Ribchester Bridge - the properties in this photo were flooded on Boxing Day and the River Ribble remains high after never ending rain.
THE EAST LANCS COUNTRYSIDE IS COMPLETLY SATURATED and every rain storm raises the level of the rivers. Fortunately the spells of heavy rain this weekend did not stop me from hiking up Pendle Hill twice. Saturday's walk was mostly in thick mist and rain and Sunday's was in deep slush. the overnight snow melting rapidly. A couple of ravens were the only birds of note. I've only added a single bird to my East Lancs yearlist this week too, a redpoll on the feeders at work on Friday. Alston Reservoirs on Saturday afternoon produced 8 Goosanders; 9 Common Goldeneye; 35 Eurasian Wigeon and 46 Common Teal of note. Even the regular Ribchester Grey Wagtails seem to be keeping a low profile but at least the escaped Trumpeter Swan was back on the riverbank this afternoon. Also Common Oystercatcher and kestrel were here too.
ELOC year list: 79. Lesser Redpoll.