Contents

Bird Report

Rookery Census

Waterfowl Counts

Contributors to Bird Report

Ringing Report

BIRD REPORT

Introduction

This was a fairly quiet year with just 144 species recorded, only one of which was a first for the area. This was Yellow-legged Gull which was recorded at two sites - these being Cuerden and Lower Rivington Reservoir.

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficolis)

Overwintering birds were noted at Adlington Park Study Area (A.P.S.A.), Bretherton Twin Lakes and Heapey Lodges with three birds on the latter on 21^st January. Nine pairs attempted to breed in the area, but a number of them were unsuccessful due to the very wet, cool weather, which meant that several nests were flooded out and the eggs were chilled. A bird picked up dead on one of the tracks on Croston Moss on the 28^th December could well have been overwintering along the dykes which border the fields there.

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

During the summer pairs bred at fourteen sites, but like the Little Grebe, a number of the nests were flooded out. At year's end, birds were seen on Anglezarke reservoir (maximum 10 on 21^st December) and Upper Roddlesworth (maximum 9 on 24^th December).

Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)

One storm driven bird picked up in a factory yard in Chorley 0n the 18^th October was taken to a rehabilitation centre, where it unfortunately died, two days later. This is the first modern record for this species in the area. The last record dates back over 100 years to the same month in1889, when a bird was shot by a gamekeeper at Anglezarke reservoir. Roll on the next 100 years.

Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus)

One storm driven bird released on Lower Rivington Reservoir in the 16^th September is the only record for the year, and the first since a previous release at the same site on the 13^th September, 1994.

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Once again Upper Roddlesworth is the place to be to see good numbers of this species, with 13 there on the 12^th February. Elsewhere, single figure flocks were seen at eight further sites.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

Single birds were seen at, on or over many sites in the area throughout the year. Seven together at Upper Roddlesworth reservoir on the 16^th January was the maximum reported for any one site. A pair was once again seen nest building in the area but no breeding was recorded.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

The most interesting record concerning this species came from Eyes Lane, Bretherton, where 27 birds were seen with 31 Whooper Swans on 4^th January. Elsewhere during the winter months singles or pairs were more the norm. These included a single on Croft Lodge, Brinscall, which was joined by another on the 18^th September which stayed until 26^th November. A pair was on Arley reserve from 10^th February until 6^th April. Three pairs bred in the area at Birkacre, Bretherton fish ponds and Bretherton twin lakes. Only the young at Birkacre were ringed. Later in the year, a bird was at Upper Rivington reservoir (8^th November to 16^th December), and then at Anglezarke until the year end. A bird was on Astley Park Lake (10^th December), and finally two were seen in flight over Heapey No.2 Lodge heading east on the 26^th December.

Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus)

Six records were received for the year with all bar one from the mosslands including:-

• Seven in fields along Eyes Lane Bretherton on the 19^th November

• Nine in flight over Croston Marsh on the 25^th November

• Six on Mawdesley Moss on the 16^th December

• Four in fields near Great Hanging Bridge on the 21^st December

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)

Recorded at just three sites in the area during the winter months:-

• Thirty one in fields off Eyes Lane Bretherton with Mute Swans on the 4^th January

• Seven on Anglezarke reservoir on the 19^th October

• Three in flight on Croston Moss towards Bretherton on the 6^th December.

Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus)

This species has become a regular winter visitor to the mosslands over the last couple of years with three thousand seven hundred present on the 21^st January. Skeins were also noted over a good number of sites in the area with 250+ over Lower Rivington Reservoir on the 1^st January, 180+ over A.P.S.A. on the 23^rd February, and 190+ over Anglezarke Reservoir on the 26^th February, but by far the largest number seen was a skein of 6,500 birds over Croston Moss flying towards Bretherton on the 23^rd December.

Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)

A bird of unknown origin was with Canada Geese at Belmont from 16^th to 19^th April.

Grey Lag Goose (Anser anser)

The only record for the year was an amazing 120 over Anglezarke reservoir on the 1^st January.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Skeins of up to 150 birds were seen over numerous sites in the area during the year. Pairs bred successfully at Anglezarke, Bretherton (E-shaped and Twin Lakes), Brinscall (Drakeshead fishery), Cuerden and Red Lea. Breeding birds at Belmont again had their eggs pricked under D.O.E. licence.

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)

Three present at Belmont Reservoir from 10^th January until 16^th December. One pair bred there (unsuccessfully).

Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)

Very few birds on the mossland during winter with a maximum of eleven on Croston Moss on 21^st November. Birds were seen at six other sites during the year with eight on Anglezarke Reservoir during early January. During summer four pairs were reported to have bred on the mosslands raising twenty three young.

Mandarin (Aix galericulata)

Recorded at a number of sites in the area, but all records bar one relate to the same bird. A male was at Heapey No.3 lodge (3^rd January), Withnell Fold Nature Reserve (16^th February) and Anglazarke Reservoir (26^th February), where a female was present in late November through into December.

Wigeon (Anas penelope)

After last year's bumper crop of birds, this year's records seem quite pitiful, with records from sites as follows :-

• Two females on Croft Lodge, Brinscall (18^th February)

• One male on the River Douglas at Bretherton (8^th February)

• Five at Belmont Reservoir (16^th March)

• A raft of eleven at Anglezarke Reservoir (26^th September)

• A male and female at A.P.S.A. (26^th December)

Gadwall (Anas strepera) Records for the year are as follows:- Two males and two females on Anglezarke reservoir (early January) Single female on White Coppice cricket field lodge (12th February) Single female on Anglezarke reservoir (18th April) Male and female at Birkacre (10th October) Male and female at Adlington reservoir (A.P.S.A.) from 19th October to 21st December.

Teal (Anas crecca)

Numbers in the area once again fell with just 79 on Lower Rivington reservoir on the 10^th February. Smaller flocks were seen at Anglezarke, Belmont and Withnell Fold nature reserve. One pair bred in the area at Belmont reservoir.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Numbers in winter once again rose with well over five hundred present during January and over six hundred during December. This was despite a poor breeding season during which many ducklings were chilled and consequently drowned due to the cold and wet conditions in early June.

Pintail (Anas acuta)

Records for '98 as follows :-

• A male and two females on Anglezarke reservoir from 12^th February to the month's end

• Two males and two females on Anglezarke reservoir (18^th April)

• A female on Twin Lakes Bretherton (12^th - 19^th October)

• A male at A.P.S.A. (21^st November)

Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

Only two records for the year both relating to single males. The first was at Adlington reservoir (A.P.S.A.) on the 26^th January. The second, at Cuerden Park lake in early February, was only the second record for the site in 18 years of coverage by the observer.

Pochard ((Aythya ferina)

Anglezarke was once again the favoured winter haunt for this species but with nothing like the same numbers as for last year. The early year maximum was a count of 131 in mid- January and a late year maximum of 97 at the end of December.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Numbers on several local waters - A.P.S.A., Birkacre, Heapey and Lower Rivington - just about managed to muster flocks into the twenties during most of the winter. The main water for this species was once again Anglezarke reservoir with of over 40 on several dates in January and again at the year's end. During summer one pair bred at Belmont reservoir raising two young.

Common Scoter (Melanitta negra)

All the records for the year were :-

• Four on upper Roddlesworth reservoir (13^th August)

• Six on Anglezarke reservoir (19^th August)

• Three on Anglezarke reservoir (6^th September)

• One on Anglezarke reservoir (15^th September)

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

The first in winter was back at High Bullough reservoir on the 11^th October. Up to 26 could be seen on Lower Rivington reservoir on the 23^rd December, but elsewhere only single figure flocks were noted. These sites included Adlington reservoir, Birkacre, E-shaped ponds, Cuerden lake and the lodges behind Witters factory in Froom Street.

Smew (Mergus albellus)

One red-head was seen on Upper Rivington reservoir on the 16^th November - only the third record for our area.

Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)

A male on anglezarke reservoir amongst a Goosander flock on the15th February was only the 13^th record for the area.

Goosander (Mergus merganser)

Numbers of this species in the area rose once again with rafts of 35 plus on a number of waters during both winter periods. Birds were also seen on small waters where they had not previously been recorded, including Adlington Pincroft, Bretherton Twin Lakes (8 on the 21^st January) and Witters Lodges (14 at dusk on the24th December). The largest rafts were once again at Anglezarke reservoir, where 62 were recorded during January.

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

The only records away from its local stronghold at A.P.S.A. were as follows :-

• A male and female on Cuerden lake ((19^th January)

• A male at Birkacre (17^th February)

• A male at Anglezarke (19^th September)

• Two males and a female at Belmont reservoir (24^th April - the first record at the site since 1987)

At A.P.S.A. up to four males and six females could be seen regularly between 21^st January and 28^th November. Three females at the site produced sixteen young.

Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

Only one record for the year of a female being mobbed by a Short-eared Owl at Belmont reservoir on the 3^rd August.

Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

The records for the year were as follows:-

• Male on Anglezarke moor during March

• Two females/immatures on Winter Hill (12^th August)

• Female/immature at Belmont (20^th October) and on 28^th December until the year's end.

• Female/immature Anglezarke moor (25^th - 28^th December)

Sparrowhawk (Accipter nisus)

Common throughout the area, it is known to have bred at twelve sites. One was watched plucking a Collared Dove in a member's garden during the winter garden Bird Survey.

Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

One was seen over Healey Nab being mobbed by crows on the 31^st March. Another, also being mobbed by crows, was seen over the Terraced Gardens at Rivington on the 21^st August. Finally birds seen at Belmont on the 18^th August and 19^th November conclude the records for the year.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

One seen in flight over Bretherton Twin Lakes on the 28^th April and one over Roddlesworth on the 10^th August are the only records for the year.

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Abundant throughout the year at many sites across the area. Nine breeding pairs were located, including once again a pair on a factory close to the M61. Two pairs bred successfully at Belmont reservoir.

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Seen in almost all months of the year at several moorland sites, and also on several dates in the autumn on the mosslands to the west.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Seen throughout the year at several sites, especially the breeding site. It was also seen on a more frequent number of occasions over the moors to the east, including three together over Belmont on the 2^nd October and two in an aerial dogfight with two Ravens on the 3^rd January. A pair once again bred in the area, this year raising three young.

Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus) Numbers on the moors are giving cause for serious concern with only 10 birds on Rivington Moor and similar or even less on several other areas of moorland. Something urgently needs to be done to arrest this decline - otherwise we may be in danger of losing this species altogether from the area.

Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)

Seen mainly in or near areas where birds are released for shooting (Belmont, Croston etc.) with up to 50 on Croston Moss on several dates in November. Recorded in smaller numbers at Bretherton and Mawdesley, but again these relate to birds released for shooting.

Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)

The main area from which most records emanate is still Croston moss with several coveys seen numbering up to 70 birds on several dates during the latter part of the year. Elsewhere, birds were seen at Anglezarke, Birkacre, A.P.S.A., Belmont, Cuerden and White Coppice.

Pheasant Phasanius colchicus)

Abundant in many parts of the area with seveal hundred released every year for shooting. Two hundred and fifty were present around Belmont reservoir in September.

Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)

Up to three birds were heard and two were seen in the swamp area at A.P.S.A. on several dates from early January until late February. One was seen at Withnell Fold nature reserve on 19^th March with two there on 11^th April. There were no further records from this site until one was seen there on the 26^th November. One seen at Birkacre Top Lodge on the 23^rd December is a welcome record for this site. These three sites held all the records for the year.

Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

Common breeder at many of the local water bodies with a record seven pairs breeding at Belmont reservoir. The roost noted last year at Bretherton Twin Lakes was once again used by up to twelve birds during late December.

Coot (Fulica atra)

Breeds on many of the larger expanses of water in the area. It is also very numerous during the winter at several localities, including 41 at Birkacre (28^th January), 47 at Twin Lakes, Bretherton (3^rd February) and 50+ at the E-shaped ponds (10^th February). However, by far the greatest numbers were at A.P.S.A. with a count of 81 on the 21^st February.

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostalegus)

First birds in spring were at Belmont reservoir on the 9^th February. Breeding records were as follows:-

• Four pairs at Belmont raising 8 young

• Two pairs at Bretherton raising 5 young

• Three pairs on Croston Moss raising 7 young

There were also unconfirmed reports of breeding at Rivington, Brindle and Withnell Fold.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

First in Spring was one at Anglezarke on the 2^nd April. Pairs bred or attempted to breed at three sites. At site A, four pairs bred but experienced a poor year, fledging only 3 young due to cold/ wet weather. At site B, one pair bred raising 2 young and at site C one pair had their eggs predated by foxes.

Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)

Seen at several sites in the area including one at Belmont reservoir on !8^th April, and six in Eyes Lane, Bretherton on the 21^st April with four there on the following day.

Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus)

Two on the moors above Belmont represents the only record for the year.

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)

Ten birds were on the moorlands on the 14^th February, and 3 or 4 pairs bred. This is the highest number of breeding pairs since 1984. There was just one record away from the moors, being two on ploughed fields alongside Eyes Lane, Bretherton on the 22^nd September.

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

Wintering flocks were slightly down in number this year with 92 at Great Hanging Bridge on the 12^th February and 80 at Anglezarke on the 30^th December. During the breeding season, 33 pairs nested around Belmont reservoir, including 12 nests on 5 acre island. The first full clutch was found on the 27^th March and several pairs incubated through snow blizzards during the second week of April (although most then abandoned). A shift was noted from lower improved pasture to moorland nesting up to 1400 feet, perhaps due to agricultural intensification on the lower pastures.

Post-breeding flocks of around 50 birds were noted at Withnell Fold and Gale Moss, where several pairs successfully raised young.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

Five were back at Belmont reservoir on the 21^st February - a full month earlier than last year. Birds were also seen at the drained end of Anglezarke reservoir during May and June. Two pairs are known to have bred in the area. One of these was at Belmont making it the third successive year that breeding has taken place at the site. A single bird was still there on the 26^th October.

Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)

Once again just two records for the year, both of single birds flushed from the swamp at A.P.S.A. in the company of Common Snipe - one on the 20^th January with 3 Common Snipe and one on the 7^th November, also with 3 Common Snipe.

Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Recorded at seventeen sites in the area. During the year, displaying birds were seen at Anglezarke, Belmont, Rivington and Withnell moor. Fourteen at Belmont reservoir on 29t^h September was the highest count for any one water.

Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)

Roding birds were located at nine sites with successful breeding at Cuerden, Heather Lea Woods and Roddlesworth.

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

Just three records for the year :-

• Forty in flight over Bretherton, east to west on the 1^st May

• One in a field by the M61 at Whittle, 10^th to 14^th May

• One at Belmont reservoir on the 18^th May

Curlew (Numenius arquata)

Numbers in the spring roost at Belmont reservoir rose again this year with 174 present on the 11^th March. Twelve pairs were located in approximately 4 km² of Anglezarke and Withnell moors. Elsewhere, a post-breeding flock of 16 birds in the Brindle area suggested a good season, and out to the west several pairs held territories.

(Spotted Redshank - Amendment to 1997 Report)

Report should have read that the stunning bird in full summer plumage at Belmont reservoir on the 17^th June was the first record of this species in the area since one at the same site on the 15^th June 1994.

Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

One in full summer plumage was at Belmont reservoir from 12^th - 14^th May.

Redshank (Tringa totanus)

The first in spring was one down Eyes Lane, Bretherton, on the 8^th March. Eight pairs were once again proved to have bred, of which six were in the Belmont reservoir area.

Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) Only one record for the year - this being two birds at Belmont reservoir on the 11th August.

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)

The only records for the year came from A.P.S.A., where birds were present on the feeder stream in the north east corner from the 10^th October until the year's end, with two there on the 26^th November.

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

One at Birkacre on the 18^th April was the first of the Spring. Birds were seen at many waters throughout the area, but especially on the reservoirs, including five pairs at Belmont and two pairs at Anglezarke, all of which bred successfully. During the autumn, ten birds were noted at Belmont on the 16^th August and seven at Anglezarke on the 21^st August.

Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)

An adult winter bird was seen in the large gull roost at Lower Rivington Reservoir on the 20^th November.

Little Gull (Larus minutus)

One first winter bird on Adlington reservoir on the 24^th November was the only record for the year and only the fifteenth for the recording area.

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)

68 pairs attempted to breed at Belmont reservoir, but the colony failed to fledge any young due to cold/wet weather and predation of eggs by Moorhens and young by Kestrels.

Common Gull (Larus canus)

Up to 40 birds were in the roost on Lower Rivington reservoir during the winter months.

Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans)

The first record of this species for the area was an individual seen at Cuerden Lake on the at a distance of less than 20 yards. It was watched for several minutes before it flew off in a westerly direction after twice circling the lake. A second record came when a bird of the species was located in the gull roost at Lower Rivington Reservoir on the 20^th November.

Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)

Two adult birds were in the large gulll roost on Lower Rivington Reservoir on the 20^th November.

Large gulls roost

The winter roost on Lower Rivington reservoir totalled 7,500 birds (or thereabouts) on several dates in December, and included large numbers of Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls as well as smaller numbers of Greater Black-backed.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)

The first in Spring was a single bird over Adlington reservoir on the 28^th April. Spring passage was better than average at this site with the peak during early May :-

• 4 on the 6^th

• 2 on the 8^th

• 3 on the 9^th

• 1 on the 12^th

• 2 on the 13^th

• 3 on the 15^th

• 1 on the 18th

Single birds were also recorded at Birkacre, Cuerden and Heapey Lodges. In contrast, Autumn passage was very poor with the only records being one at Heapey (12^th August) and one at Adlington reservoir (16^th August).

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)

Just two records for the year - one at Birkacre (21^st May) and one at Cuerden (28^th May).

Stock Dove (Columba oenas)

Recorded at Anglezarke, Cuerden, Croston Moss, Rivington and Withnell Fold. Seven pairs bred in the area, three of which used specially erected nest boxes.

Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)

The largest concentration was noted in winter on Croston Moss, where over two thousand were seen leaving a wood on the 26^th January. Twelve pairs were reported to have bred in the area. The species is also becoming a frequent visitor to garden feeding stations, where it looks enormous sat on top of a bird table.

Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Comes regularly to gardens throughout the year. Up to 29 were seen in the pets' corner in Astley Park on several dates in November. Eighteen pairs are known to have bred in the area.

Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

The first in Spring was one at Hic Bibi on the 21^st April. Birds were located at eight sites in the area with most of these being along the moorland edge.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) An excellent year for records of this species. A ringed bird was found dead at Hartwood in early March (see Ringing Report). Another was in the same vicinity on the 26th October, but the most welcome news is the confirmation of further breeding success with a total of three pairs now breeding at sites in the area. Long may this expansion continue.

Little Owl (Athene noctua)

Found on moorland, mossland and farmland again this year. It was recorded at fifteen sites in the area. Birds were seen at A.P.S.A., Birkacre, Bretherton, Croston Moss, Cuerden, Duxbury, Euxton (Dawbers Lane), Healey Nab, Hic Bibi, Hoghton, Rivington, White Coppice, Withnell etc.

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)

Pairs once again made use of locally erected owl boxes in which to breed. Three pairs used nest boxes whilst a further six pairs are known to have used natural sites.

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

Two birds were seen on several dates between 21^st January and 16^th February quartering stubble fields on Croston Moss. Elsewhere, birds were encountered over several areas of moorland during the year with a report of at least two pairs having bred successfully, raising nine young.

Swift (Apus apus)

The first in Spring were five at Belmont on 8^th May. Large concentrations were seen during July at several sites, possibly containing young birds, with 400 near Great Hanging Bridge on the 1^st July and 250+ over Lower Rivington reservoir on a very muggy 8^th July. The last seen in the area was one at Belmont reservoir on the 24^th August.

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Noted at eleven sites during the winter period and known to have bred at three of these sites. One seen flying down river from the bridge at Eyes Lane, Bretherton, on the 21^st September is one of only a handful of records from this area.

Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)

Noted from five sites during the early part of the year, with yaffling birds heard at Birkacre, Cuerden, Rivington, Roddlesworth and White Coppice. Seven pairs are known to have bred in the area - one up on last year. However, the number of young fledged was low due in part to the poor summer weather. Let's hope this does not have an adverse effect on any future range expansion.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

Bred at eleven sites in the area with three pairs once again in Duxbury Woods. Several gardens had visits from this species during the winter months.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor)

Recorded at several new sites in the area, including a female at Red Lea, Abbey Village on the 5^th February, a male at the bottom end of Old Bagganley Lane on the 25^th February, and at a new breeding site in Wallets Wood, Gillibrand. Two juveniles seen in Windsor Road could well have come from the breeding pair in Astley Park.

Skylark (Alauda avensis)

The picture for this species is not as grim as first thought with good numbers present throughout winter into early Spring at several sites on the mosslands. In summer a total of 36 singing males were located at twelve sites in the area. Hopefully, the local population will remain stable.

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

The first in Spring were four at Adlington reservoir on the 27^th March, with nine the following day. The two Sand Martin colonies held 28 active nests - eight at the sand quarry off Adlington common and twenty at the colony along the River Yarrow at Eccleston - a substantial increase on last year.

Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

First to arrive back in Spring were three over Birkacre lodges on the 10^th April, followed a week later by the main influx of birds. Despite the poor weather in late spring/early summer, good numbers of young were fledged at several local farms. Birds still lingered well into autumn with the latest record being four birds over the Goyt at White Coppice between Brinscall and White Coppice on the 15^th October.

House Martin (Delichon urbica)

During the summer, 72 active nests were located with 41 of these in Belmont village alone, where, despite the cold wet weather, most fledged two broods. The latest birds were also well into October with two over Lower Rivington reservoir on the 12^th.

Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)

Seen in the area from the 16^th April onwards at many of the wooded cloughs along the moorland edge from Brinscall to Rivington.

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)

Very common on and around the moorland sites in Spring and Summer. Encountered almost anywhere during Autumn, with some years producing large numbers at peak migration times, such as the 220+ at Belmont on the 23^rd September with a further 100 there a few days later.

Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)

One at Belmont reservoir on the 17^th September and three there on the 23^rd September are the only records for the year.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) Recorded breeding at seven sites, but still not as many records being received as there were a few years ago.

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

The winter roost in Chorley town centre held a minimum of 290 birds on the 21^st February. Nine pairs were reported to have bred this year. Autumn passage at A.P.S.A. held a very low maximum of 31 birds (mostly juveniles) on the 26^th August.

Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)

Six pairs bred in the area. Single birds were once again seen at several sites in the area, including Astley Park, Pincock Brow, Euxton, and one on the river at the rear of Pincroft lodges, Adlington.

Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

Regularly seen in many gardens in the area, with pairs known to have bred in at least five.

Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

Also found regularly in many local gardens, from where reports of breeding by ten pairs were received. Seven seen together in a garden in January could well have been a family party.

Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Common and widespread throughout the area in both woodland and garden. A pair raised four young on the shelf of a garden shed at Charnock Richard.

Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

The first to arrive in Spring was a male at Rivington on 17^th April. Eleven pairs bred in wooded cloughs in the area, with three pairs using nest boxes for breeding.

Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)

The first in Spring was a rather late male seen on Anglezarke moor on the 2^nd May. Two pairs bred in the area, successfully raising young. Autumn passage this year was very poor with just four through Belmont between 10^th August and 27^th August, two at Anglezarke on the 26^th August and one at A.P.S.A. on the 29^th August.

Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) Seven records for the year, of which all bar two were from Belmont :- male 18th March female 19th March male 15th May male 18th October female/immature 25th October male at White Coppice - 8th October male on Healey Nab - 31st October

Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

The first in Spring was a male at Belmont on the 18^th March, with three on Withnell Moor on the 31^st and one at Drinkwaters on the same day. Passage recorded at Belmont totalled 14 during March, 32 during April and 41 during May. Eight pairs were located on the moors, but breeding success is unknown.

Ring Ousel (Turdus torquatus)

Spring passage was very poor this year with only three records being received. These were a male on the moors on the 27^th March, one at Black Coppice on the 1^st April and finally one on Withnell moor on the 6^th April. Return passage was only marginally better with just four records. These were a female/immature at White Coppice (7^th October), a female at White Coppice (17^th October), a male at Lead Mines Clough (21^st October) and another at Jepson's Gate (26^th October).

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Relatively common throughout the area. Very numerous during the winter months in many local gardens, including up to 15 at a regularly baited garden ringing site in late December.

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)

The first birds in Autumn were noted at White Coppice on the 6^TH October. With the exception of 250 at Town Lane, Whittle, on the 5^th November, and 280 at Belmont on the 8^th November, very few sites held flocks of more than 50 birds.

Redwing (Turdus iliacus)

In Spring seven birds lingered in the Eaves Green area until the 6^th April. The first in Autumn were also on the 6^th October at Brinscall, White Coppice and Belmont, where a flock of 150 was noted. The size of this flock was exceptional as most flocks after this failed to exceed 50 with the average being about 30.

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelus)

An excellent year for this species with birds recorded holding territories at 14 sites, with breeding known to have taken place at eight. The young at two of these sites were ringed. It would appear, therefore, that we still have a healthy population of this species in the area with hopefully a good survival rate of young birds. Thanks to all the members who made the effort to record this species.

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)

Eleven pairs are known to have bred in the area. Post breeding flocks were noted in Astley Park (36), Rivington (29), Roddlesworth (26) and Eyes Lane, Bretherton (21).

Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia)

The first in Spring was a bird reeling near Burgh Hall on the 22^nd April. Reeling males were located at the following sites :- Birkacre, Bretherton E-shaped Pond (2), Bretherton Eyes Lane (2), Burgh Lane, Croston Moss (3), Hic Bibi, Kem Mill Lane, Whittle, and Withnell Fold Nature Reserve..

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)

The earliest in Spring was a bird in song at Bretherton on the 26^th April. From then on, birds were noted at a good many sites in the area. A total of 18 singing males were recorded at Birkacre (4), Bretherton (5), Croston (6), Cuerden (2) and Hic Bibi (1).

Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Recorded at just one site this year with two birds at Croston Marsh throughout the summer.

Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)

Recorded at just three sites in the area. A bird at Anglezarke on the 21^st May could have been on passage. The individual seen at Withnell Fold nature reserve on the 16^th July may have been part of a breeding pair, but no young were seen. However, one pair did breed in the area, raising five young at Hic Bibi nature reserve for the second year running and in the same patch of brambles, only 35 feet from last year's nest site.

Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)

Last year's record numbers (43) were again exceeded with 46 birds located at numerous sites, including 10 around Bretherton, 8 on Croston Moss, 6 at Cuerden, 6 at Birkacre, 5 at Hic Bibi, 2 at Withnell Nature Reserve and 2 at Belmont following re-colonization last year. Singles were noted at several sites throughout the area.

Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)

Recorded at a dozen sites this year with sites to the east and north-east predominating. Despite all the records no breeding was proven, although with all these birds present, at least some of them must have found mates.

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapillla) The first in Spring was a bird in song at Cuerden on the 2nd April. Breeding was recorded at seven sites and suspected at a further two. Over wintering birds were recorded at gardens in Adlington, Brinscall, Chorley, Coppull and Euxton with two in a garden at Euxton on several dates towards the year end.

Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix)

Back in the area by the 29^th April at both Rivington and Roddlesworth. Heather Lea Wood at Brinscall once again held the main concentration with six singing males located, of which three are known to have bred. The species was also located at Anglezarke, Rivington and Roddlesworth and an unconfirmed report was received of a pair back at the former breeding site in Duxbury Woods.

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

The first in Spring was one on the 9^th March at A.P.S.A. with one at Duxbury Woods the following day. Breeding was proved at six sites. A very pale grey bird thought to have been of the race tristis was seen in the Hawthorn scrub at Arley Reserve on the 3^rd November in the company of Goldcrests and Long-tailed Tits.

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)

The first in Spring was a singing male at Rivington on the 4^th April. Excellent numbers of singing birds were noted - too numerous to census accurately. Despite the weather, the breeding season turned out to be quite good with over 40 young ringed in the area.

Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)

A pair once again bred in a garden in Coppull, raising four young. A pair also bred at Belmont reservoir. The only significant Autumn numbers were forty in Heather Lea Woods on the 30^th October.

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

Seven pairs bred in the area - another excellent year. During the autumnal passage, birds turned up at many sites in the area from Croston Moss in the west, Cuerden in the north, A.P.S.A. in the south and Belmont in the east. Several sites had groups or family parties present on several dates. The largest was a group of seven at Withnell Fold.

Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) The first in Spring was a male at Rivington on the 25th April. 13 pairs bred in the area, of which 10 had their young colour-ringed as part of the on-going project on site fidelity - now in its fourth year.

Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

Breeding records came from just seven sites in the area, though there must be a lot more than these remaining undetected. Autumnal flocks numbered between fifteen and twenty on average, but with several flocks of up to 30 seen at A.P.S.A., Birkacre and Healey Nab, and the largest being one of 37 birds in Heather Lea Woods on the 22^nd November.

Marsh Tit ( Parus palustris)

One heard and then seen in Duxbury Woods on the 10^th February, and one seen at Birkacre on the 6^th August are the only records for the year.

Willow Tit (Parus montanus)

Pairs were located during the year at the following sites:- A.P.S.A., Birkacre, Cuerden, Duxbury, Hic Bibi Nature Reserve, Rivington, Roddlesworth and White Coppice. Once again there were several records in the late Summer / early Autumn, which could possibly relate to post-breeding dispersal by juveniles, with sightings from Astley Park, Belmont, Bretherton, Ellerbeck, Croston, Heapey and Red Lea.

Coal Tit (Parus ater)

Once again recorded in several gardens in the winter garden bird survey. Seven pairs are known to have bred in the area, two down on last year. one of these used a nest box on Healey Nab, which sadly had been placed too high for my ladders. Oh dear!

Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)

A regular breeding species in woodland, especially where nest boxes have been erected. This was, however a very poor, if not disastrous, breeding season with the vast majority of broods starving to death due to the very wet weather in late Spring through to early Summer. Many nests were deserted at naked young stage. The young that did reach the feathered stage fared little better with 70% of them grossly underweight. Due in part to these conditions, no attempt was made to ring any pulli this year.

Great Tit (Parus major)

This species also takes well to nest boxes, but suffered a similar fate to the Blue Tit this year.

Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)

Thirteen pairs bred at eight sites in the area, including one pair in a nest box in the Rivington area and whose young were colour ringed. No range expansion was noted this year.

Treecreeper (Certhis familiaris)

Five pairs were noted to have bred in the area during the summer months. Several gardens also had visits from the species during the winter garden bird survey.

Jay (Garrulus glandarius)

This year, as last year, the bulk of the records in winter came from the gardens of members participating in the garden bird survey. Ten pairs are known to have bred in the area. A small roost of some tenty birds was noted in holly bushes by the side of the old lane near Hall o' th' hill golf course. Perhaps these were birds displaced from their former roost in the grounds of the old fever hospital at Heath Charnock - now a housing development?

Magpie (Pica pica)

The roost at the side of Lower Rivington Reservoir held a maximum of 62 birds on the 29^th December.

Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

Places of worship were once again favoured as breeding sites with five pairs at St. Paul's at Adlington, six pairs at St. Lawrence's and five pairs at St. Chad's, South Hill. Twenty pairs nested in a quarry at Withnell. The largest winter flocks were to be found at Adlington Hall farm, where 485 were seen feeding on the 10^th December, and on Croston Moss where over 500 were feeding on the 20^th December.

Rook (Corvus frugilegus)

A further expansion in numbers was noted at several rookeries, with Prospect House at Wheelton increasing to a deafening 121 active nests and the one at Croston increasing in numbers to 111. A winter flock of over 600 birds, on fields at Adlington Hall farm, in the company of around 500 Jackdaws, is a winter spectacle not to be missed.

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)

Eight pairs are known to have bred in the area, and very good numbers were seen throughout the area in suitable habitat. One was seen to catch and carry off a Starling at Belmont on the 28^th December.

Raven (Corvus corax)

Two pairs were located this year, with one pair breeding successfully. The species is now a regular sight over the eastern side of the recording area. Two engaged in an aerial dogfight with two Peregrines over Belmont on the 3^rd January was quite an exceptional record.

Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

The roost on the site of the ROF at Euxton contained a total of somewhere in the region of 400,000 birds on a few dates in early February. The roost has dropped in numbers compared to previous years, which is probably accounted for by the extensive house building now taking place on the site.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Breeding records for this species fell sharply this year, possibly due to the poor weather. Let's hope they pick up again next year. Wintering flocks, however, were quite numerous, if not widespread. Do birds move into our area to over-winter? A flock of 40 plus birds going to roost in evergreen shrubs on the pay and display car park in Friday Street at 16.27 on the 21^st December was a very interesting observation by one of our younger members.

Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

Several small flocks were seen at several locations during the winter months, including Birkacre, Croston Moss, Cuerden, Heath Charnock and Heapey. However, the only breeding record received for this species was of four pairs on a small area of rough farm land off Back Lane, Heath Charnock, adjacent to Anglezarke Reservoir..

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

Visits many of our members' gardens to feed during the winter months. Eight pairs were recorded breeding. Numbers in winter flocks were lower than in previous years, with the largest flock being just over 100 birds in Eyes Lane, Bretherton on the 24^th December..

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)

A very poor year for this species with a maximum of just 35 birds in Duxbury Woods on the 21^st February. At year's end, the species was even scarcer with just five at Cuerden on the 7^th November, and singles in two members' gardens on the 6^th December. Two were heard in flight with 30 Chaffinch over Arley Reserve on the the 26^th December.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris)

During the early part of the year nearly all the records came from members taking part in the garden bird survey, with up, to seven in my own garden. At the latter end of the year, good-sized flocks were located on the mosslands at Croston with several flocks of around fifty birds. The maximum seen was 98 birds in one flock in early November.

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

This species has seen a dramatic reduction in the size of Autumn and Winter flocks with the largest noted being one of only 70 birds on Croston Moss on the 26^th September. This could well be due to the poor weather throughout the breeding season. Several small flocks were seen at a number of garden take-aways during the winter months.

Siskin (Carduelis spinus)

In the early part of the year, there were very few birds located at any site, other than the alders at Brook House Bay, Anglezarke, which regularly held in excess of 100 birds. Early Spring saw many birds visiting garden bird feeding stations, prior to their departure north. The species bred successfully at Belmont reservoir, with at least one pair seen in May/early June.

Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)

Winter flocks of up to 80 birds were located at several sites, including Eyes Lane, Bretherton, Croston Moss and Cuerden. The largest flock seen was one of 190 birds in fields alongside Jolly Tar Lane, Coppull on the 21^st March.

Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)

Fewer still wintering birds compared to the last few years, with just seven at Belmont reservoir and twelve in fields alongside Eyes Lane, Bretherton. Fifteen on Winter Hill on the 27^th July were possibly the result of local breeding.

Redpoll (Carduelis flammea)

Seen in only small numbers at a selection of sites in the area in the early part of the year. During the summer, several pairs were located in the small conifer plantations that dot the moorland edge in the Rivington area. In the later part of the year, a flock of 75 birds was located at both Anglezarke and White Coppice on the 10^th November, but unfortunately it soon moved south.

Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) Birds were heard and/or seen at nine sites in the area, and were recorded breeding at five. Once again good numbers were seen feeding on heather seeds, with up to 46 birds at Anglezarke car park on the 19th November.

Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)

Once again a pair was located in the Hoghton/Brindle area, but unfortunately no records of breeding were forthcoming.

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

Very few records were received of wintering birds. This was in sharp contrast to summer records, which were received from twelve sites, nine of which included breeding success. This is a welcome increase on previous years.

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Nine on the moors at Great Hill on the 14^th Februarywas the first record of this species in the area since 1980 when when flocks of 2, 8 and 29 were on Anglezarke moor on several dates in January.

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Breeding pairs were seen at twelve sites - just one better than last year. During winter, flocks were seen at A.P.S.A., Croston Moss, Cuerden and Hic Bibi. Twenty four on Croston Moss (24^th December) was the largest flock seen.

Corn Bunting

The mosslands around Croston and Mawdesley remain the stronghold for this species in our area. One or two flocks of 20-30 birds were seen on Croston moss at both ends of the year.

ROOKERY CENSUS

WILDFOWL COUNTS

The monthly waterfowl counts covered the Anglezarke/Rivington Resevoirs together with Heapey Lodges, Roddlesworth Reservoirs and Belmont Reservoir.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS TO BIRD REPORT

Thanks to the following for submitting records for possible inclusion in this report:- D.Allen, D.Barker, D.Beattie, G.Bellis, W.Berry, J.Burgoigne, T.Darbyshire, D.J.Fletcher, K.J.Green, R.E.Hoyle, A.Johnson, Mrs C.Johnson, Mrs C.Kellett, P.Kirk, A.Leach, A.K.Leach, P.Leach, G.Leather, S.Llewellin, D.Lumb, P.Marsden, S.J.Martin, C.Rae, Mrs J.Riley, P.Ross, C.Smith, N.T.Southworth, Mrs C.Stones, A.Stott, J.Thompson, Mrs H.Walker, D.Weir, Mrs N.West, and J.Whiteside. Apologies to anyone, whom I may have omitted. For the last time in my capacity as Record's Secretary, may I thank once again my three children, Alan, Paul and Helen - who are all much bigger than when I started! - for giving me many hours of peace and quiet to write this report, and to my wife Kris for all her moral support and cups of tea and glasses of whisky! Andy Leach

RINGING REPORT

This is my fourth year of writing the Ringing Report. The format will be as for last year with a brief report on ringing outside the recording area. The most important event in the Chorley area, as far as ringing is concerned, took place on December 31^st, when my eldest son, Alan, became an official B.T.O. trainee ringer under the ever watchful eyes of my own trainer, Dave Fletcher. Nice one, Alan! Now comes at least four years of hard work! - I'm not trying to put you off son!

The number of birds ringed in the area - five hundred and ninety five - was one of the lowest totals since ringing began in the area in 1983. This was due mainly to my decision not ot ring Blue Tit and Great Tit pulli in nest boxes, a decision which was taken because of an exorbitant increase in the price of rings imposed by the B.T.O. Normally, I would ring in excess of five hundred pulli in boxes alone, which forced me to the conclusion that I could not continue to do so many at the increased price. Therefore, from 1998 onwards, with regard to pulli in nest boxes, I have decided to be selective, concentrating purely on Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Nuthatch, Tawny Owl and Stock Dove.

Yearly Summary

Once again, Ken Green was unable to do very little ringing due to the pressure of business (never mind Ken, you could win the Lottery!)

During the first quarter of the year, only three ringing sessions took place in the area, all of which were at my own garden baited site. The highlights were five Siskins on the 22^nd March. Six ringing sessions took place outside the area, these being one at Worthington Lakes baited site, four at Mere Sands Wood and a swan catch at Martin Mere. No ringing took place anywhere in April.

As usual, May and June were hectic to say the least, with the second year of Hic Bibi as a Constant Effort Site, plus numerous nest boxes to check and several farms to visit for Swallows. This year was another poor breeding season with the loss of many Blue and Great Tit pulli. However, a total of 186 pulli of 13 species were ringed, highlights of which included 77 Swallows, 53 Pied Flycatchers, 21 Redstarts, 17 Blackbirds, 10 Stock Doves, 8 each of Lapwing and Dipper and 6 Nuthatches.

During July and August, all ringing was in the form of Constant Effort Site visits with good numbers of Willow Warblers caught. No ringing took place in the area in September, and only one session in October, which was at Arley reserve, when 13 birds were caught, including 13 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Blackcaps and a single Chiffchaff.

No further ringing took place in the year until the 28^th December, in my own garden, when 8 birds were caught of which 4 were Starlings, bringing the year's total to 595 birds.

Adlington Park Study Area (Arley Reserve)

Only one visit was made during the Autumn, when just 13 birds of 7 species were caught.

Table 1

List of birds ringed at Arley Reserve in 1998 and the grand total to date.

Black Coppice

Once again, no ringing took place at this site due to Ken Green's business commitments.

Hic Bibi Nature Reserve Constant Effort Site

Table 2

A list of birds ringed at Hic Bibi during 1998 and the Grand Total ringed to date.

Garden Ringing 1998

A.L.'s Garden Site

Five ringing sessions were carried out in my in-laws' garden. The total of 55 birds included single Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Siskins, 4 Blackbirds and 4 Starlings.

Table 3

A list of birds ringed in Sid and Pat Holding's garden during 1998 and the Grand Total to date.

Nest Recording 1998

Due to other commitments, no nest record cards were completed this year.

CHORLEY RINGING TOTALS

TABLE 4

RECOVERIES AND RETRAPS

Barn Owl

Dunnock

Delayed Recoveries/retraps from 1997

Willow Warbler

MIGRATION REPORT

Unfortunately, due to lack of records, there will be no migration report this year.

Andy Leach

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