Chorley and District Natural History Society Forum

A repeat of a walk we did last year. Previous highlights have included Kingfisher, Little Grebe, Swift, Tawny Owl and Pipistrelle Bats.

Meet in the parking area at the top of Whins Lane, Higher Wheelton, at 7.00 pm prompt.

Thirteen members enjoyed the circular walk from the top of Whins Lane down to the canal, along the canal to Top Lock, over South Hill to Lower Wheelton, before returning along Whins Lane. Buzzards were much in evidence with begging young in tow. There were plenty of hirundines along the canal and over the adjacent fields. On the mammal front, Rabbits were everywhere and there were good numbers of Pipistrelle bats emerging as we walked back along Whins Lane. Full sightings:-
Mallard 6, Moorhen 3, Buzzard (min 2 ad and 2 young), probable Sparrowhawk, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, BH Gull, LBB Gull, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw (large pre-roost gatherings of both last), Swallow, House Martin, Blue, Great and LT Tit, Goldcrest and young, Chiffchaff, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Goldfinch and young
Mammals:- Rabbit 50+, Roe Deer (adult and 2 young), Pipistrelle (double figures), possible Daubenton's

In flower-creeping thistle,himalayan balsam,cickweed,gorse,pineapple mayweed,greater & ribwort plantains,great,rosebay& broad leaved willowherbs,
water mint,meadow sweet,hemlock water dropwort, arrowhead(in canal), bush vetch,gipsywort,tufted vetch, white clover,red clover, upright hedge parsley, marsh thistle, hawkweed sp.,mugwort, bramble, ragwort, field bindweed,red shank,reed mace (in pond),red bartsia, meadow buttercup,self heal,ivy leaved toadflax.

Mole hills- in woods and field

Wasps Nests- One in a hollow tree & another in eaves of out building

In flower cont'd (missed page of notepad!)-red campion,hawksbeard sp. marsh woundwort,daisy,silverweed,herb robert, white campion,shepherds purse,meadow vetchling,oxeye daisy