Hardcastle Crags nestbox survey

Despite a poor response from local birders (only two people in addition to myself turning up) a full survey of all 48 boxes in the Crags was completed succesfully. Of the 48 boxes 22 were occupied although unfortunately not by target species with 14 containing Great Tits and the remainder Blue Tits, an additional 2 boxes had been occupied but presumably the young had fledged or the attempt failed. Apart from one box the rest were in good repair despite earlier fears. Only one Redstart was seen, a male singing beyond the Mill and no Pied Flycatchers, Spotted Flycatchers were reasonably well represented though with 5 seen.

Many thanks to Matt Bell and Ian Scott for their efforts