Two records were received, both in the month of August. The first was of one found dead on the pavement in Darlington Street, Coppull, and the second was of a single animal observed at Stoats Hall, Croston.
MAMMAL, REPTILE AND AMPHIBIA REPORT
Because of the secretive nature of most mammals, it is probably not possible for an amateur recording society such as ours to determine, with any great accuracy, the true status of a particular species in any given area. However, our records can give an indication of population trends, distribution and environmental preferences of most species which occur in our area as long as they are kept up to date and are reasonably accurate.
I would therefore repeat my annual plea for all your sightings, however briefly or frequently observed, so that we can build up an even more detailed picture of our local wildlife.
Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Less than the usual number of records this year of an animal that usually frequents suburban gardens and similar sites.
The first record was of a single animal seen at Ellerbeck on 15th March and the latest was on 24th November of one eating dog food in a member's garden at Bamber Bridge.
Other reports were of single animals seen at Anglezarke, Rivington, Belmont and Astley Village during the summer months. Saddest record was of three young animals found dead on a member's lawn over the space of a few days, cause of death unknown.
| Common Shrew (Sorex
araneus castaneus) Two records were received, both in the month of August. The first was of one found dead on the pavement in Darlington Street, Coppull, and the second was of a single animal observed at Stoats Hall, Croston. |
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Mole (Talpa europaea)
Very few records this year but still very common throughout the area judging by the number of molehills seen by the recorder. Two reports were received of individuals found dead - one at Burgh Hall Road on 1st July and one at Birkacre on 10th July.
Daubentons Bat (Myotis daubentoni)
A single animal was found hibernating in a cave at Belmont and an unidentified species observed flying with Pipistrelles at canal bridge, Rawlinson Lane and the lodge behind Pincroft Mill may well have been this species.
Pipistrelle Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
Up to three were seen flying round members' houses throughout the summer in Chorley, Astley Village and Belmont. Two members made a concerted effort and recorded this species at most suitable sites in the Adlington area, indicating that it is quite common and much under-recorded.
Noctule Bat (Nyctalus noctula)
A very large bat seen flying around Sunny Brow, Birkacre at 11.10 a.m. on 12th December was probably this species - our only record for the year.
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Brown Hare (Lepus
europaeus occidentalis) Reports of single animals received from Anglezarke, Brindle and Croston in early spring and late summer indicate the lifestyle of this species, but groups of up to five have been recorded at Brindle, Bretherton,Belmont, Rivington and Chisnall nature reserve in the spring and early summer months. Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Still our most commonly recorded mammal. Reports were received from most parts of our recording area for most months of the year. |
Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Our second most recorded animal - common and widespread throughout the area.
Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus britannicus)
Our first record for two years was of an individual animal seen at Stoats hall fish ponds on 1st October.
Water Vole (Arvicola amphibus amphibus)
Another species apparently in decline - only one record this year of a single animal seen in the River Lostock at the south end of Cuerden Park.
Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Only three records of what must be a very common animal - one seen at Anglezarke on 22nd April, another by the old canal at Whittle on 16th May and a third caught in a mink trap at Belmont on 8th September (the first there for several years, probably because of the mink).
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Stoat (Mustela erminea stabilis) One seen at Eyes Lane, Bretherton, on 19th April, and two good sightings of possibly the same animal near Culbeck footbridge, Shaw Green on 14th September. |
Weasel (Mustela nivalis nivalis)
Two reports in January - one seen crossing Rivington High School drive on the 3rd, and one at the edge of Yarrow reservoir on the 20th. Another single animal was seen at Hic Bibi on 13th April.
American Mink (Mustela vison)
Considered worthy of inclusion in this year's report as the permanent trapping sites at Belmont, established several years ago to prevent colonisation in that area, produced a record number of captures. A total of six animals were caught between February and December.
Fox (Vulpes vulpes crucigera)
Despite persecution from various sources on the eastern side of our area where it continues to maintain a covert presence, its suburban cousins are regularly seen in Cuerden Park and various other sites on the outskirts of Chorley. Records were received for most months of the year.
Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
A single animal was seen intermittently throughout the year in the Belmont area.
Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus thotti)
A record number of sightings of this species this year - approximately 30 - could be an indication of an increase in population or an increase in the number of intrusions by our members into their ever decreasing habitat - time will tell. Reports came from the Belmont area, Cuerden Park, Rivington, Withnell Fold, Anglezarke and Lead Mines Clough spread over most months of the year.
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIA
Common Lizard (Lacerta vivipara)
One seen twice in a garden at Longcroft Meadow Astley Village, once in March and again in May. The only other report was one seen at Anglezarke on 9th August.
Common Frog (Rana temporaria temporaria)
Still frequent in garden ponds but less so in the wild - only three or four reports of individual animals seen at Burgh Hall Road, Anglezarke reservoir and Withnell Fold with frogs and spawn being present at the Big Lodge, Birkacre in March.
Tony Stott