Not a bad year with a total of 152 species recorded including escapes. We even had a first for the area thanks to a pair of Avocets dropping in at Belmont. Other good records included Great Northern Diver, Black-necked Grebe, Bittern, Hobby and Yellow Wagtail. Buzzard and Barn Owl continued their expansion into our area.
Rare winter visitor
One was seen to fly in to Anglezarke reservoir on 6th December. It remained until the 8th, giving several observers the chance to see it. It was thought to have been a first winter bird.
Rare winter visitor
A party of four was reported from Belmont reservoir on the 28th June.
Uncommon breeding bird
This species is regarded as increasing in the region, but the Chorley area does not seem to be getting its fair share with the following being the only records received:-
It is possible the species is still present at one or two former breeding sites, from which no records were received this year.
Common breeding bird, less common in winter
Pairs were displaying at Anglezarke and Birkacre on 16th & 17th February respectively. Two pairs each produced three young at Birkacre by 16th May. However the young of one pair were allegedly killed by the other pair.
Three pairs bred at Belmont reservoir with 2 pairs hatching 5 young and 4 juveniles fledging.
Birds were also noted at Ulnes Walton and Bretherton during the breeding season. A pair at Cuerden was noted with a juvenile (30th June). A pair was noted nesting at Waterman's Cottage, Anglezarke on 6th May.
A pair raised 1 young on Lower Rivington reservoir, present until at least 11th September.
Regular visitor
Four flew east over Cuerden on 5th January. One or two were usually present on the reservoirs
Four were again at Cuerden on 4th February, two were at Rivington on the 10th and one was fishing at Birkacre on 26th February
The species continued to use the cables over the River Douglas at Great Hanging Bridge as a regular perch.
Rare winter visitor
One was seen in flight (and briefly upon landing) between the island and west shore reed bed at Belmont reservoir on 14th March.
A record of one at Croston Reed Bed on 18th November on Birdline North West may well have been part of the winter influx into the region.
Common visitor and scarce breeder
Birds recorded regularly at most water bodies in the area throughout the year.
One pair bred and raised two young at Cuerden.
Uncommon but increasing breeding bird
A pair of juveniles was on Anglezarke reservoir on 2nd February and on Lower Rivington reservoir on 14th February.
The pair at Birkacre produced 6 cygnets (21st May). They were joined by an additional adult on 24th September.
A pair was present on Lower Rivington reservoir for 2 weeks until 8th May.
A pair and 5 cygnets was on the Leeds Liverpool canal near the White Bear marina at Adlington on 24th June.
Occasional winter visitor
A pair on Anglezarke reservoir on the 3rd March was a reminder of what used to be.
Mainly recorded on passage during the winter months
Several skeins were noted flying west on 27th January at Belmont, Birkacre and Croston. Another skein of around 100 birds flew north west over Hartwood on 29th January. Westward movement continued with a skein of 220 over Belmont on 12th February and 230 over Rivington on 13th February.
In autumn a skein of 20 flew west over Chorley on 26th September. On 4th October skeins heading east included 110 over Croston, 80 over Anglezarke Moor, and 76 over Belmont.
120 flew west over Rivington on 26th October, with 120 then 800 flying south- east over Rivington on 30th November.
Scarce feral species
A pair bred in heather at 1000 feet on Anglezarke Moor
A pair was at Anglezarke reservoir on 6th May.
Bar-headed Goose (Feral/escape) (Anser indicus)
One was at Belmont reservoir from 6th - 13th October
Common resident
40 pairs bred at Belmont but only 4 young were raised due to DEFRA licensed control.
32 were on Upper Rivington reservoir on 2nd June.
70 adults and 28 juveniles were on Anglezarke reservoir on 11th June. 125 were at this site on 27th June and over 200 by the 16th July.
A moulting flock of around 100 birds was by the Leeds Liverpool canal at Withnell Fold throughout August.
Around 150 were on Upper Rivington reservoir on 8th December.
Scarce feral species. Has bred
Up to 2 were present at Belmont throughout the year. One was incubating in April but the bird was paired with a male Canada Goose and the eggs failed to hatch.
Regular breeder in the west. Occasional visitor in the east.
One was at Belmont from 10th - 15th February.
Two were on Withnell Fold flash on 16th March.
A pair produced five young at a site in the area
Feral / escape
A free flying female was on Astley Park lake on 24th February
Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor
Despite the vast numbers on the Ribble estuary, this species only occasionally strays into the area, and the following were the only records received:-
Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Scarce breeder.
82 on Lower Rivington reservoir on 19th January, rose to 110 by the 4th February, but declined quickly thereafter with 18 noted on 2nd March.
10 were on Withnell Fold flash on 16th March
Two pairs bred at Belmont reservoir with broods of 5 & 8 young.
Return passage at Withnell Fold commenced on 4th August when a few were noted on one of the lagoons in the reserve. On the 25th, 25 were at the flash, building up to 44 by the end of the month. They peaked at 150 on 5th October, and had dropped to 21 by 3rd November.
Common winter visitor and breeding resident
A female with 3 ducklings was on Lower Rivington reservoir on 9th April, and another with 5 ducklings on Anglezarke reservoir on 17th April. Breeding occurred on all suitable waters throughout the area.
Numbers in three figures were with the Pochard and Tufted Duck on Upper Rivington reservoir in December (160 on 5th December)
Birkacre also held a three figure population during the winter months.
Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.
A male and female dropped down onto Grey Heights on 3rd April.
Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant
60 were on Upper Rivington reservoir on 17th November, following re-flooding after engineering works. Numbers reached 120 on 8th December.
Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Scarce breeder.
Four pairs bred at Belmont reservoir.
Birds were present on High Bullough reservoir during the breeding season.
55 were on Upper Rivington reservoir on 17th November, following re-flooding.
Scarce passage migrant, usually in summer
Three male and one female were on Lower Rivington reservoir in mid-July.
A female was on Anglezarke reservoir on 6th October
Declining winter visitor and passage migrant
The total number on the reservoirs during winter just about creeps into double figures with the latest record being 21st April
It was fairly late returning with three on High Bullough and 4 on Lower Rivington reservoir on 17th November, being the first reported.
Winter visitor in increasing numbers
Records received included the following:-
Uncommon breeding resident
Recorded at Bretherton on 16th and 20th April. This was the only record received with none from its former stronghold at Arley reserve.
Uncommon passage migrant
A female spent a considerable part of the day at Belmont reservoir on 10th June.
Scarce passage migrant. Occasionally lingers in winter
A male was in the Belmont area throughout most of January, and again from 26th September to 15th November.
A pair was at a site in the West Pennine Moors during May but was not seen after the 15th.
An immature male was over Anglezarke moor on 17th October.
Increasingly common resident
Seen frequently in members' gardens.
A pair was displaying at Cuerden on 5th May.
Family groups were noted from woodlands in the Rivington and Anglezarke areas indicating successful breeding.
Increasingly frequent visitor. Possible breeder.
Only three or four years ago, the sighting of a Buzzard in the area was an event. Nowadays they are seen regularly, particularly in the west around Eccleston and Croston, where they are recorded in most months of the year.
Specific records included:-
Fairly common resident
A pair was seen at Eccleston on 18th April
Family party of four seen at White Coppice on 17th July
At least 2 pairs bred in the Rivington area.
Scarce resident and passage migrant
Birds were seen over Anglezarke moor on 18th & 22nd September. Three were in the Belmont area during September. Another was seen at Denham Quarry, Whittle (9th & 13th October)
Rare summer visitor
One was near Belmont on 19th May.
One was seen over Brinscall moor on the 10th July
Scarce resident and winter visitor. Has bred
One flew over the Bomber Memorial, Lead Mines Clough on 10th and 21st March
One was over Rivington on 1st April and 17th June.
One roosted nightly on a mill chimney in Belmont in July & August.
Birds were seen over Anglezarke Moor on 22nd & 26th September.
A juvenile male was mobbed by waders over Anglezarke reservoir on 3rd October.
One was seen on Croston Moss on 9th November. A female was over Anglezarke moor on 22nd November and 13th December.
Resident in small numbers on the moors
22 pairs were counted on Anglezarke Moor by gamekeepers in early April, and 9 pairs in a kilometre square on Withnell Moor.
Scarce resident boosted by birds released for shooting
Pair noted on outskirts of Croston on 12th June.
12 at Mawdesley on 4th October
Three on Croston Moss on 9th November.
Uncommon resident boosted by birds released for shooting
Common resident
120 at Belmont reservoir on 6th October from birds released for sporting purposes.
Large numbers on Croston Moss on 9th November.
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant
One on Gale Moss, Chorley on 21st February
One at Cuerden on several dates, including 10th October, and another at Croston Moss on 9th November.
Common resident
Present on all suitable waters in the area.
5 pairs bred at Belmont reservoir.
Several pairs bred at Birkacre, Cuerden and at Withnell Fold.
Common resident
6 pairs were on territory at Belmont reservoir in early April, but declined to one pair by mid-May as water levels fell.
Several pairs bred at Birkacre, which is probably the principle site for the species in the area, followed closely by Cuerden.
Increasing passage migrant and summer visitor. Scarce breeder.
A pair was by the side of Lower Rivington reservoir on 19th February. One was on Upper Rivington reservoir and 5 by Anglezarke reservoir on 2nd April. 8 were over Alance Bridge, Rivington on 22nd April and pairs by Anglezarke reservoir and Yarrow reservoir on several dates in May, June and July.
Four were in fields off Grimeford Lane, Anderton on 18th June.
A pair was noted at Withnell Fold during May, and another in the Brindle area. A pair was at Croston on 6th June.
5 pairs bred at Belmont, but only 4 young fledged.
Rare passage migrant
A first for the area was a pair, which dropped in briefly at Belmont on 24th April. Possibly the same pair was seen later in the evening at Rumworth lodge in the Bolton area.
Uncommon summer visitor
First of the year was at Belmont on 28th March, followed by one at Withnell Fold flash on 29th March. Only two pairs bred at Belmont reservoir due to high water levels. Two pairs were on the drained Upper Rivington reservoir on the 5th May, with at least one pair still there on the 18th. One was noted at Anglezarke reservoir on 20th April, 1st June and 17th July.
On 5th August one was noted chasing Pied Wagtails on Upper Rivington reservoir where three were seen the next day.
Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Has bred
A pair bred on moorland in the area.
One was on Rivington Moor on 16th August
Small numbers were at Belmont reservoir from 15th September to 19th October with a maximum of 7 on 29th September.
Common resident and winter visitor
A flock of around 50 birds was on Gale Moss on 1st January.
200 were near Croston sewage works on 6th February, and 24 were at Withnell Fold on 17th February, increasing to 60 on 16th March.
A pair of Lapwing in the Withnell Fold area had produced three chicks by the 5th May. Several pairs were noted east of Croston on 6th June. Approximately 28 pairs bred around Belmont reservoir with reasonable success, post-breeding flocks averaging just over 35% juveniles in late June.
Pairs bred successfully at Rivington indicating an improvement on recent years. At least 9 pairs occupied territories, and one pair had 3 young by 11th May. A flock of 38 was around Morris Barn, Rivington on 25th June.
A flock of 60 was at Withnell Fold on 25th August, increasing to 150 by 31st. A flock of 80 was at Anglezarke reservoir on 8th & 29th September, 90 were there on 3rd October with 40 there on 6th October. Numbers at Belmont reservoir fluctuated around 220 between 17th August and 1st October, after which numbers declined. A flock of 40 was seen heading east over Jack Green, Brindle on 14th December
Scarce breeder and passage migrant
One was over Spitler's Edge, Anglezarke moor on 28th March.
One was on Upper Rivington reservoir on 21st April.
Two pairs were in display at Belmont reservoir in late April but no further sign of breeding was recorded.
Scarce passage migrant
A male and female / juvenile were at Withnell Fold flash on 14th September.
Fairly common passage / winter visitor; scarce breeder
One was at Withnell Fold flash on 16th March.
A record 6 'pairs' bred around Belmont reservoir, 8+ on in-bye fields around Belmont village (including 4 'drumming' in unison on 4th May), & several other single & multiple pairs spread over rush dominated in-bye.
Return passage at Withnell Fold commenced on 25th August, increasing to 6 by 7th September. They were also noted at Anglezarke reservoir where there were 8 on 9th September and 7 on 20th September. Three were at Birkacre on 24th September. 18 were at Anglezarke reservoir on 6th October. 15 were at Belmont reservoir on 25th August, rising to 25 on 6th October.
In November, small numbers were recorded at Birkacre throughout, and one was recorded on Croston Moss.
The species was recorded on several dates at Eccleston in December.
Rare winter visitor
One was over Spitler's Edge, Anglezarke moor on 28th March
One was at Belmont reservoir on 24th September (an early date) and on 19th October.
One was on Withnell Moor on 23rd November.
Fairly common resident and winter visitor
One was at Leicester Mill Quarry, Anglezarke on 15th February.
Birds were seen roding over the usual site at roddlesworth in April, and one seen roding over a member's garden in the Heapey area during May
Birds were noted in several woods in the Rivington area during the breeding season, including one roding over a members garden at Rivington on 31st May and 17th and 18th June.
One turned up on a member's patio at Wrightington on 21st October. Not the usual garden feeding station species!
Birds were recorded at Cuerden on 15th November and on several dates in both November and December at Eccleston. Only small numbers were recorded at Belmont compared to last year.
Three were at Withnell Fold flash on 16th July.
Regular passage migrant
One on passage at Withnell Fold flash on 5th May, and one flew west over Belmont on 20th August.
Fairly common passage migrant and summer visitor
The first back at Belmont was on 11th February, where the Spring roost peaked at 165 on 14th March.
80 were near Withnell Fold flash on 16th March. Several resident pairs noted between Eccleston and Croston on 6th June. Several pairs bred on the moors.
One was at Eccleston on 25th October, and another at Belmont on 3rd November but the latest was at Withnell Fold on 10th November.
Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor
A pair had two chicks at a site in the area on 21st May.
Eight breeding pairs fledged at least 7 young from 5 broods at Belmont reservoir.
One was at Upper Rivington reservoir on 20th April and 29th July.
Scarce passage migrant
Two were at Anglezarke reservoir on 30th August
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
Scarce passage migrant. Has wintered.
An overwintering bird was on Syd Brook at Eccleston until 18th April. Possibly the same bird returned at the end of June to the same area, where it remained until the beginning of September.
Three were on Upper Rivington reservoir on 22nd August, one at Anglezarke reservoir on 16th September and one was noted over Grey Heights on 30th September.
Rare passage migrant
A bird was at Withnell Fold flash on the evening of 15th May.
Fairly common passage migrant and summer visitor; has wintered.
The first was at Red Bridge, Bretherton, on 17th April. Four were on Upper Rivington reservoir on 1st May.
Two pairs were at Anglezarke reservoir on 6th May, with pairs on Upper Rivington reservoir in June, July and August. Four pairs bred at Belmont reservoir.
Birds were noted on Upper Rivington reservoir on several dates in August and at Withnell Fold flash on 31st August. One was at Anglezarke reservoir on 8th September.
Present in good numbers throughout the year. Scarce breeder
45 pairs bred at Belmont reservoir and enjoyed good success with the colony fledging approximately 50 young.
500 were at Withnell Fold flash on 25th August, and 100 were at Anglezarke reservoir on 29th September
Common winter visitor
Two were at Withnell Fold flash on 25th August.
Common in most months; has bred
Approximately 140 / hour passed north over Belmont on 3rd March
15 were at Withnell Fold flash on 25th August.
Common winter visitor and on passage
Several groups totalling at least 420 passed south west over Belmont on 26th December
Scarce winter visitor
Present in single figures in the Lower Rivington reservoir gull roost
No count was made this year
Scarce passage migrant
One was at Belmont reservoir on 29th June.
Rare spring and autumn passage migrant
A juvenile was on Lower Rivington reservoir on 19th August
Common resident
Still present in good numbers around Chorley town centre and around the hospital.
Uncommon breeding bird
A flock of 60 on Gale Moss on the 10th March was exceptional
Pairs in April were noted at White Coppice, Anglezarke and Heath Charnock.
Abundant resident and passage migrant
Huge numbers were around Rivington and Anglezarke in December feeding on the abundant beechmast crop, for example 1500 were over Anglezarke woodlands on 3rd December with 500 around Makinsons Farm, Rivington on 22nd December.
A flock of 400 was at Belmont on 4th December
Common resident
Breeds throughout the area and is a regular customer at garden feeding stations, where it is an easy target for marauding Sparrowhawks.
Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant
The first was at Belmont on 13th April, followed by birds at White Coppice and Terraced Gardens, Rivington on 19th April. Birds were also noted at Anglezarke, Bretherton, Healey Nab, Hic Bibi, Mawdesley and Rivington during May. Birds were noted at White Coppice and also near Manor House, Anglezarke on 1st June, with one at Grey Heights on the 11th.
Uncommon resident
The expansion of this species into the area is evdenced by the ever increasing number of sightings as follows:-
Fairly common resident
Noted near Jepson's gate in March, and at Lisieux Hall, Whitle and Hoghton Bottoms in April. One was noted at Whittle on the 15th June.
In September, birds were noted at Cuerden (23rd) & Charnock Richard (26th).
Common resident
Noted at Rivington and Withnell in March
Resident at Birkacre and Cuerden. A pair raised two young at Rivington Village
A pair was seen hunting a Brambling roost at Belmont at dawn on 24th November.
Scarce summer visitor
Very few records were received this year. One at Belmont on 24th December was unseasonal.
Common summer visitor and passage migrant
The first record received was from Mawdesley on 1st May. Good numbers were seen hawking over Lower Rivington reservoir on 3rd May with 25 over Millstone embankment on 7th May.
Birds were feeding young at a regular breeding site in the east of Chorley from 3rd July. A party of 8 was seen high over Chorley town centre on 12th August, with 7 over Jepsons Clough, Rivington on 14th and two were over Belmont on the 15th. A surprisingly late bird was seen over Eccleston on 2nd October.
Fairly common resident
One was on Syd Brook, Eccleston on 1st January and another was noted at Heapey lodges on 13th January, and 3rd March, when one was also seen at Anglezarke reservoir. Birds were noted around the Rivington reservoir system on 13th May, 11th and 25th June, 25th July, 5th August, 16th and 17th September.
A pair was noted at Birkacre on 14th July. A group of three, which could well have been a family party was seen on Lower Rivington reservoir on 19th August.
In September, birds were noted at Lower Rivington reservoir (4th), Birkacre (14th), Withnell Fold (16th) and Heapey lodges (8th). On 6th October, two were seen at Heapey lodges and one at Anglezarke reservoir. A bird was noted at Squirrel bridge, Anderton, on 22nd December.
Uncommon resident; increasing.
Yaffling birds in March were noted at High Bullough (3rd), Grey Heights (16th), Whittle (16th), Wallets Wood, Chorley (24th), White Coppice (24th) and Lead Mines Clough (26th).
One was heard at Shaw Hill on 10th May. At least one pair bred at Cuerden.
Records during April, May, June and July indicate 3 or possibly 4 breeding pairs at Rivington and Anglezarke.
One was seen at Denham Quarry, Whittle on 9th October.
Common resident
Records indicate 16 pairs bred in the Rivington area. A family party was in a member’s garden there on 5th June. Four active holes were found at Cuerden.
A juvenile was noted at Birkacre on 6th July.
Uncommon resident
One was noted in Sheephouse Lane, Rivington on 6th January.
One was at Birkacre on 21st February, and again on 10th, 16th, 17th &18th March.
One was seen at Denham Quarry, Whittle on 13th October.
Common resident and summer visitor
Birds singing over Lower Burgh meadow and Anglezarke moor on 17th & 18th February respectively. Good numbers noted at Eyes Lane, Bretheton on 4th June. Several pairs were recorded at Lower Burgh meadow, Birkacre.
Several birds held territories in the Brindle and Cuerden areas.
A flock of 50 was on Croston Moss on 16th November.
Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant
First was at Cuerden on 16th March. 17 flew south over Belmont reservir on 6th April.
Colonies were noted at Clayton, Eccleston, Hoghton and Whittle. The colony at Eccleston contained at least 20 nests (6th June). One pair bred at Belmont reservoir.
Several were in a mixed hirundine flock on passage at Withnell Fold on 7th September. The last for the year was one over Croston Moss on 19th October.
Common summer visitor and passage migrant
First was at Lower Healey top lodge on 26th March.
Most farms throughout the area hold several breeding pairs.
110 were on wires at Wilcocks Farm, Rivington on 5th September. The last was one over Belmont on 26th October.
Common summer visitor and passage migrant
First of the year was over Chorley on 12th April.
A survey of Belmont village located 33 active nests - the same number as for 2001. A pair was still feeding young towards the end of September in Coppull.
The last record for the year was a flock of 13 over Belmont on 13th October.
Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant
First of the year was at Rivington on 20th April
Birds occupied their usual territories in the Anglezarke and Rivington area. Pairs were reported from 8 sites in Rivington and Anglezarke, with up to 12 pairs present.
Common resident and passage migrant; scarcer in winter
A flock of 85 was noted on passage over Grey Heights on 12th September. 270 were counted over the same site on 2nd October.
Rare passage migrant
A record of a bird at Mawdesley on 8th May was the first for the area for several years.
Common resident by the rivers and reservoirs of the area
10 pairs were thought to have bred in the Rivington area. At least two pairs bred at Birkacre. At least two pairs bred in the Cuerden area.
One was seen carrying food at White Coppice on 17th July.
A juvenile was noted at Eccleston on 28th July. Breeding was noted at Belmont.
Common resident
Flocks of 20 were seen at Dryfields, Rivington (19th January), and on the exposed mud of the drained Upper Rivington reservoir (26th January).
A flock of 50+ was seen going to roost at Chorley Hospital on 14th August. 17 were counted at Belmont reservoir on 27th September
Scarce passage migrant, mainly in Spring
Two were at Belmont reservoir on 9th April.
Fairly common resident on the faster flowing rivers of the area
One was in song at Birkacre on 7th & 9th January. Another was observed along the Goyt at White Coppice on 21st January.
A pair was noted at a site at Whittle on 6th & 22nd February. Two juveniles were noted at the same site on 15th June.
One was at Squirrel Bridge, Anderton on 22nd December, with one nearby on the River Douglas on the 29th.
Abundant resident
Present more or less everywhere, and prospering because of a succession of mild winters.
Abundant resident
Easily overlooked, particularly on bird races, but well represented throughout the area.
Abundant resident
The resident population appears to be stable.
Rare visitor
A male was seen at Croston on 4th & 6th February
Fairly common summer visitor in the east of the area
First of the year was at Anglezarke on 7th April. Birds occupied their usual territories along the Brinscall, White Coppice, Anglezarke and Rivington corridor
12 pairs are estimated to have bred in the Rivington and Anglezarke areas. Male birds were noted on the edge of an Anglezarke moorland plantation on 15th August, at Sparks Brow, Rivington on 20th August, and at Spen Wood, Anglezarke on 16th September.
Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant
Breeding was noted on the moors at Belmont, where the last record for the year was one on 1st October.
Scarce resident - increasing
A pair was noted near Kay's Farm, Heath Charnock, on 13th March, and a pair was off the Pike road, Rivington on 17th June. A family of six at White Coppice on 26th August had plumage variations, which suggested that two separate broods may have been represented.
A pair was on Croston Moss on 16th November, a pair was near Simms ruin Anglezarke moor on 13th December. In December, three or more were usually present at Belmont, and on the 31st a pair was at White Coppice.
Fairly common passage migrant and scarce summer visitor
First was a group of three at Belmont on 20th March.
Breeding was noted on the moors around Belmont. Three 'Greenland' birds were at Belmont on 4th May.
A pair were at Jepsons Gate, Anglezarke on 5th May.
Four juveniles were at shooting butts off Well Lane, above Brinscall Woods on 6th August.
Three were off Sheephouse Lane, Rivington on 20th August.
The last were two at Belmont on 14th October.
Scarce passage migrant
First of the year were seen at Grey Heights and at Black Coppice on 3rd April.
A group of five was at Belmont on 13th October, and the last of the year was there on 3rd November.
Abundant resident, passage migrant and winter visitor
The breeding population seems to be stable, and is supplemented in winter with Scandinavian birds.
Winter visitor, often in large numbers
Fairly common resident; declining.
From anecdotal evidence, it is possible that the species is now beginning to recover.
Several birds held territories at Birkacre. At least 8 singing males were at Cuerden. Family groups were noted in Rivington on 6th and 10th May.
Several - possibly migrants - were noted feeding on Elder berries at Eccleston on 17th Serptember.
Winter visitor, often in large numbers.
Common resident
Its wild song is one of the first to be heard in the year, and is well represented throughout the area. Astley Park usually contains good sized post-breeding flocks.
Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor
One was reeling at Belmont from 19th April until 5th May. Another was at White Coppice on 23rd April. No record was received from Birkacre.
Fairly common summer visitor to the limited suitable habitat
The first was on Croston Moss on 21st April. Several pairs were recorded at Lower Burgh meadow, Birkacre, where a family party of four was noted on 28th July. A couple of birds were still at the site on 4th August.
Scarce summer visitor
The first in Spring was at Croston Reed bed on 28th April. Five were noted on the western edge of our area by the old canal at Sollom on 25th August.
Scarce summer visitor and passage migrant
The first was at Ellerbeck on 4th May, followed by one at Bretherton on 5th May. Others were recorded at Eccleston on 7th May and at Croston on 24th May.
Common summer visitor
The first was at Eyes Lane, Bretherton on 22nd April. Several pairs were recorded at Yarrow Valley Park, Birkacre. Birds were recorded at the south end of Cuerden valley park on 20th June. Two juveniles were noted in a garden at Adlington on 30th July.
One was noted at White Coppice on 26th August. Probably the last record was one on Grey Heights on 5th September.
Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant
The first was at Cuerden on 19th April followed by one at Lead Mines Clough on 23rd April. A bird was in song at White Coppice on 1st June. Another was noted at Cuerden Valley Park on 20th June, and a different bird on 30th.
Summer and winter visitor
The first summer visitor was at Birkacre on 1st April. The species was well recorded throughout the area. Thelast summer record was one at Birkacre on 14th September.
Over-wintering birds were noted in December in gardens at Adlington, Clayton, Euxton and Whittle.
Scarce summer visitor and passage migrant
The first was on Healey Nab on 5th May. Two birds were singing at this site on the 12th. Singing birds were also recorded at Heather Lea Woods, Brinscall and at Black Coppice.
Birds were singing at Rivington primary school on 13th May and 21st June and at 3 other Rivington sites in June.
Common summer visitor and occasional winter visitor
First were at Bank Hall, Bretherton and at Birkacre on 17th March.
Still in song at Withnell Fold on 21st September, and Birkacre on 24th September. One was in a Coppull garden on 22nd September.
Common summer visitor
First was at Heapey Lodges on 30th March. The species is particularly strong in the White Coppice area. One was still in song at Birkacre on 25th August.
Scarce breeding bird. Common passage migrant and winter visitor in variable numbers
A pair bred at Belmont reservoir.
Significant numbers were seen in the Rivington castle area on 6th October.
Scarce summer visitor and passage migrant
The first was at Black Coppice on 6th May.
This species seems to be declining in the Rivington, Anglezarke area with only 4 probable pairs.
One was at White Coppice on 11th September, but the latest was one at the north end of Cuerden Valley Park on 14th September.
Scarce summer visitor and passage migrant
The first was at Anglezarke on 20th April
Birds occupied their usual territories in the Anglezarke and Rivington areas with 6 nests and possibly up to 8 unmated males. Birds were still feeding young at a site in the area on 21st June and male birds were still singing at two other sites.
Common resident; increasing
The species is well represented at all suitable sites in the area, and is an increasing visitor to garden feeding stations.
A family group of 14 was noted at Anglezarke on 16th May.
A flock of 35 was at Belmont on 21st August.
22 were together at Gilsbrook, Rivington on the 2nd December.
Rare vagrant?
A rare but not unprecedented record came from Birkacre on 31st March.
Scarce resident
Recorded at Birkacre on 9th & 16th January
At least one was at Belmont on 2nd March
One was at Roddlesworth on 13th November.
Common resident and winter visitor
Regular visitor to garden feeding stations where it plunders black sunflower seeds. Although more numerous in winter, it is still a regular garden visitor throughut summer.
Abundant resident
It's only anecdotal but this species does not seem to be as numerous as it used to be. Perhaps a succession of wet summers has taken its toll.
Very common resident
The same comment could apply as for Blue Tit
Fairly common resident; increasing
Birds noted prospecting for nest sites at Rivington and Birkacre in February
12 pairs are thought to have bred in the Rivington area. A family group was present by the 28th May with four more by the 2nd June.
One noted at Jack Green Brindle on 14th December was a first for the site.
Fairly common resident in the area's woodlands
Recorded from all woodlands in the area.
Family party noted at the north end of Anglezarke reservoir on 21st June.
Common resident
Recorded in all woodlands in the area.
Common resident
Gathering of around 50 at Cuerden in January
40+ were going to roost in the Millstone Corner, Lower Rivington reservoir on the 20th January.
Common resident; increasing
Flock of around 100 at Cuerden in January
500 seen leaving roost at Croston on 6th February.
Well represented in mixed corvid flock of 200 birds at Withnell Fold on 25th August
Common resident
Flock of around 50 at Cuerden in January
Well represented in mixed corvid flock of 200 birds at Withnell Fold on 25th August
Common resident
Well represented in mixed corvid flock at Cuerden in January
Scarce resident
Birds were noted on several dates in the Hoghton area.
Record sized groups of 10 & 7 seen in Belmont area in July and August
One was over Anglezarke Moor on 7th September
Abundant resident and winter visitor
A flock of 300 was at Belmont reservoir on 23rd February.
400+ off Sheephouse Lane, Rivington on 30th December.
A flock of 500 was at Belmont reservoir in the second half of December.
Abundant resident
The decline of this species has received plenty of publicity. However, where it is recorded, it is usually present in good numbers.
Fairly common resident
Common resident and winter visitor
150 passed south over Belmont on 13th October.
Up to 200 birds were under beech trees around Sheephouse Lane, Rivington during October, November and December.
Winter visitor in variable numbers
The first back in Autumn was at Belmont on 15th October. A massive roost was discovered there which peaked at 1700 birds on 24th November.
Up to 100 birds were under beech trees around Sheephouse Lane, Rivington during October, November and December.
50+ were at Brook House, Anglezarke on 25th November.
Common resident
Regular visitor to garden feeding stations and probably staying locally to breed. Could competition from this species be affecting House Sparrow populations?
Common resident
Common winter visitor and passage migrant; scarce resident
A flock of 30 was at Birkacre (7th & 16th January). A female was still visiting a garden feeding station at Heapey on 5th May.
Several pairs bred at Belmont.
A flock of 12 was at White Coppice on 12th September. 52 were counted moving south at the same location on 20th October. A flock of 20 was at Cuerden on 15th November. 40+ were on the edge of Higher Bullough Wood, Anglezarke on 21st November.
Fairly common resident
A massive flock of around 500 birds was at Gale Moss, Chorley on 20th February. A flock of 40 was in Eccleston on 12th March. A flock of 15 was by Heapey No.2 lodge on 5th May. Good numbers noted in Eyes Lane area of Bretherton on 4th June.
20 were at Wilcocks Farm, Rivington on 20th August with 30+ there on 31st . 22 were around gorse bushes on Roynton Lane, Rivington on 1st September. A flock of 100 were at Cuerden on 8th September.
Very scarce resident
A single bird was near Jepsons Gate, Anglezarke on 16th July. A pair was noted on the moors west of Belmont on 11th May & 17th June. A pair with 3 juveniles was at Belmont reservoir on 26th June.
Common winter visitor; uncommon resident
Birds were singing and displaying around the moorland plantations by the 1st April.
Noted at White Coppice on 1st June. Party of 5 there on 22nd September and 4 at Birkacre on 24th September.
A flock of 40 was feeding on alders overlooking White Coppice cricket field lodge on 20th October.
Scarce visitor
Two males (one in song) and three females were at Belmont reservoir on 22nd March.
A party of 6 was seen over Stronstrey Bank on 12th September. Two were in a moorland plantation on 17th October.
Fairly common resident
A pair bred in a conifer in a members garden in Rivington, with birds noted from ten sites in Rivington and Anglezarke during the breeding season.
Pairs were still visiting garden feeding stations in May. A male with two juveniles was noted at Birkacre on 28th July.
Family party of 2 adults and 4 juveniles was on Grey heights on 5th September.
Fairly common resident; declining
One was singing at a quarry at Clayton on 2nd April.
Reports of singing birds in early June were received from Bretherton, Blainscough, Eccleston / Croston and Hic Bibi. A male was singing off Grimeford Lane, Anderton on 18th June.
Once again no record was received from the east of the area.
Well represented in mixed flock of 50 Buntings on Croston Moss on 16th November.
Fairly common resident
Noted at White Coppice on 1st June. Several pairs bred at Lower Burgh meadow, Birkacre. Ten pairs bred around Belmont reservoir.
Good numbers were noted by the E-shaped pond at Bretheton in April
Well represented in mixed flock of 50 Buntings on Croston Moss on 16th November.
8 were together near Siddow Fold, Anglezarke on 25th November.
Scarce resident; confined to the mosslands
One or two singing bird were noted on Croston moss in April.
Perhaps the dominant species in mixed flock of 50 Buntings on Croston Moss on 16th November. One or two were in song.
The usual birds were on Lower Rivington reservoir throughout the year
A pair was noted on the River Yarrow at Croston on 14th May, and again on 20th October.
A female was at Birkacre on 31st October.
A bird of this species was in a garden in Chorley on 1st April. Probably the same bird was in the neighborhood through until the Autumn
A bird (white with blue patches) was on seed-feeders in a Belmont garden on 12th & 13th April
Thanks to the following for submitting records for possible inclusion in this report:-
D.Allen, D.Ashcroft, D.Barker, D.Beattie, D.Beevers, W.Berry, A.Blacklidge, S.Booth, J.Burgoine, T.Darbyshire,. B.Derbyshire, D.Downing, S.Dunstan, M.Fishwick, K.J.Green, N.Hancock, R.E.Hoyle, A.Johnson, Mrs C.Johnson, Mrs C.Kellett, P.Kirk, G.Leather, G.Lilley, B.Makinson, S.J.Martin, D.S.Martin, M.Moss, A.Porter, C.Rae, R.Rhodes, Mrs. J.Riley, P.Ross, J.Sharples, C.Smith, N.Southworth, R.Spencer, A.Stott, D.Tucker, H.Walker, Mrs N.West, G.Wolstenholm and all those who submitted Garden Bird Survey Forms. Apologies to anyone, whom I may have omitted.