Winter Hill + Georges Lane + LMV

[Neville Root]

6.30-10.00am Winter Hill - short-eared owl hunting (6.40) near the main compound, came over from the Bolton side flew down the border wall over into Chorley and few mins later flew back over to the Bolton side. Also several snipe, some drumming, some flying over and one perched on a gatepost calling. Red grouse calling and showing well between main compound and the Pike. Also wheatear (2), single curlew, lapwing and chiffchaff and several meadow pipit.
Georges Lane - wheatear (12+ in the fields), meadow pipit (lots), stonechat (m), reed bunting (pair), reeling gropper in the rough grass, goldcrest, pied wagtail (2), several redpoll.
Lead Mines Valley - dropped in to see if the redstart had landed, not yet. Tawny owl flew down the track to roost in tree in full view (9.30). Also jay, curlew and buzzard over both calling, goldcrest.

Red grouse takes Chorley species total for the year to 118