st the male was seen to attack a squirrel and chased it away from the nest box. On June 16th large juveniles were seen sticking their heads through the nest box hole and they probably left later that day (CC via KL).
Ten were at feeders in a garden at Gaghills on January 1st and the same number in a Rawtenstall garden on January 6th. Pairs had formed at Holmes Terrace Lodge by February 25th and at Strongstry on March 5th. Nesting material was being carried by 3 birds at Hoyle Street, Whitworth, on April 9th. No breeding was confirmed but this was only an oversight as large post breeding flocks were recorded with 22 at Hoyle Street in August, 15 at Birch Avenue, Haslingden on October 12th and 20 at Calf Hey on November 7th. The year ended with some further large flocks seen with 16 at Lea Brook on the 4th, 20 at Dearden Brook on the 10th and 19 at Musbury on the 19th.
Two were regular on feeders at both Gaghills and Hoyle Street, Whitworth throughout January and 4 were in gardens at Oak Mount, Haslingden on January 28th. Two pairs were thought to have bred at Oak Mount, a family party of 6 were seen at Cowm res. on June 25th and 2 young were seen in a garden in Hoyle Street, Whitworth on July 14th. Two were taking black sunflower seeds from a feeder in Hoyle Street during October and storing for a winter larder. A small amount of passage was noted on October 12th when 8 were seen heading W at Laund Hey during a 3 hour VisMig watch. Other than a group of 6 at Calf Hey on November 5th all other records to the end of the year were of ones or twos.
Records came from many gardens during the winter period but never more than 6 at any one time were noted. Breeding was widely recorded and at Higher Hollinbank young were calling from the nest in a stable wall on May 18th. Up to 20 birds including 15 juveniles were recorded at Hoyle Street, Whitworth on June 14th and further family parties were noted at Ravenshore, Holden Vale and Waterfoot. A good size flock of 20 birds was seen at Cowm res. on September 3rd and c12 were in a mixed flock at Warth on November 18th.
Up to 4 were regularly in a garden at Hoyle Street, Whitworth during January and occasionally checked out the nest boxes whilst 2 were regular at a feeding station at Gaghills during the month. A bird was seen entering a nest box in Hoyle Street on February 12th but it wasn’t until April 10th that nesting material was seen being carried into the box. The first egg was laid on April 24th but the female went missing after the 4th egg was laid and the nest was unfortunately abandoned (SR). A pair was successful at Higher Hollinbank and was feeding young in the stable wall during May. A pair was seen with 2 juvs in Trickett’s Memorial Gardens on May 28th and later success at Hoyle Street resulted in up to 24 birds in the garden with up to 18 juvs. Autumn flocks included 10 at Peers Clough on September 19th and 12 in a hedge at Warth on November 12th.
We had at least 5 territories established during the breeding season as this species continues to slowly establish itself within Rossendale. A bird was seen at Reedsholme on January 20th and was calling there on January 22nd. One was seen at Healy Dell on the Bird race on January 22nd and one was in the garden at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall on January 28th. A calling bird was heard in Stubbins on February 20th and a bird was “mudding” up a hole in a tree and calling at Irwell Vale on March 31st. A pair was confirmed to have bred at Helmshore where fledged young were seen and visited a garden until late May. A pair was also confirmed to have bred at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall. The pair at Irwell Vale was seen regularly at the nest site, usually with the female around the nest hole and the male calling until April 30th. A single record also came from Holden Wood res. where a calling bird was heard on May 11th. The pair at Helmshore returned to the garden on September 15th and remained until the year-end having been absent for the summer months.
Two were seen at Clough Bottom res. during the Bird Race on January 22nd. An unusual record and the first at this site, was of a bird at higher Hollinbank on January 28th. A bird was feeding at Strongstry on March 5th and one was in Staghills Woods on May 21st. A pair was in Buckden on May 28th and 6 other records involving single birds were noted to the year-end. A pair at Clough Bottom on December 3rd was the only other record for a species under recorded throughout Rossendale.
Spring birds were seen in ones and twos at Clough Bottom res., Staghills Woods, Troy Quarry, Warth, E.B.S.W, Ewood Bridge, Cowm res. and Heap Clough. Three birds were very noisily chasing through the woods at Clough Bottom res. on April 23rd and 5 were there on May 28th. One regularly visited a garden in Hoyle Street, Whitworth during June but was often seen to fly away from aggressive Blackbirds! A family party of birds was seen in Staghills Woods on July 16th and a party of 9 birds was seen on Seat Naze on September 10th. Groups of between one and four birds were then seen to the end of the year from Clowbridge res., Grane valley, Higher Hollinbank, Gaghills, Cowm res., Clough Bottom res., Spring Mill res., Healy Dell, Warth, E.B.S.W., Tip Lodge, Marl Pits, Broadclough and Bonfire Hill.
A pair was nest building at Tanner Bank near Airtours on February 5th and a pair was taking food to a nest at Higher Hollinbank on April 20th. A good post breeding flock of 25 was seen at Spring Mill res. on September 7th and between 6 and 8 were regularly seen at Higher Hollinbank during September. Ten were at Turn Village on November 12th and 14 at Shadlock Cote on November 19th. Double-figure December flocks were seen at Seat Naze, with 12 birds on December 3rd and Bacup Cemetery with 10 on the 10th.
Up to three were coming to feed on fat-balls at a garden at Gaghills from January 1st and 4 were on a Rawtenstall bird table on January 2nd. Around 100 were regularly seen at E.B.S.W. feeding on the filter beds between January and April. One was seen carrying nesting material in Stacksteads on April 15th and a pair was seen feeding young at a nest in Newchurch during May. A flock of 40 were at Higher Hollinbank for a week during early October and 50 flew W up The Grane valley on October 15th. VisMig watches from Laund Hey during October and November recorded regular small movements with the highest count 54 birds W on November 2nd. Large numbers returned to E.B.S.W. during November and December with up to 200 being regularly recorded.
A single was at Higher Hollinbank on March 25th, which was an unusual record for this site. The rookery at St. John’s, Crawshawbooth, had 54 nests on April 2nd but Lomas Lane, Rawtenstall, failed to attract any birds this year. Around 30 birds were feeding on Fearns School playing fields on May 20th and juvenile birds were being fed by parents in fields at Bleakholt on June 4th. A flock of 12 were at Huttock Top, Stacksteads on June 4th and groups of 28, 3 and 3 were noted moving E at Clowbridge on September 1st. All records are shown for a species thriving well but under recorded in Rossendale.
Over 50 were seen going to roost at the regular roost site of Calf Hey res. at 16:30 on February 18th. Forty were at Brow Edge Quarry on April 8th and 62 were at Musbury Tor on the same date. Strange behaviour was witnessed at Higher Hollinbank during May when a pair was observed pecking putty and mastic out of the stable window frames and flying at the windows of the house! At Hoyle Street, Whitworth one took two young Starlings on successive days during June. Sixty were noted on Brandwood Moor on October 22nd with 100 there on October 28th. Several other large flocks of between 60 and 100 birds were noted through to the end of the year from Cragg Quarry, Calf Hey res., E.B.S.W. and Cowm res. The Carrion Crow remains very common in all suitable habitats of Rossendale.
Two were seen mobbing a Sparrowhawk over Rawtenstall on January 28th and a pair was seen flying over Seat Naze on the same date. A pair was seen over Whitworth on February 12th, five were over Brown Wardle on February 20th and a single was at Higher Hollinbank on February 23rd. Again just one pair was confirmed to breed and a bird was incubating eggs on February 26th when it was seen to fly off the nest. By March 26th the first chick had hatched and four chicks were observed on April 5th. These were last seen in the nest on April 25th after which they presumably fledged. Three were seen at Higher Hollinbank being mobbed by six crows on June 5th and two were on Cowpe Moss on June 25th. A Sparrowhawk was chasing a Raven at Higher Hollinbank on September 18th and two were at Cragg Quarry on October 29th. Ones and twos were seen to the end of the year mainly from The Grane Valley and Hameldon.
Up to 120 were in a garden at Hoyle Street, Whitworth during January and c100 came to roost at Clowbridge res. on January 26th. Some good size winter flocks were noted with 200 at marl Pits on February 5th, 300 into roost at Clowbridge res. on February 25th and c2000 at Harden Moor on March 19th. Nest building was observed in Bacup on May 1st and young birds were seen in Hoyle Street, Whitworth from May 17th onwards. A flock of c150 birds was noted at Higher Hollinbank on June 18th and over 100 were at Alden on June 8th. A flock of 150 was at Sharneyford on July 9th and 250 were on Edgeside on October 8th. A flock of up to 250 was at Spring Mill res. on eight dates during September and October. Regular VisMig was recorded from Laund Hey and Grane during October and November with the highest counts being 195 on October 12th, 502 on November 2nd, 521 on November 3rd, 284 on November 4th and 245 on November 5th. Some good winter flocks were recorded to the end of the year with 400 at Higher Hollinbank on November 20th, 600 above Marl Pits on December 3rd and 300 on Brandwood Moor on December 29th noteworthy.
Flocks of c12 birds were regular at Gaghills, John Street, Haslingden and Higher Hollinbank in the early part of the year. Breeding was confirmed on Edgeside where c20 were seen on June 1st, Deeply Vale had a flock of c30 on June 25th and a flock of between 20 and 30 was seen at Park Road, Helmshore during the summer. Five were present at Tip Lodge and 6 at Higher Constablelee on November 26th. The final record of the year was of 8 in bushes by the riverside in Crawshawbooth on December 31st. We had fewer than 30 records for the year although the species was probably under recorded.
The year started well at a garden at Gaghills when 25 were on feeders on January 1st. At Higher Hollinbank there were usually around 8 present but this increased to 12 on February 8th. The first singing birds of the year were heard on February 13th at Reedsholme and Clowbridge res. Breeding was confirmed at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall with a maximum count of 10 birds present, at Hoyle Street, Whitworth where a flock of 7 birds, including 3 juveniles was seen from June 11th onwards and at Higher Hollinbank where 9 juvs were seen in mid July. Some good movements were noted on VisMig watches from Laund Hey and Grane with 62 S on September 25th, 100 S on October 12th, 120 W on November 2nd and 126 W on November 3rd. A good flock of 100 birds was seen at Warth on November 18th and December 25th.
Three on feeders at Gaghills from January to mid April was the only record for the first winter period. Returning birds were noted from Laund Hey VisMig watch site on October 14th when 4 flew NW and on October 20th when 2 flew S. A single bird was seen in Fern Isle Wood on October 25th and up to 15 were seen at Calf Hey 5 dates during early November. Three returned to feeders at Gaghills during November and December and a flock of 15 was seen at Broadclough on December 3rd and 28th. 2006 was a disappointing year for the species with sightings from just 5 sites and with a maximum count of just 15 birds.
Up to 40 were on feeders at a garden at Gaghills and 20 were on feeders at a Rawtenstall garden on 2nd January. Birds were seen going to roost at Clowbridge on several dates during Jan, February and March with a maximum of 30 on February 8th. Breeding was confirmed at Oak Mount, Rawtenstall with a maximum of 16 birds present and at Hoyle Street, Whitworth where 8 were seen with 4 juvs from 12th June onwards. Between 6 and 8 were regularly seen during the summer at Higher Hollinbank with a maximum of 15 on July 31st. A good flock of 50 was seen at Buckhurst on September 30th, over 20 were at Tip Lodge on October 21st and c40 were in treetops at Stoneholme on October 28th. Good passage was noted from Laund Hey and Grane with 21 S on October 14th, 17 S on October 16th and 40 S on October 20th. Forty were back on feeders at Gaghills on many dates during November and December.
Around 20 were at Hoyle Street, Whitworth during January with up to 12 at a Rawtenstall garden on January 2nd. A good charm of 40 birds was at Cowm res. on February 19th and over 30 were at Alden on March 5th. Three birds were noted in song at Irwell Vale on April 13th and again at Crashawbooth on April 17th. Juvenile birds were seen at Hoyle Street, Whitworth on 3rd June when 3 were with adults and 4 juvs were in a charm of 20 birds on Turf Moor on July 22nd. Some of the higher Autumn flocks were 50 at Holden Wood res. on September 24th, 40 at Clowbridge res. on September 26th, 50 at Hutch bank Quarry on October 7th, and 75 at Clowbridge res. on October 20th. Some good passage was noted from Laund Hey and Grane during autumn passage with 38 in September 47 in October and 16 in November the highest numbers seen. Thirty were at Shortclough res. on November 19th with over 20 back on feeders at Gaghills on several dates during December.
Fifteen were in Alders in a Rawtenstall garden on January 2nd and 20 were at Groundwork on January 8th. Three males and two females were taking sunflower hearts from a garden in Hoyle Street, Whitworth during the last two weeks of January with up to 7 there during February, with birds singing from the 5th onwards. On April 18th a pair were seen building a nest at Grane and on April 29th a different nest was found again in The Grane Valley with eggs but the outcome is unknown. A bird was seen and heard flying down the Grane Valley on May 21st, returning along the opposite route 5 minutes later. Good Vis