Long Preston Bird Report 2018

Compiled by Ian Court

The Floodplain Project is a partnership between the RSPB, Natural , the Environment Agency, the Dales Millennium Trust, County Council, the Ribble Rivers Trust, the National Park Authority, local landowners and farmers

Introduction Long Preston Deeps is in the area of the upper Ribble valley between Long Preston and Settle, lying between the Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales National Park. This unique area of lowland wet grassland stretches from Settle south to Cow Bridge, where the to Long Preston Road crosses the river and is bordered on the east by Long Preston and the A65 and the Wigglesworth to road on the west.

Long Preston Recording Area The recording area combines the Long Preston Wetland Grassland Project area and the adjacent area to the south, including Flash. A map of the recording area that includes details of access points can be found on the following page.

The conservation management that has been implemented by the project has only been possible because of the close cooperation with the local farmers, other land users and local residents. We would ask that visitors are considerate when parking and do not block any access. Visitors should also be aware that fishermen are regularly present along the river and wildfowling takes place between 1st September and 31st January.

In order to maintain these positive relationships, the project would like to remind visitors that the Long Preston floodplain is in private ownership and should only be accessed using the public rights of way shown on the project trail map. There are good but limited opportunities for watching the area from the surrounding roads, with a series of viewpoints also shown on the trail map, but please be aware that the birds can be distant and a telescope is strongly recommended.

The bird hide can be access along the Ribble Way, north from Cow Bridge. Car parking is very limited so please ensure that you do not block any roads or access tracks. Park carefully by the bridge at SD 82799 57022.

Development is being undertaken at and around Hellifield Flash that will have a significant detrimental impact on the site. It should be noted that Waterside Lane is reported to be a private road, but the Flash can also be viewed from public footpaths.

Bird Records If visiting the area, we hope that you will take the time to submit your records. We would encourage all observers to enter their records on BirdTrack https://www.bto.org/volunteer- surveys/birdtrack/about as this will help in the production of both the local and county bird report, the latter published by the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. Records can also be entered into the log book in the bird hide, entered on the East Lancashire Ornithologists’ Club website http://www.eastlancsornithologists.org.uk/Rep-Birdlist.aspx or sent to the YNU North Yorkshire Bird Recorder Ian Court [email protected]

A Map of the Long Preston Recording Area and Access Information

For more information on the Long Preston Floodplain Project visit

http://longprestonfloodplainproject.org/

2018 Highlights Despite a decrease in observer effort compared to the previous few years, the total of 127 species that were recorded during the year was surprisingly higher than the 123 species in 2017 and 119 in 2016. Although it is pleasing to see that some species are increasing, the lack of any sightings of Yellow Wagtail and Grey Partridge highlight just how significant the declines of many once common species have been.

It was a relatively quiet start to the year with a Great White Egret present on 26th January the highlight of the month, the third consecutive year that this species has been recorded. A Ruff at Hellifield Flash was an unseasonal record on 2 nd February. Many winter visitors were in short supply throughout the early part of the year with a Goldeneye at Hellifield Flash on 11th February surprisingly the only record of the year. A group of 28 Russian White-fronted Geese were present below Hollow Gill on 15th February but unfortunately didn’t linger. A Jack Snipe on 23rd February flew from the scrape in front of the hide with one of its commoner cousins and was a welcome sighting of what is normally a rarely seen species. The high numbers of Shoveler present in recent years continued again in 2018 with numbers at 73 on 26th February, just one short of the previous highest count.

In March there will often be a build-up of some wader species as they congregate on the floodplain before moving to breeding areas. This year, 139 Oystercatcher on 18th equalled the previous highest area count recorded on 10th March 1991. Single Red Kites were also noted during the month, with sightings on 14th and 30th only the third and fourth records in the area. There was also a notable increase in Gadwall during late spring with ten on floodwater on Snipe Ground on both 24th March and 15th April, equalling the previous highest counts recorded in November and December 2016. A Woodcock inadvertently flushed on the north eastern floodplain on 22nd March during a WeBS count was the first record for five years.

April started well with an Osprey seen on 1st; a species that must surely be passing over more frequently than records suggest. The rest of the month was disappointing for passage birds with a female Wheatear near Cow Bridge on 6th surprisingly the only record of the year. There were five Ruff below Hollow Gill and in the central floodplain area on 8th April and four that were still present on 10 th . Similarly, the five Dunlin present in the same area mid-month were the only records on the floodplain during the year. One of the few highlights was an Avocet on Middle Marsh on 15th, 17th and 18th. In April there can often be a mix of lingering winter visitors mixing with newly arrived summer migrants. One of these eclectic mixes of migrants occurred on 22nd when a Whooper Swan flying low north over Cow Bridge passed through the same binocular view of the first Swift of the year.

In May at least three pairs of Shoveler and a single male, and a pair of Garganey were present up until mid-month giving a tantalising hint of what breeding birds the area could potentially support if the pools did not dry out. Migrants were few and far between with three Whimbrel and a Wood Sandpiper at Hellifield Flash on 4 th , four Garden Warblers in the north eastern floodplain on the 20th May and two Greenshank near Wigglesworth Hall on 27th the only notable records.

Although observer effort decreased in June, a Quail inadvertently flushed on the north east floodplain was an unexpected bonus for the fieldworker carrying out a WeBS count on 17th. A Whitethroat seen on the same visit was also the only record during the year. After two in March, another Red Kite was seen heading down the valley on 1st July. The near permanent presence of Little Egrets in the last few years have always brightened up a day’s birding in the local area but a group of 16 seen feeding near Cow Bridge on 15th July must have been a spectacular sight.

Passage migrants were thin on the ground during August with a Stonechat present on Snipe Ground on 10th and Redstarts near the bird hide on 11th and 18th. More unexpected was a Common Scoter seen on the WeBS count on 12th August, only the ninth record and fourth occasion that this species has been recorded in the area. A Wood Sandpiper at Hellifield Flash on 14 th August was also a notable record. One of the highlights of late summer and early autumn was the number of Tree Sparrows, with 63 on 9th September possibly a mix of local breeders and passage migrants?

October was a quiet month apart from a juvenile Shag that was present briefly at Hellifield Flash on 24th, presumably disorientated after strong westerly winds the previous day and overcast conditions. It is frustrating that local rarities rarely stick around with this bird being no exception, spending several minutes feeding in the flash and a few minutes resting on the shore before flying off into the murk. Almost as rare in the recording area, a party of six Crossbills spent even less time ‘on the patch’ as they flew north over Cow Bridge on 27th October.

The rest of the year was uneventful, but a female Blackcap in bushes near Long Preston station on 17th November was a very unusual winter record in the area. Greylag Geese used to be relatively scarce in the area but numbers have been increasing in recent years, with the first three-figure count being reached on 9th December when 103 were present. A few did move on but there were still at least 99 at the end of the month. There were also some impressive counts of Raven in December, when singles or small groups were seen heading north west over the floodplain on a number of afternoons, presumably from feeding areas along the western fringe of the Dales to roost somewhere in Bowland? Totals of 18 on 14th and 14 on 16th December were notable and were the highest counts in the recording area.

A SYSTEMATIC LIST OF THE BIRDS OF HELLIFIELD FLASH AND LONG PRESTON DEEPS There is considerable movement of birds between Hellifield Flash and the Long Preston Deeps area, even on a daily basis, and so for many species the peak monthly counts derived from casual observations are included along with a summary of the monthly WeBS counts.

The taxonomy follows the International Ornithological Congress (IOC) World Bird List adopted by the British Ornithologists Union from 1 January 2018.

CANADA GOOSE Branta Canadensis AC2E* There were similar numbers to previous years with counts increasing during the latter months of the year. Some did linger during the summer months with at least two pairs attempting to nest: one pair next to the bird hide scrape with another along the main sluice.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 0 1 58 0 0 0 46 297 438 353 274 Long Preston 191 200 48 39 37 14 0 0 8 2 6 7

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 70 92 - - - - - 500 - 270 - 142 Long Preston - 428 18 18 2 - - 100 - - - 550

A hybrid Canada x Greylag was present on 3rd and 16th December.

BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis AC2E* The only record of the year was a single in the Hollow Gill area on 2nd and 4th February.

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser AC2C4E* This species continued to be scarce at Hellifield Flash where singles on 24th March and 8th April were the only records. There was, however, an increase in the number of birds present on Long Preston Deeps compared to recent years, with 42 on 24th March the second highest count in the recording area. Numbers in the second winter period were even higher with 103 on 9th December becoming the first three-figure count in the area and almost double the previous highest count of 53 on 12th February 2016. At least 99 were still present at the end of the month. One on 7th November had an orange neck collar but the details could not be read.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 14 25 12 2 9 0 0 0 0 6 103 81

Maximum Monthly Counts for Long Preston Deeps.

Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - 29 42 9 29 - - - - 99 - 37

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus AE* It was a disappointing year with 110 flying over Hellifield Flash on 17th February the only record at the site. All the other records were from Long Preston Deeps with 100 north west on 26th January, four below Hollow Gill on 15th and 68 over on 18th February. The only record in March was 42 on 24th. In April there were two on the floodplain on at least 8th, 10th and 15th with one remaining until 23rd. In the latter months of the year, October records included 66 on 14th, 150 west on 20th and a single present on 26th. The only other reports were one on 11th November with six on 3rd, one on 9th and five on 27th December.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons AE* In the early part of the year 28 were present below Hollow Gill on 15th February (IRC). A single was also present for just one day on 3rd December when it joined the Canada Goose flock (IRC).

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor AC2 One or two were reported occasionally along the Ribble in the southern part of the floodplain during the year. One pair nested on Middle Marsh but it is not known if they were successful. It would appear that this is the first breeding attempt since a pair attempted to breed annually between 1983 and 1987. There were two adults and two juveniles on the Ribble in the north east of the floodplain on 12th December that presumably bred outside the area.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 2 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 4

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus AE* There was a reasonable number of records in the first winter period, with three on Long Preston Deeps on 26th January. On 23rd February two adults were on Hellifield Flash but flew off to follow a flock of 11 that came in from the south and headed north west. They presumably didn’t fly very far as two adults were below Hollow Gill a short while later, but it is a matter of conjecture how far the 11 had flown before what were presumed to be the same group dropped in to join them an hour later. The only other record at the Flash was of two present on 29th March. The other reports during this period were on Long Present Deeps where there were 21 on 14th March and one on 15th April. One also flew low over Cow Bridge on 22nd April with a Mute Swan, before dropping onto the flood pool below Hollow Gill where it could be seen to have a red Darvic colour ring. It was still present the following day. There was a paucity of sightings in the second winter period with four adults below Hollow Gill on 24th and one adult with Canada Geese in the field north of Snipe Ground on 27th the only records in October. The only other records were two on 23rd December that were joined by another two the following day.

SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna A Two on Long Preston Deeps on 14th January were the first records of the year, with numbers increasing over the subsequent months. The number of passage birds through the area was lower than in recent years and although two pairs lingered on the floodplain until late April, with one pair still present to the middle of May, there was no evidence of breeding. One pair bred successfully at Hellifield Flash fledging seven young.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 0 3 0 3 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 Long P reston 6 4 3 5 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 8 12 19 10 9 9 - - 1 - - Long Preston 2 4 5 7 20 ------

GARGANEY Spatula querquedula A A pair were present at Hellifield Flash on 4th May (MH), with what may have been the same pair on the southern floodplain on at least 11th and 20th May (IRC: AS).

SHOVELER Spatula clypeata A The high numbers present in previous years continued in 2018, particular at Hellifield Flash, where there were 63 on 23rd and 73 on 26th February; the former temporarily the third highest count in the recording area and the latter one short of the previous highest count of 74 on 3rd January 2016. One pair remained until at least 17th May. There were fewer records in the latter months of the year but, good numbers were again present, peaking at 71 on 26th October. As ever, the pools and scrapes on Long Preston Deeps attracted a smaller number of birds but a few did linger into the breeding season with one pair on the hide scrape and two pairs and an additional male on Middle Marsh up until mid-May.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Ma r Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 34 23 16 11 0 0 0 0 0 14 44 2 Long Preston 1 15 1 6 3 0 0 0 0 12 15 6

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 53 73 15 16 2 0 0 0 13 71 0 15 Long Preston P 36 3 20 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

GADWALL Mareca strepera AC2E Overall numbers were lower than in previous years, with very few records received for the latter months of the year. At Hellifield Flash there were two at the start of March increasing to eight on 10th, with up to four present until the end of the month. Two pairs remained into April with an additional male on 27th. On the southern floodplain, a pair was present from early March until at least 23rd April, with a male present on 29th. There was also a notable increase in late spring with ten on floodwater on Snipe Ground on 24th March and on 15th April, equalling the previous highest counts recorded in November and December 2016.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Long Preston 0 5 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

WIGEON Mareca penelope AE* Comparison of the peak counts would indicate that numbers were slightly down compared to 2017, although there was a notable high count of 1165 at Hellifield Flash on 2nd February. The last records of the spring were three on 27th April with the first returning bird noted on 9 th September.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 0 409 361 0 0 0 0 3 42 229 187 Long Preston 397 876 400 107 0 0 0 0 0 246 225 548

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 600 1165 240 17 - - - - 3 630 330 625 Long Preston - 440 63 34 ------480 800

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos AC2C4E* There was no noticeable change in status during the year. No breeding records were received.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 141 47 6 7 15 15 0 0 175 128 172 112 Long Preston 9 47 16 6 25 24 18 26 45 705 50 65

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 56 20 3 12 11 - - 210 - 280 P 174 Long Preston - 1 16 22 26 - 18 - - - 1 43

PINTAIL Anas acuta AE It was an average year for this species by recent standards, with birds present at Hellifield Flash up until 15th April. The first of the autumn were also at the Flash from 24th October.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 58 30 16 11 0 0 0 0 1 0 19 6 Long Preston 6 39 4 12 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 30

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 37 40 57 11 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 16 Long Preston 36 20 37 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

TEAL Anas crecca A Numbers were lower in the first winter period than in previous years across the recording area. As expected, most left the area in spring but a few lingered until at least 11th May, when three were present at both Hellifield Flash and in the Middle Marsh area of the floodplain. The first were back at Hellifield Flash on 24th August when six were present.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 49 18 14 28 0 0 0 0 82 7 84 85 Long Preston 152 173 105 189 4 0 0 0 68 451 77 277

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 34 20 19 28 2 - - 6 83 - - 78 Long Preston - 50 105 189 ------60 285

POCHARD Aythya farina AE* This species continues to decline and is now becoming only an occasional visitor to the area. The only records were at Hellifield Flash where it was reported as present on 1st day of the year, with 18 on 28th and three on 30 th January. The only other records were in November when three were present on 11th November.

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula A There were regular reports at Hellifield Flash during the first winter period with single-figure counts on many dates and low double-figure counts on several dates, peaking at 33 on 28th January. There were very few records until December when up to 20 were present during the month. Away from the Flash the only other records were on the pool below Hollow Gill with two on 15th April and 11th May.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 7 11 2 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 33 21 16 13 ------1 11 20

COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra A One was recorded on 12th August during a WeBS count on Long Preston Deeps (AS). This is only the ninth record and fourth occasion that this species has been recorded in the area.

GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula AE* This species was very scarce in 2018, with one at Hellifield on 11th February the only record of the year. GOOSANDER Mergus merganser A Numbers were very similar to the previous year on the floodplain but there were no confirmed breeding attempts. The only record at Hellifield Flash was a pair that roosted on 10th March.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 2 4 4 3 5 7 8 0 2 0 3 0

Maximum Monthly Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - 2 4 5 5 - 8 - - - 3 2

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa C1E* Two on the edge of the footpath near Cow Bridge on 24th March and 14th May were the only reports.

QUAIL Coturnix coturnix AE* One inadvertently flushed on the north east floodplain during a WeBS count on 17th June (BB) was only the fourth record in the recording area.

PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus C1E* Low single-figure counts were recorded during the year on Long Preston Deeps.

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis A The only record at Hellifield Flash was a single present on 5th and 8th April. Apart from one along the Ribble in the north eastern area of the floodplain on 9th December, all the other records were on the short section of the Ribble above Cow Bridge, where one or two were present up-river from Cow Bridge on a number of dates in January, February and May. On 23rd February six were present all together in the late afternoon with two wing-flicking and head bobbing in apparent territorial display. There were fewer reports during the latter part of the year with singles noted on several dates in September, November and December.

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea A The only records at Hellifield Flash were singles on 2nd and 18th February. Elsewhere in the Long Preston Deeps area there was no change in status, with between one and four present throughout the year.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 2 3 2 1 4 5 4 3 5 3 2 3

GREAT WHITE EGRET Ardea alba A On 26th January one flew in from the south east over Snipe Ground then landed in the main sluice and spent a short time feeding before heading back south east. It was still present around Snipe Ground the following day (IRC). This was the third record for the area following one on 14th August 2014 and a long-staying bird present from 4th December 2016 and 5th January 2017.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta A There were sightings in all months of the year although it was relatively scarce in the early part of the year, with far fewer records than in previous years, particularly on the southern floodplain. As expected, sightings were less frequent in the early summer with two on 21st June the only sightings during the month. In July, three were on the north eastern floodplain on 14th and preceded a remarkable record the following day when a group of 16 were feeding in the Ribble downstream of Cow Bridge, frustratingly just outside the recording boundary. Thankfully, after several small groups flew upriver over Cow Bridge, all 16 made it into the area, unsurprisingly resulting in the highest local count (RC). Four were still present in this area on 21st with six on 30th July, but numbers in the subsequent months were very disappointing. There were a few records on the northern flood plain particularly at Hollow Dene Flash where there was a single on 23rd February, two on 23rd March and further singles on 5th and 8th April. The only record at Hellifield Flash was a single on 17 th September.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 2 3 0 0 3 1 3 6 0 1 3 2

Maximum Monthly Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 1 1 1 1 - 2 16 2 - - - 1

SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis A A juvenile was present briefly at Hellifield Flash on a misty and overcast 24th October, the day after strong westerly winds. It was initially seen feeding along the eastern edge of the flash, then resting on the shore for several minutes before flying off (IRC). This was the second record for the area following one on the on 6th November 2009.

CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo A Two at Hellifield Flash on 8th April and one on 17 th September were unusual at that location. Elsewhere on the flood plain numbers appeared to be similar to previous years?

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 1 3 0 1 0 7 1 1 1 2 0

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 1 3 1 3 2 3 3 - - - 6

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus AE* One was seen over the Long Preston Deeps floodplain on 1st April (DW). There are still very few records of this species in the area, but it is the second successive year it has been recorded.

SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus There were a number of records of single birds across the area during the year, with two over the north eastern floodplain on 9th December.

MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus A There were fewer records than in 2017, particularly in late summer, but this may be due to a reduction in observer effort. The first of the year was a second calendar-year bird moulting its inner primaries that was present on 20th April, with a different bird present on 20th May and 17th June. In the latter part of the year a single cream crown was present on 2nd September and on WeBS counts on 14th October and 11th November.

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus A This species was much scarcer than in previous years with ringtails seen on single dates in January, February, March and November, and on three dates in December. One over Hellifield Flash on 25th August was a very unusual record for that site.

RED KITE Milvus milvus AC3E* Despite the successes of the various reintroduction schemes this remains a rare species in the western dales. The records of single birds that flew south down the valley on 14th and 30th March (IRC: RC), and another on 1st July (RC) are only the third to fifth records for the area.

BUZZARD Buteo buteo AE* One or two were regularly reported throughout the year primarily in the southern and central parts of the floodplain, with four on 25th February and 18th March the highest counts of the year.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus A Given the amount of suitable habitat across large parts of the recording area, it is perhaps not surprising that birds are difficult to see. One did, however, break cover as it flew into the willow spilling along Wigglesworth Beck, just downstream from the bird hide on 26th January. Singles were also seen briefly during WeBS counts on the southern floodplain on 11th November and 9th December. Birds were heard calling from Snipe Ground on 12th April, 23rd and 27th December.

MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus A A single was present at Hellifield Flash on 27th and two on 29th April. Elsewhere, one was at Hollow Dene Flash in late April with two present on 29th. Single birds were noted in the Cow Bridge to Middle March area on several dates between 30th March and 23rd April. Further up in the north east of the floodplain singles were noted on 22nd March, two on 15th April, three on 20th May and one on 9th December. The only other record was one at Settle SW pool on 22nd April.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 2 2 1 3 3 0 1 2 3 2 0 4

COOT Fulica atra A The first of the year was at Hellifield Flash on 28th January, with numbers increasing during the following months and peaking at 20 on 27th April. At least one pair attempted to nest but failed when the water levels dropped in late May. On Long Preston Deeps two were on a flooded Snipe Ground near the big willow on 24th March and on the north eastern floodplain, four were present on 15th April and one on 20th May. At Settle SW two were present on 25th March, 8th and 15th April but only one on 22nd. As ever, this species was almost completely absent in the latter half of the year apart from a single at Hellifield Flash on 24th December.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 6 14 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Long Preston 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 10 6 13 20 9 ------1

OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus A The first record of the year was of 16 at Hellifield Flash on 28th January, with similar counts on a number of dates during the spring. Low single-figure numbers were also present on various parts of the floodplain during the period with higher counts of 13 on 15th April and 35 on 20th May in the north eastern area. The area around Settle SW is a favoured area for passage birds with 19 on 4th February, increasing to 44 on 19th, 74 on 23rd and 105 on 25th. In March there were 34 on 10th, 56 on 14th and 139 on 18th, equalling the previous highest count recorded on the floodplain on 10th March 1991. Numbers began to fall off later in the month with only 31 on 29th March and ten on 15th April. Most birds had left the area by the middle of the summer with the last record on 8th August.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Long Preston 0 43 8 12 35 17 4 0 0 0 0 0

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 16 24 15 7 - - 4 - - - - - Long Preston - 19 139 13 35 10 10 2 - - - -

AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta AE One was present on Middle Marsh on 15th April and what was presumably the same bird was seen again on 17th, 18th and 20th (IRC: RC et al. ). This represents the ninth record for the area following the first two seen at Hellifield Flash on 21st May 2013.

LAPWING Vanellus vanellus A Numbers in the first winter period were relatively low compared to previous years, as were post-breeding numbers in July and August and those in the latter months of the year. It was therefore surprising that there was a big increase in December when an estimated 3000 were present. No breeding bird survey was undertaken but several territorial pairs were present in the central and southern floodplain.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 1 111 2 0 0 0 104 0 142 158 320 29 Long Preston 264 203 18 26 28 18 105 30 0 490 165 3000

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 300 370 - - 3 - 10 590 - 85 500 100 Long Preston - 520 18 20 - 4 250 100 - - - 3000

GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria A It was a very poor year for this species with 40 on 2nd February and 81 on 3rd December, both on Long Preston Deeps, the only records outside the WeBS survey dates. The only record at Hellifield Flash was a single on 20 th October.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 Long Preston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 170

RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula A It was an average year with singles at Hellifield Flash on 4th February and 5th May. On the Long Preston floodplain there was one below Hollow Gill on 4th February, with three there on 8th April and two in the north eastern area on 20th May. The only other record was in the Middle Marsh area where there were three on the 15th July WeBS count.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius A The first record of the year was of two on small flood pools off Sour Dale Lane on April 15th, with presumably the same birds present on 24th. One seen below Hollow Gill on 20th April may have been one of these. The first at Hellifield Flash was on 23rd April, with further reports on 11th May with two on 17th. At least one remained until 17th June but with reduced observer effort, it is not known if breeding took place. WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus A Three were present briefly at Hellifield Flash on 4th May (MH).

CURLEW Numenius arquata A Following two on Long Preston Deeps on 11th February, the number of passage birds slowly built up in March with 14 on 13th, 36 on 14th and 46 on 18th. As with the other breeding wader species, no survey work was undertaken but there were at least two pairs present on the southern floodplain and two in the north eastern area. Records in the latter part of the year are unusual so two near Wigglesworth Hall on 26th and 27th October were notable. The only record at Hellifield Flash was a single on 17th May.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 2 120 12 6 8 23 0 2 2 3 0

Maximum Monthly Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - - 51 4 2 2 1 - - 2 - -

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa A The first two at Hellifield Flash were on 14th January, with one on 28th the only other record during the month. Only a few were recorded during early February with one on 2nd and 4th and three on 17th, increasing to 19 on 18th. Although only a single was present on 25th, there were 22 on 26th, including the welcome return of ‘our’ Icelandic bird, colour- ringed as a chick in Iceland in 2009 and returning to Hellifield for its fourth spring. Numbers varied in March as some fed in nearby fields or made the short trip to Long Preston Deeps but, peak counts fell short of the record total of the previous year. Counts during March included 11 on 10th, 28 on 13th, 32 on 14th, and 42 on 25th. Birds remaining into April included 25 on 5th, 20 on 8th, 52 on 14th, 62 on 15th and seven on 23rd. The colour-ringed bird was present at the Flash on at least 13 th , 25th and 26 th March, and 8th and 14th April. It is likely to have been present more regularly but the birds were often roosting in a tightly packed group, or feeding in the water and so it was not always possible to see any rings. What were presumed to be the same group was also feeding on the pools below Hollow Gill, on Middle Marsh and Sour Dale Lane area of Long Preston Deeps with 16 on 23rd February, with two on 10th and eight on 30th March. Records in April included 60 on 5th, 68 on 8th, 60 on 12th, nine on 15t and ten on 17th.

RUFF Calidris pugnax A There was a single at Hellifield Flash on 2 nd February and five were present in the central floodplain area on 8th April with at least four still present on 10th. The only autumn record a single at Hellifield Flash on 21 st August.

DUNLIN Calidris alpine A It was a very poor year for this species with five below Hollow Gill on 20th April and two still present on 23rd April the only records on the floodplain during the year. The only other records were singles at Hellifield Flash on 16 th June and 6 th August.

WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola A One inadvertently flushed on the north eastern floodplain on 22nd March during a WeBS count (BB) was the first record since 13th December 2013.

JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus A One flew from the scrape on the aptly named Snipe Ground, with a Snipe, on 23rd February, before circling in front of the hide and dropping in near the ‘big willow’ (IRC).

SNIPE Gallinago gallinago A There was no change of status noted. Given the relatively small area of the floodplain that is actually walked over during the WeBS counts, the numbers recording give a tantalising indication of how many birds may actually be present in the area. The only evidence of breeding was a minimum of two drumming birds over the southern floodplain.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Ja n Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 1 1 8 2 0 0 0 0 13 0 1 0 Long Preston 11 84 30 31 11 6 6 8 32 57 23 30

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oc t Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 11 20 7 - - - - 4 2 - 25 11 Long Preston - - 19 12 - 1 1 8 - 3 2 25

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos A Very few records were received. Two along the Ribble in the north eastern area of the floodplain on 22nd April were the first of the year, with four on 20th May and a single on 14th July in the same general area. At Hellifield Flash there were of two on 24th April, with an adult and two juveniles on 16 th June and two adults and two juveniles on 7 th July indicative that a pair bred. There was a single on 27th and two on 7th July, with one on 13 th August.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Long Preston 0 0 0 2 4 2 4 0 0 0 0 0

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus A At least two were present in the first winter period in the southern part of the floodplain, with most records in the Cow Bridge and Wigglesworth Beck area. Singles were seen on 14th, 20th, 21st and 26th January. In February one was present on the 4th, with two on 18th and further singles on 22nd and 23rd. There were further singles noted on 6th, 15th, 23rd, and 24th March. It is a matter of conjecture if birds on 8th and 15th April were passage or wintering birds. The first autumn migrants were seen on 11th, 12th and 31st August, with just a single seen on 9th September. October sightings included singles on 14th and 23rd, with two on 28th. One was also present on 11th November, 3rd and 16th December. One at Hellifield Flash on 13 th August was the only record at this site.

REDSHANK Tringa tetanus A Singles were at Hellifield Flash from 25th February until at least 22nd April, with four on 14th April, but there was no evidence of breeding. On Long Preston Deeps following one on 25th March, there were low single-figure counts up until 11th May with at peak of nine on 23rd March. Single territorial pairs were also present below Hollow Gill, on the North eastern floodplain and Settle SW area but, as it is difficult to view large parts of the floodplain from footpaths, the 11 recorded on WeBS counts suggest five or six territorial pairs were present.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Sit e/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Long Preston 0 3 8 11 11 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola A There were singles at Hellifield Flash on 4 th May (MH) and 14 th August (MH).

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia A After a blank year in 2017, two present near Wigglesworth Hall on 27th May (BB) was a welcome record.

BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus A It is difficult to determine any trends for a species that appears to be under-recorded.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 16 9 2 1 10 0 0 5 3 35 11 Long Preston 126 230 129 42 10 3 4 0 0 238 30 200

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 10 2 3 8 - - - 74 - - 14 10 Long Preston - 100 150 8 2 - 9 - - - - 120

COMMON GULL Larus canus A Many of the peak monthly counts were higher than in corresponding months in 2018, but as with the previous species, it is difficult to determine any trends.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 22 116 67 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 70 13 Long Preston 190 207 225 0 0 0 9 0 1 290 100 600

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash - 8 30 58 - - - - - 170 24 200 Long Preston - 230 80 ------680

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus A This remains a relatively scarce visitor to the area with all records in the Long Preston Deeps area. All of the records were below Hollow Gill where one was present on 14th January, with one on 2nd February and three on 25th. In March there were singles on 6th and 25th with two on 30th. Later in the year there was one on 28th October and what may have been the same lingering birds with one on 11 th , two on 12th, one on 16th and two again on 24th.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus A There was a slight increase in records across the recording area, with singles at Hellifield Flash on 11 th and 27th April the only site records. All the other records were on Long Preston Deeps with singles on 6th, 14th and 18th March, two on 6th April and one on 20th May. Following one on 30th June there were two on 2nd and 11th August, and three on 9th September. The only other records were singles 11th November two on 14th December.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus A Following the recent trend, numbers continued to increase again this year. The first of the year was one on Long Preston Deeps on 17th February, with numbers increasing later in the month and into March, peaking at 128 on 18th March, a total that appears to be a new record count for the area. Numbers remained high into May but were back down to single figures from June until the end of the year.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Long Preston 4 5 128 2 122 17 5 7 1 2 2 3

Maximum Monthly Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 1 7 61 1 0 0 0 20 1 1 0 Long Preston 0 2 128 110 123 50 5 6 0 2 0 0

ROCK DOVE Columba livia AC4E* Two feral pigeons were reported on 7th May.

STOCK DOVE Columba oenas A There were two pairs present in the Sour Dale and Cow Bridge area, with six birds on 10th suggesting that that breeding may have been successful. There were also two or three on several dates in the north eastern area of the floodplain with four on 11th November. WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus A One or two were reported throughout the year with 119 over Hollow Gill on 15th March the only notable record.

COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto A This species is quite widespread in the villages surrounding the recording area, with most records presumably relating to birds flying between these sites. One or two were present at Hellifield Flash, and flyovers were seen in the Cow Bridge area and near Wigglesworth Hall. Four near Cow Bridge on 14th May was the highest count of the year. BARN OWL Tyto alba AE* All records were in the southern part of the Long Preston floodplain, with singles on 21st February, 6th March, 15th April and two on 17th June. There were no further records until December when there was one on 9th and two were present on 23rd and 27th December.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco A One in the north eastern floodplain on 17th June was the only record. LITTLE OWL Athene noctua C1E* One was present along Sour Dale Lane on at least 14th January and 9th September. One was also calling along the western boundary of the recording area near Cow Bridge on 22nd April.

SWIFT Apus apus A One was in the Cow Bridge area on 22nd April, with up to four over the southern floodplain up until 17th June. The only notable count was 100 in the same area on 2nd August.

KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis A This species was quite scarce during the year with one along the Ribble during WeBS counts on 11th October and 9th November and one on the north eastern floodplain on 9th December the only records.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major A One was along Wigglesworth Beck on 10th April, with singles at Hollow Gill Wood on 2nd and 4th February and 20th April. Elsewhere there were singles in April at Settle SW on 8th and on the north eastern floodplain on 15th April.

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus A There was one at Hellifield Flash on 17th February with two on 13th March. One, occasionally two, were seen regularly over the floodplain primarily between Cow Bridge and Wigglesworth Hall, with a few sightings over the north eastern floodplain and Settle SW. There was no evidence of breeding.

MERLIN Falco columbarius A There were only two records: female or immature birds at Hellifield Flash on 4th February and below Hollow Gill on 5th November.

HOBBY Falco subbuteo A One was reported in a tree on the opposite side of the river to the bird hide from 2015 hrs - 2045 hrs on 30th July (PC). This is the fourth record for the area and the first since one in the north west area of the floodplain on 16th September 2012.

PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus AE There were relatively few records during the year, all relating to birds in the southern floodplain area. One was present on 11th February with two on 25th February and further singles on 12th April. In the latter half of the year singles were seen on 1st July, 12th August, 28th October and 9th December.

JAY Garrulus glandarius A One flew south over the floodplain towards Hollow Gill Wood on 26th October. This was the first sighting since three records in 2015.

MAGPIE Pica pica A One or two were present at Hellifield Flash and at various sites across the floodplain throughout the year.

JACKDAW Coloeus monedula A This species was widespread across the recording area with peak counts of 130 on 17th February, 60 on 16th and 190 on 24th December gathering in the Cow Bridge area prior to flying south to roost .

ROOK Corvus frugilegus A This species will be much commoner than the few records that were submitted would suggest. No breeding details were received.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone A Other than one or two that were reported throughout the year at Hellifield and on Long Preston Deeps, there were very few comprehensive counts. Peak totals were ten on the northern floodplain on 8th April with seven present on the southern section on 24th December. Single nesting pairs were reported at Hellifield Flash, below Rathmell and on Snipe Ground.

RAVEN Corvus corax A One to three were seen in January, February, June, September, November and December, occasionally feeding on the floodplain but mainly flying over. On some afternoons single birds or small groups were seen heading towards Bowland, presumably to roost after feeding somewhere in the south western Dales. There were very occasionally much higher numbers seen, with a total of 18 on 14th and 14 on 16th December all heading north west, representing the highest ever counts in the area. The only record at Hellifield Flash was one flying north west on 16th December.

COAL TIT Periparus ater A One to three were reported at the bird feeders near the hide, on the north-east floodplain and at Settle SW during the year.

BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus A Between one and four were reported throughout the year at Hellifield Flash, along Wigglesworth Beck and at Hollow Gill.

GREAT TIT Parus major A There were one or two reported at Hellifield Flash, up to five at the bird hide, three on the north east floodplain and two at Hollow Gill during the year.

SKYLARK Alauda arvensis A There were only two records at Hellifield Flash, with singles flying over on 18th February and 18th March. One or two passage birds were recorded passing over Long Preston Deeps from February into April. A singing male was present on Snipe Ground in April and May and there were also three in the southern and seven on the north eastern area of the floodplain in May. The only passage birds in autumn were two south on 27th October and one on 11th November.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Long Preston 0 6 5 13 18 10 7 8 9 1 1 0

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia A Two seen from the bird hide on 6th April were the first of the year, with up to 20 reported across the area until at least 17th June. With no access to the river apart from WeBS count days it is not possible to determine the breeding status but 40 were reported on the July, August and September count dates.

SWALLOW Hirundo rustica AE The first of the year was over Settle SW on 5th April followed by seven near Wigglesworth Hall on 8th, two in the Cow Bridge area on 10th with 20 present on 22nd April. Peak counts of post-breeding birds in the Cow Bridge area were 40 on 10th and ten on 11th August. The last records were on 9th September when one flew south over Cow Bridge and four were in the north east of the floodplain. The highest count at Hellifield Flash was ten on 22nd April.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum A Very few records were submitted with one at Long Preston on 22nd April the first of the year. The only other reports were in August with 12 on 2nd, 20 on 8th, six on 11th and 30 on 18th.

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus A Two were occasionally seen in the Cow Bridge to Wigglesworth Hall area with six on 4th February and three on 16th December. Two were also present in the north east area of the floodplain on 20th May and 11th November.

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus A The first record of the year was a singing male at Hollow Gill Wood on 8th April, where one remained until end of May at least. There were regular sightings of one or two in the hedgerow between Cow Bridge and the bird hide from 29th April until 18th August, with a maximum count of five on 2nd August. Up to three were present in the north eastern part of the floodplain, with at least one each at Hellifield Flash and at Settle SW during the spring and summer.

CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita A This species was very scarce in 2018 with three between Cow Bridge and Wigglesworth Hall on 8th April and one in the hedge along Wigglesworth Beck on 9th September the only records.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus A A singing male on Snipe Ground on 23rd April was the first of the year. At least four singing males were present in this area with at least one singing male in the north eastern area in May. Ten around Snipe Ground on 1st July was the highest count of the year with three remaining until at least 11th August.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia A A male was singing from Snipe Ground during a WeBS count on 15th July.

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla A Singing males were reported at four sites, with singles in April at Settle SW on 15th, Hollow Gill Wood on 20th and 23 rd , Hellifield Flash on 5 th May and near the bird hide on 17th June. The only other records were a single in the north eastern area of the floodplain during a WeBS visit on 14th July and an unusual winter record of a female in bushes near Long Preston station on 17th November.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin A The only records were on the north eastern floodplain with four reported on 20th May and a single on 14th July.

WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis A The only record was a single on the north eastern floodplain on 17th June. WREN Troglodytes troglodytes A No notable records were received.

NUTHATCH Sitta europaea A The only records were at Hollow Gill Wood, where at least one was present during the year, and a single in the north east of the floodplain on 17th June.

TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris A Two were at Hollow Gill Wood on 4th February, with singles present on 3rd and 24th December.

STARLING Sturnus vulgaris A There were low single and double-figure counts at a number of sites throughout the year, with 40 the highest count at Hellifield Flash on 17th February. More notable counts elsewhere were 80 at Cow Bridge on 14th January with 362 there on 24th December, and 100 below Hollow Gill on 25th February.

BLACKBIRD Turdus merula A One or two were reported at the regularly watched areas including Hellifield Flash, near the bird hide, near Wigglesworth Hall and at Hollow Gill. The highest count of the year was 12 in the Cow Bridge area on 14th May.

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris A The numbers reported were similar to previous years, primarily in the Cow Bridge area, with three on 14th January, 150 on 17th February and 100 on 24th. In March there were 130 at Hollow Gill on 11th, 270 at Cow Bridge on 14th and 20 there on 23rd. As expected, numbers declined in April as birds moved north, with 29 at Cow Bridge on 8th, eight at Hollow Gill and 146 over Settle SW, both on 15th, the last records of the spring. The first sightings of the autumn were 100 over Hollow Gill on 27th October with up to 15 on several dates in November. Up to 200 were present between Cow Bridge and Wigglesworth Hall during December with 50 seen to go to roost on Snipe Ground on 16th. The only record at Hellifield Flash was 250 on 16th December.

REDWING Turdus iliacus A A flock of 100 flying over Hellifield Flash on 16th December was the only record at that site. There were low double-figure counts at Long Preston Deeps early in the year with 30 on 14th March the highest count and last record during the period. In the latter half of the year there were two on 27th October, with up to five reported up until the end of the year.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos A One or two were reported along Wigglesworth Beck and on the north eastern floodplain during the year.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus A Singles near Hollow Gill on 15th April and near Wigglesworth Hall on 16th December were the only records received.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata A One was in the north eastern part of the floodplain with another near the bird hide, both on 9th September.

ROBIN Erithacus rubecula A This species was present at all the regularly visited sites within the recording area but no notable records were received.

REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus A Once again, there were passage birds in the hedgerow between Cow Bridge and the bird hide on 11th and 18th August. STONECHAT Saxicola rubicola A There was only one record of one present on Snipe Ground on 10th August.

WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe A It was a very disappointing year with a female on 6th April feeding in fields near Cow Bridge the only record of the year.

DIPPER Cinclus cinclus A There were records on Wigglesworth Beck on 21st and 26th January, two on 18th and one on 24th February, with another on 4th March. One was also seen on the north eastern floodplain on 22nd April and 20th May.

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus A There appear to be healthy populations in all the villages around the floodplain with a few birds occasionally straying into the recording area, particularly at Cow Bridge and Rathmell.

TREE SPARROW Passer montanus A A single was present at Hellifield Flash on several dates in February and April, with an adult feeding a food-begging juvenile on 5th June indicative of at least one pair breeding locally. A flock of 15 on 25th August would, however, suggest that several other breeding pairs were present nearby. The only other records were around Cow Bridge where post-breeding numbers would suggest a healthy breeding population in the adjacent area. There were 35 on 17th July, with 40 on 21st, 30 on 25th and 40 again on 30th July. Numbers dropped in August with seven on 10th, six on 11th and nine on 18th. The last record of the year was of a remarkable flock of 63 in the first few hawthorns along the Ribble Way on 9th September. Even when this species used to breed at numerous sites across area, the highest number of post-breeding birds was around 40 at Settle SW and 30 at Hellifield Flash.

DUNNOCK Prunella modularis A One or two reported at Hellifield Flash and the well-visited areas of the floodplain.

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea A This species was very scarce with one near Cow Bridge on 20th January and one over the Hollow Gill area on 13th March. The only other records were singles on the north eastern floodplain on 22nd April, 20th May and 14th July.

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba A Very few were reported at Hellifield Flash with no evidence of any passage birds and a peak count of only four on 14th April. On Long Preston Deeps the only double-figure counts were 18 flying into roost on Snipe Ground on 23rd February with 15 feeding in the Cow Bridge area the following day. Up to seven were in the north eastern area of the floodplain on various dates, peaking at 12 on 23nd March. The highest numbers were present around Settle SW and although difficult to count when feeding in the compound, 47 were present in the adjacent fields on 19th February, 32 on 10th and 51 on 13th March. The latter just exceeds the previous highest count of 50 at Long Preston Deeps on 26th April 2007.

A male White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba was at Hellifield Flash on 14th April (IRC). MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis A The only records at Hellifield Flash were two on 14th and 15th April. Other than the WeBS counts, the only other notable count was 30 at Settle SW on 8th April.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Long Preston 0 6 12 24 14 10 10 16 27 9 11 11

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs AE There were reports of one to three at Hellifield Flash, Hollow Gill and the feeders at the bird hide throughout the year. Notable counts at the latter site included 13 on 14th January, ten on 24th and 26th December.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla A One flew over the Cow Bridge area on 13th March, with a male and female at the bird feeders on the same date. The only other record was in October when a male and two females were at Hollow Gill Wood on 28th.

BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula A The only records were of a female and two males feeding in the hawthorns between Cow Bridge and the bird hide on 14th January, and a single seen near Wigglesworth Hall on 8th April.

GREENFINCH Chloris chloris AE Up to six were present between Cow Bridge and Wigglesworth Hall throughout the year with a peak count of ten on 26th December.

LINNET Linaria cannabina A The only records at Hellifield Flash were in August with 20 on 13 th and a single on 25 th . In the Cow Bridge area a pair were present on 5th May, with two adults and two juveniles on 26th June indicative of local breeding. What are likely to have been the same birds were present on 1st July, with six on 30th July and four on 2nd August. The only other record was of two pairs on the north eastern floodplain on 15th April.

LESSER REDPOLL Acanthis cabaret A There were singles flyovers at Hollow Gill Wood on 22nd April and 10th November. The only other sightings were near the bird hide in December, when there were five on 13th with 20 on 23rd.

CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra A A party of six including at least two males flew low north west up the valley over Cow Bridge, calling repeatedly, on 27th October (IRC). The only previous report in the recording area was four over Gildersleets on 28th October 1986.

GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis A At the bird hide up to 12 were present in the first half of the year, with a maximum of six reported in the latter months. Up to three were reported at several other sites across the recording area during the year.

SISKIN Spinus spinus A There were disappointingly few records during the year with one near Cow Bridge on 29th January, whilst at Hollow Gill, 12 flew over on 13th March with a single there on 10th November.

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus A The only records were on Long Preston Deeps where the WeBS counts probably give the best indication of the local population.

Monthly WeBs Counts for Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. Site/Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 3 7 6 11 9 16 8 1 2 1 4 4

Acknowledgements The LPWG project team would like to thank the landowners, fishing clubs and wildfowl syndicate for allowing access to undertake the WeBS counts.

The project would also like to thank Tony Cooper for collating any records sent to East Lancashire Ornithological Club and the following contributors for sending in their records with apologies for any omissions: B Blanchard, J Bradly, R Brown, K Burgess, IR Court, P Casey, M Clark, R Clarke,, M Holmes, D Hope, E Kinder, K & S Lister, B Naylor, R Reeves, G Thomas, T Hutchinson, A Shepherd and M Swift.

In addition, I would like to thank Geoff Dobbs for proof reading the report.