October

For the sake of continuity with last month's report, the movement of Siskins continued with over 50 passing south between Brinscall and White Coppice on the 1^st. A small flock of 6 was seen at Alance Bridge on the 8^th, and one of 16 was at Brook House plantation, Anglezarke on 16^th.

Also on the 1^st, a Buzzard was seen over the south end of Cuerden Valley Park. The only other raptor records were of Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, which were noted at several sites. A Raven was recorded being mobbed by crows over Higher Derbyshire's, Rivington on the 4^th.

The first Redwings were seen over Rivington on the 9^th - a fairly typical date - in two flocks (one of 25 and another of 45 birds). Other small flocks were recorded at Anglezarke (17^th), Withnell Fold (21^st), White Coppice (29^th) and Brinscall (29^th). Fieldfares were rather more reticent in arriving - the first being 12 at Birkacre on the 14^th with another 40 flying over on 28^th. Elsewhere, the first were not recorded at Rivington until 29^th.

Summer visitors still present included a Chiffchaff in song at Birkacre on 5^th. Last Sand Martins were two flying south along the Goyt at White Coppice on the 1^st. Two House Martins were at Birkacre on the 14^th and finally two Swallows were seen flying south over Wigan road at Euxton on the 16^th.

Stonechat records were received from three separate observers. These were of one on Withnell Moor on 1^st, one at White Coppice (also 1^st), and a male and two juveniles on Anglezarke moor (8^th).

All three woodpeckers were recorded during the month. Pride of place as usual goes to Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, seen flying across Well Lane, Brinscall, into Heather Lea Woods (19^th), not a site from which records are often received. Green Woodpeckers were recorded at White Coppice (1^st) and Rivington (11^th & 13^th). Great Spotted Woodpeckers were recorded at six sites (excluding gardens!).

Wildfowl records were unremarkable. The first and only Goosander record was a male on Anglezarke reservoir on 22^nd. No Goldeneye records were received.

November

The first Brambling record for the second winter period was of three in a flock of over 200 Chaffinches in Sheephouse Lane, Rivington on 4^th. Several more were seen in Grey Heights Wood, Anglezarke on the 12^th feeding on the beech mast.

Fieldfare and Redwing numbers increased with 100 plus Fieldfare and 30 Redwings being noted at White Coppice on the 4^th. Also on the 4^th, 200 plus Fieldfare were seen flying over Wilcock's Farm, Rivington, and 55 Redwing were at Birkacre, so it would seem that a general movement was taking place. There were 12 Fieldfare at Birkacre on the 12^th. Siskin flocks included 15 at Birkacre on 12^th, 20 in Duxbury Woods (27^th) and 25 at Brook House, Anglezarke (28^th). 40 Redpoll were in the alders at Anglezarke car park (12^th).

The first Goldeneye records were of 1 on Anglezarke reservoir and 1 on High Bullough reservoir (12^th). Numbers of Pochard and Tufted Duck peaked at 44 and 95 respectively, on the 12^th, spread over the three main reservoirs. A Cormorant was on Lower Rivington reservoir on the 12^th.

Other records of interest, in what was a quiet month, included Kingfisher at Heapey No. 3 lodge (12^th), and Tawny Owl roosting near Rivington Hall on the 11^th. Most unusual record of the month, however, was one of a Little Owl flying near Chorley Town Hall in the early morning of the 10^th.

December

A pair of Wigeon was on Anglezarke reservoir on the 17^th, when there were also three Goosander on Lower Rivington reservoir. The pair of Wood Ducks remained at Birkacre to the end of the year, and a pair of Great Crested Grebes at the site was seen displaying on the 22^nd. A Mute Swan was in the centre of Lower Rivington reservoir on the 27^th. A skein of Pink-footed Geese was noted flying west over Rivington on the 9^th.

A Buzzard was seen over Great Hanging Bridge at Croston on the 15^th. Otherwise raptor records were again confined to Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.

Redwings in small flocks were widespread throughout the area, but Fieldfare were much thinner on the ground. Brambling were also few and far between, with singles at Rivngton on 5^th and 31^st, being the only records. Best Siskin count was of 40 below Anglezarke car park on the 7^th, and for Redpoll it was one of 30 , again in the alders on Anglezarke car park.

Wader records were limited to a Woodcock at Rivington on the 23^rd, two Lapwings at Rivington on the 30^th, four over Anglezarke moor on the 30th and a Snipe at Birkacre on the 28^th.

Stonechats were again noted on the moorland with a male and female on Wheelton Moor on the 26^th, and a female by Drinkwater's on the 30^th. Small numbers of Red Grouse were noted in the same locality, and five Grey Partridge were at the edge of the middle plantation on Anglezarke moor on the 12^th.

A Kingfisher was seen at Dean Brook, Rivington on the 5^th, and another was at Withnell Fold nature reserve on the 10^th. A Dipper was at Birkacre on a couple of dates as were Grey Wagtails.