Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

A bird was on Lower Rivington reservoir on 30^th January

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

A pair was at Birkacre on the 25^th March, but they didn't linger. Two pairs bred at a site in Whittle.

All other records relate to the second half of the year and include birds on the Leeds Liverpool canal (8^th August), Heapey lodges (7^th October), Belmont where three were present (22^nd October), Cuerden (29^th October) and Hoghton Bottoms (26^th November)

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Breeds on all suitable waters in the Chorley area

The species bred for the first time at Belmont where two pairs raised three young.

Breeding success was also noted at Anglezarke, Birkacre, Heapey Lodges, the Rivington reservoirs and Withnell fisheries.

Birds were present on the reservoirs in all months of the year.

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Seen regularly on the reservoirs in ones and twos, 10 flew over Anglezarke on 11^th October, and 10 were perched on the cable over the River Douglas at Great Hanging Bridge Croston on 11^th November.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

Recorded in ones and twos in all months of the year at sites throughout the area.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Pairs bred or attempted to breed at Birkacre, Bretherton, Lower Healey and on the Leeds Liverpool canal.

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)

1 was at Hoghton Bottoms on 1^st January

4 were at Belmont on 20^th March and two were there on 23^rd.

15 were on Croston Moss on 28^th October and seven were there on 11^th November

Pink-Footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus)

Records mainly relate to skeins flying over, particularly in October as they move south-east presumably to Norfolk. However, on 19^th December, a flock of 51 birds spent the afternoon grazing by the side of Belmont reservoir.

Greylag Goose (Feral/escape) (Anser anser)

The only records were of birds at Lock Lane, Bretherton on 29^th April, singles at Belmont on 3^rd October and Anglezarke on 11^th October, and 18 flying over Birkacre on 9^th December.

Bar-headed Goose (Feral/escape) (Anser indicus)

One at Anglezarke reservoir on 27^th September and one at Withnell Fold scrapes on 1^st November may well have been the same bird

Snow Goose ((Feral/escape) (Anser caerulescens)

One was seen flying north with Canada geese over Anglezarke reservoir on 11^th October

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)

Despite the efforts at population control, the species continues to thrive.

A flock of up to 115 birds spent most of August and September at Withnell Fold 'scrapes'.

The maximum at Belmont was 151 in July

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)

Up to three were present at Belmont throughout the year. Two nested - paired with Canada geese but failed.

Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)

Records came mainly from the mosslands where 22 were counted on 29^th April, but pairs were noted at Hoghton (23^rd April), Anglezarke reservoir (29^th April) and Withnell Fold scrapes (18^th June)

Wigeon (Anas penelope)

Eight were noted on Lower Rivington reservoir on 29^th March.

All other records were from Anglezarke and Belmont in late September and early October with one further record of a single bird at Anglezarke on 22^nd November.

Teal (Anas crecca)

30 were noted at Withnell Fold scrapes on 9^th January, and 20 were on Lower Rivington reservoir on 14^th January

A pair bred at Belmont and raised three young

The annual autumn gathering at Withnell Fold 'scrapes' peaked at around 100 on 9th September

114 were counted on Lower Rivington reservoir on 16^th December

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

Common and widespread. Wintering numbers at Birkacre total well over one hundred.

Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

Six were noted flying north over Upper Rivington reservoir on 15^th September

Three were at Withnell Fold scrapes on 26^th October

Pochard (Aythya ferina)

The only double figure counts were of a flock which was present at Anglezarke reservoir in January and which peaked at 43 on the 16^th, and a flock of 12 again at Anglezarke on 18^th October. All other records were single figures.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Numbers on the reservoirs in the first winter period were relatively low with the best count being 22 on 30^th March on Lower Rivington reservoir

In June, however, breeding was noted at Belmont, where three pairs fledged 18 young. On 27^th July a female with 4 juveniles was noted at High Bullough reservoir.

In the second winter period numbers were even lower with no counts in double figures.

Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra)

Two were at Belmont reservoir on 27^th June

Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)

Goosander (Mergus merganser)

Records for the first winter period included the following:-

• 30 on Yarrow reservoir on 17^th January
• 14 on Anglezarke reservoir on 11^th February
• 11 on Lower Rivington reservoir on 23^th March

11 dropping in on Lower Rivington reservoir for a short while on 16^th May was a late record

First back in Autumn was a single bird on Upper Rivington reservoir on 15^th September. Counts remained in single figures to the year end with the highest being 9 on Anglezarke reservoir on 2^nd December

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

A female on Lower Rivington reservoir on 1^st and 2nd January was the only record received

Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

In the first winter period a Ring-tailed was seen regularly around Belmont. On 10^th September two ring-tailed birds were seen, and from 17^th October to the end of the year a male was seen regularly at Belmont.

Apart from Belmont the only other record was of a ring-tailed flying south over the mast road, Winter Hill on 28^th October.

Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

Regularly recorded at garden feeding stations

Records received from many sites, but only one related to possible breeding, this being a sighting of a juvenile on Grey Heights on 23^rd August

Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

A report was received of one being mobbed by Ravens over Anglezarke moor on 1^st April (NH)

Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

Another good year for sightings with birds seen regularly at Hoghton Bottoms with three there on 4^th October.

Three were seen over the Weldbank area of Chorley on 29^th September, and a bird was seen regularly at Belmont in the final quarter of the year. Other sightings came from Rivington and Coppull.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

The only record was of one flying north along Upper Rivington reservoir on 20^th April

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Regularly recorded at many sites, the most notable record was of 16 being counted hovering around the moorland edge at Belmont on 26^th July

Merlin (Falco columbarius)

A female was on Croston Moss on 18^th January. All other records, generally of individual birds, came from the moorlands

Hobby (Falco subbuteo)

Recorded on seven occasions at Belmont between 24^th June and 9^th September. All records are thought to have been of the same bird

Peregrine (Falco peregrinus)

Recorded at both ends of the year over the moors. Disappeared from a former breeding site, because, it is thought, of the death of one of the birds.

Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus)

Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)

One or two were noted on the mosslands in Spring.

Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)

Records included:-

• 8 on Anglezarke moor on 28^th January
• 2 at Withnell Fold scrapes on 25^th August
• 7 on Grey Heights on 28^th August
• 41 on Croston Moss on 7^th October
• 69 on Croston Moss on 4^th November
• 14 on Anglezarke moor on 28^th November

Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Records of ones and twos received from many sites throughout the area in most months of the year.

Most notable records were of 18 in the Yarrow valley at Anglezarke on 19^th January, and around 200 at Belmont on 2^nd December, the latter being part of a larger number released for shooting.

Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)

One at Belmont on 16^th November was the only record.

Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)

Breeds at all suitable waters. Noteworthy counts included:-

• 12 at Grimeford Lane, Anderton on 19^th January
• 20 at Withnell Fold scrapes on 26^th July
• 15 at Belmont on 18^th November
• 33 at Birkacre on 16^th December

Coot (Fulica atra)

Good numbers breed and winter at Birkacre, where 20 were counted on 16^th December. Most waters have breeding pairs. 13 were at Lower Healey on 26^th November.

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

Seen regularly on the reservoirs between March and September. Also noted on the mosslands on 29^th April.

Five pairs bred at Belmont reservoir, but only three young fledged.

Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)

Two were noted on Croston Moss on 29^th April

Two were on Withnell Moor on 13^th August

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

Twenty five pairs bred at Belmont raising a minimum of 40 young

Largest flock recorded at Belmont was of 300 birds on 31^st August. A flock of 90 birds was at Withnell Fold scrapes on 2^nd September, and 34 were in Lisieux Hall fields at Whittle on 12^th December

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

Nine birds at Belmont on 1^st August comprised four adults and five juveniles. These are believed to have been local breeders and their offspring

The only other records came from Withnell Fold scrapes where up to three birds were seen on several dates in July and August

Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Most records came from the second half of the year. Peak counts at the two main sites were of 17 at Withnell Fold scrapes on 24^th July, and 20 at Belmont on 26^th December

16 flew over Anglezarke reservoir on 27^th September

Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)

All records were from Belmont reservoir and were of single birds seen on 10^th and 19^th January, 18^th and 26^th October and 1^st December

Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)

Birds were noted roding at several locations around the Rivington / Anglezarke area in April

A bird was noted on eggs at Hoghton on 22^nd April, and a pair with young was located at Rivington on 15^th June

50 were flushed from Rhododendrons at Belmont on 12^th December

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

The only record was of one at Belmont reservoir on 21st May.

Curlew (Numenius arquata)

Maximum roost at Belmont was 210 on 15^th March. This was the highest count since 1988.

40 were at Withnell Fold scrapes on 8^th July

Redshank (Tringa totanus)

A flock of 13 birds was over Lower Rivington reservoir on 29^th March

Eight breeding pairs were at Belmont but only two broods noted. Elsewhere only single birds were recorded.

Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)

All records:-

• One at Withnell Fold scrapes on typical date of 26^th July
• Singles at Belmont on 29/7, 31/7, 2/8 and 8/9
• One flew over Heapey Lodges on 26^th August

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)

One was at Withnell Fold scrapes on 16^th August and another was at Belmont on 30^th September

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

First records in Spring were on 17^th April when 2 were at Anglezarke, 2 at Lower Rivington and three on Upper Rivington reservoirs

Six pairs bred at Belmont reservoir, and several breeding pairs were noted on the Rivington reservoir complex in what seems to have been a good year for the species locally.

The last record for the year was at Anglezarke reservoir on 14^th October

Black-Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)

Two pairs bred at Belmont which was two more than last year

A flock of 500 was at Withnell Fold scrapes and surrounding fields on 25^th August

A spectacular flock of several thousand birds was on fields off Eyes Lane, Bretherton on 21^st October

Common Gull (Larus canus)

Present in good numbers in winter on reservoirs

Lesser Black-Backed Gull (Larus fuscus)

Present in good numbers on reservoirs in winter

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)

Usually present in large numbers in Lower Rivington gull roost

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

Usually a few in Lower Rivington gull roost

Little Gull (Larus minutus)

Large Gulls Roost (Laridae spp.)

Still several thousand in Lower Rivington gull roost during the winter months.

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)

The only records were from Lower Rivington reservoir on 9^th and 16^th May and 25^th August

Feral Pigeon (Columba livia)

Present in the town centre and at Chorley hospital

Stock Dove (Columba oenas)

Pairs bred at sites in the White Coppice and Anglezarke areas

A flock of 12 was at Withnell Fold scrapes on 25^th August

Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)

Common and widespread throughout the area.

Winter flocks included the following:-

• Flock of over 1000 at Haddock Park wood, Brindle on 7^th January
• Flock of 1100 at Belmont on 13^th January
• Flock of 800 along the Goit at White Coppice on 28^th October
• Flock of 1600 at Anglezarke on 21^st November

Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

A pair was nest building at Euxton on 15^th February

Doesn't appear to be quite as numerous in gardens as previously. Could predation by Sparrowhawks be affecting numbers?

Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus )

First was at Anglezarke on 26th April

Records were few and far between, hopefully because of foot and mouth restrictions

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Little Owl (Athene noctua)

Fewer records than usual. Birds located at Anglezarke Moor, Hoghton Bottoms and Belmont reservoir. The White Coppice bird seems to have disappeared. Can anyone confirm otherwise?

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)

Plenty of records with breeding noted at Brindle, Duxbury Woods, Chorley and Rivington

Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

Four pairs bred locally

Swift (Apus apus)

First record was of 20 with hirundines over Lower Rivington reservoir on 27^th April - the same date as last year.

Returned to breeding site at Cowling on 10^th May

Up to 250 birds were noted at Belmont on a couple of dates in June and July

Last record for year was of a single bird over Upper Rivington reservoir on 15^th September

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

One was seen in Sheephouse Lane, Rivington on 28^th April with a flock of Starlings,

Another was seen behind Morrison's supermarket, Chorley, on 1^st August

Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)

Another good year for records with birds noted at Birkacre, Cuerden, Anglezarke, Rivington, Roddlesworth, White Coppice and Withnell Fold

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major)

Found in all suitable habitat and a regular at several garden feeding stations. Seen at nest at Birkacre in May

Several family groups were noted in the Anglezarke and Rivington areas in June and July

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus minor)

Not the best year for sightings with the only records coming from Birkacre (on several occasions) in March, and from Leicester Mill quarry, Anglezarke on 12^th October

Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

The first for the year on Healey Nab was on 6^th February.

Six were in song on Lower Burgh meadow at Birkacre on 8^th April

A flock of around 70 was on fields at Eyes Lane Bretherton on 22^nd September.

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

The first in Spring was on the very early date of 9^th March at Belmont. The next was at Lower Healey on 24^th.

Two pairs bred at Belmont. Breeding is also likely to have occurred at Eccleston and Whittle, but Foot and Mouth restrictions meant that no records were received.

Last record for the year was of 7 at Withnell Fold Nature Reserve on 9^th September.

Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

One at Birkacre on 31st March was the first for the year. Another was at Belmont on the following day

A pair bred on the transmitter building on the summit of Winter Hill

The last were three over Withnell nature reserve on 19^th October

House Martin (Delichon urbica)

One at Birkacre on 8^th April was first for the year

Over 150 were noted hawking for insects above Belmont village on 23^rd August

Last record was 10 over Anglezarke on 3rd October

Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)

First was at Hollinshead Hall, Roddlesworth on the very late date of 7^th May, due no doubt to foot and mouth restrictions.

Presumably for the same reason very few other records were received of a species which is most easily identifed by its song flight, which had finished by the time restrictions were lifted at many sites.

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)

Returning flocks included 80 at Belmont on 15^th March, 100 on Healey Nab on 28^th March and 60 at Anglezarke on 29^th March

Post-breeding / passage flocks at Belmont increased from 100 on 23 July to 300 on 30^th September, reducing to 100 by 7^th October

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)

Pairs were noted at Anglezarke, Birkacre, Cuerden, Heapey Lodges, Rivington, White Coppice and Withnell Fold.

A white headed male was seen in the company of a female at Heapey No 1 lodge during April

Pairs with young were noted at Birkacre on 14^th July, and at Lead Mines Clough on 23^rd July

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

No records received of large flocks, but nevertheless widespread throughout the recording area.

Waxwing (Bombycilla Garrulus)

Chorley's share of the Waxwing invasion was restricted to 14 at the Bomber memorial, Lead Mine's clough on 20^th January, and 2 in Moor Road, Chorley, on 2^nd February.

Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)

Records received from Anderton, Anglezarke, Belmont, Birkacre, Crosse Hall, Cuerden, Rivington, Roddlesworth and White Coppice, suggesting a healthy population in the area.

Seen carrying food at Birkacre on 6^th May

A pair raised three young in a nest box at Belmont previously used by Swallows and Wagtails

Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

Records were received from all parts of the area.

Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

Records were received from all parts of the area

Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

Records were received from all parts of the area

Black Redstart (Pheonicurus ochruros

An immature male was in song near Belmont on 16^th April

Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

The first back was one at Rivington on the relatively late date of 27^th April. Another was at Roddlesworth on 7^th May.

The species is confined to the east of the recording area, where at least four breeding pairs were located. Pairs with young were noted at Roddlesworth on 10^th June and the White Coppice area on 1^st July.

One was noted on Anglezarke Moor on 14^th August.

Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)

First was at Wilcock's farm, Rivington on 5^th May

Two pairs bred at Belmont

Last record was of two at Belmont on 29^th August

Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)

Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)

The first was at Belmont on 23^rd March, then one at Anglezarke on 29^th March.

Two pairs with juveniles were noted at Belmont in July

Last for the year was noted at Kaye's farm, Heath Charnock on 25^th September.

Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)

All records came from Belmont.

The only Spring record was on 25^th April, the remainder relating to Autumn passage.

Three were seen on 25^th October and one on 3^rd November

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Recorded in all parts of the area

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)

Notable flocks for the first winter period included:-

• 30 at Roddlesworth on 1^st January.
• 300 at Belmont on 4^th January
• 50 at Rivington on 20^th January
• 60 at Jepson's Gate on 29^th January
• 60 on Healey Nab on 31^st March
• 120 at Anglezarke on 1^st April

The latest was one at Belmont on 21^st April

Main Autumn passage took place between 15^th and 19^th October when three separate observers at Anglezarke, Belmont and Rivington noted flocks of several hundred birds moving west during the period

Another large flock of 1550 birds passed through Belmont on 28^th October

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)

Plenty of records from all parts of the area suggesting its apparent decline may have halted for the time being

Redwing (Turdus iliacus)

Notable flocks for the first winter period included:-

• 60 at Rivington on 1^st January
• 40 at Anglezarke on 16^th January
• 150 at Rivington on 20^th January
• 40 at Rivington on 6^th February
• 80 at Rivington on 18^th March
• 40 at Anderton on 25^th March
• Last at Rivington on 6^th April

As with Fieldfare, main Autumn passage took place between 15^th & 19^th October with the same three observers recording large flocks of birds moving west

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)

Records received from all parts of the area.

Notable late summer flocks included 17 at Cuerden on 18^th July, 12 at White Coppice on 16^th September and 16 on Grey Heights on 22^nd September

Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia)

First was a bird reeling at the Waterman's cottage end of Anglezarke reservoir on 25^th April.

Other records were received from Belmont and Bretherton.

Two held territories at Birkacre where one was still reeling on 28^th July.

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)

First was at Croston reed bed on 29^th April

Records affected by foot and mouth restrictions but 5 at Birkacre on 21^st July

Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

First was at Croston marsh on 29^th April

Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)

Two records only:-

• One in song on Hic Bibi Lane on 29^th April
• One at Belmont on 12^th May, being a first record for the site

Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)

First was at E-shaped pond, Bretherton, on 28^th April.

Records received from Belmont, Birkacre, Cuerden, Hic Bibi, and White Coppice with last for year being from Grey Heights on 23^rd August

Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)

First was at Anglezarke car park on 4^th May

Recorded at Grey Heights and Cuerden with last record being from Withnell Fold nature reserve on 1^st August

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)

Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix)

The only record was of one near Yarrow reservoir on 10^th May

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

The first record was of one in Coppull New Road on 24^th March

Recorded at all suitable sites in the area with the last being of one in song on Croston Moss on 7^th October

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)

First was at Belmont on 4th April

Recorded at sites throughout the area, being particularly numerous in White Coppice area.

Latest was three on Grey Heights on 20^th September

Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)

Common and widespread in both winter periods. A couple of birds frequented an Euxton garden in January, and three were in a Rivington garden on 19^th January. A couple of pairs bred.

There was an influx of passage / wintering birds around 22^nd / 23^rd September, with records being received from Grey Heights, Rivington, White Coppice and Withnell Fold.

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

The first was at Waterman's cottage, Anglezarke on 7^th May, with further records being received from Rivington, Anglezarke and Birkacre.

Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)

Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)

Still plentiful and widespread. A flock of 30 at Birkacre on 25^th February indicated good winter survival

The number of flocks seen in the Rivington area would seem to indicate a good breeding season. In the second half of the year a flock of 22 was noted at Cuerden on 22^nd December and one of 50 at Belmont on 31^st December

Willow Tit (Parus montanus)

Several widespread records were received of this elusive species:-

• One at Grimeford Lane, Anderton on 18^th January
• Two in a Chorley garden between 4^th & 15^th February
• One at Cuerden on 12^th February
• One at Birkacre on dates between 13^th April and 6^th May
• One at Chisnall, Coppulll on 17^th July
• One at Withnell Fold nature reserve on 4^th August

Coal Tit (Parus ater)

Seems to have established itself in the top ten at garden feeding stations

Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)

A flock of 30 was noted in woodland at Belmont on 31^st December

Great Tit (Parus major)

A flock of 25 was noted in woodland at Belmont on 31^st December.

Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)

Breeds in all suitable woodland east of the M6, including Cuerden, Hoghton Bottoms, Birkacre, Duxbury Woods, Astley Park woods, Roddlesworth, Anglezarke and Rivington, where several family groups were noted.

Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)

As with Nuthatch, breeds in all suitable woodland in the area.

An adult was seen feeding young in Duxbury Woods on 29^th April

Jay (Garrulus glandarius)

Two family parties were at Belmont on 30^th June

Became noticeably mobile in Autumn in search for food as acorn crop was poor. Visited gardens more than normal.

Flock of 10 was noted in Rivington on 22^nd September, and a flock of 12 was noted also at Rivington on 23^rd December.

Magpie (Pica pica)

A flock of 14 was noted by the canal at Withnell Fold on 24^th November

Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)

A flock of 100 was noted over Rivington on 18^th February

A flock of 60 was noted over Birkacre on 25^th February

A flock of 100 was feeding on fields at Withnell Fold scrapes on 25^th August in company of large numbers of gulls and other corvids

A flock of 300 was feeding on fields at Eyes Lane, Bretherton, on 21^st October in company of large numbers of gulls and other corvids

Rook (Corvus frugilegus)

Rookery at Croston continues to be the largest with about 150 nests

A flock of 100 was feeding on fields at Withnell Fold scrapes on 25^th August in company of large numbers of gulls and other corvids

A flock of 150 was feeding on a stubble field at Grey Heights on 11^th September

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)

Still the commonest corvid in the Rivington area

Raven (Corvus corax)

Bred at a site in the north of the area.

Family parties were noted at Belmont on 3^rd May and over Anglezarke moor on 16^th July

Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Noteworthy flocks included:-

• 300 at Belmont on 17^th February
• 300 at Withnell Fold scrapes on 26^th July
• 500 at Eyes Lane, Bretherton on 21^st October
• 500 at Belmont on 4^th November

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Flocks reported included 40 at Belmont on 4^th August and 20 at Hoghton on 12^th August.

One of 20 at Cowling, Chorley, was noted as containing good numbers of juveniles

Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

Recorded at Anglezarke, Bretherton, Croston Moss, Cuerden, Heapey, Limbrick and Withnell Fold, where a flock of 60 birds was noted on 2^nd September

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)

Typical flocks included the following:-

• Flock of 100 at Brook House plantation, Anglezarke on 4^th January
• Flock of 70 on Grey Heights on 24^th September
• Flock of 45 at Belmont on 25^th December

Brambling (Fringilla montrifringilla)

No great numbers in either winter period, just the odd ones with Chaffinches in the Rivington and Belmont areas

One visited a Chorley garden feeding station on 27^th December

Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)

Common and widespread. Regular visitor to garden feeding stations

18 were noted on eastern slopes of Healey Nab on 16^th September, 12 were seen on Croston Moss on 11^th November and 50 were at Belmont reservoir on 30^th December

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

Flock of 17 at Belmont on 28^th April

Flock of 60 at Belmont on 3^rd October

Siskin (Carduelis spinus)

Typical flocks were as follows:-

• Flocks of 30 and 40 were seen at Anglezarke and Rivington throughout January
• Flock of 50 at Lower Roddlesworth on 9^th January
• Flock of 35 at Belmont on 7^th April
• Flock of 24 at Belmont on 25^th August
• Flock of up to 12 at Cuerden on several dates in December

Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)

Typical flocks were as follows:-

• Flock of 20 at Belmont on 18^th August
• Flock of 50 in Eyes Lane, Bretherton on 22^nd September
• Flock of 150 on Croston Moss on 11^th November

Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)

Records, which suggested possible breeding, were received from three separate locations

Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis cabaret)

Flocks of up to 20 birds were seen in the Anglezarke / Rivington areas during January

Recorded at several locations during the breeding season

A flock of 10 was at Anglezarke on 16^th December

Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Becoming regular at garden feeding stations where the species has discovered sunflower seeds

Fairly widespread throughout the area

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

One was heard over Winter Hill on 23^rd December.

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

Still well represented in the west and south of the area, but appears to have disappeared from the east for the time being.

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Still present in good numbers. 8 were holding territory at Birkacre on 1^st April. 30 in 6 separate groups were located on molinia moorland on 31^st December, suggesting over-wintering

Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra)

Confined to Croston and Mawdesley Moss. A flock of over 50 on Croston Moss on 8^th December was a reassuring record.

Chinese Goose (Anser cygnoides)

Two were regularly seen on Lower Rivington Reservoir throughout the year

Carolina Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

The male of the pair which had been introduced to Big Lodge at Birkacre in July last year fell victim to a fox in February. The female suffered a similar fate in July.

Thanks to the following for submitting records for possible inclusion in this report:-

D.Allen, D.Barker, D.Beattie, W.Berry, A.Blacklidge, S.Booth, J.Burgoine, T.Darbyshire,. B.Derbyshire, D.Downing, K.J.Green, N.Hancock, R.E.Hoyle, A.Johnson, Mrs C.Johnson, Mrs C.Kellett, P.Kirk, G.Leather, D.Lumb, P.Marsden, S.J.Martin, M.Moss, A.Porter, C.Rae, Mrs. J.Riley, P.Ross, J.Sharples, C.Smith, N.Southworth, R.Spencer, A.Stott, D.Tucker, Mrs N.West, and all those who submitted Garden Bird Survey Forms. Apologies to anyone, whom I may have missed out.