26th December 2013 - Lodmoor RSPB, Dorset - My two lasses had Christmas money to spend and so they dropped me off at this reserve to do some birding and off they went top splash some cash. I had a nice stroll and met up with a familiar face, the end list was 34 species:- Mallard; Herring Gull; Black Headed Gull; Cormorant; Magpie; Tufted Duck; Coot; Canada Goose; Lapwing; Carrion Crow; Dunnock; Shoveler; Moorhen; Blackbird; Wren; Grey Heron; Starling; Shelduck; Teal; Greenfinch; Little Grebe; Song Thrush; Robin; Great Tit; Bullfinch; Cetti's Warbler; Feral Pigeon; House Sparrow; Bittern; Wood Pigeon; Great Black Backed Gull; Gadwall; Pochard and Common Snipe.

Winter Heliotrope was in flower.

24th December 2013 - Portland Castle Harbour, Dorset - After yesterday's wicked weather it was nice to get out and go and check out a local rarity along with a few other birds. Species seen were:- Pied Wagtail; Red Breasted Merganser; Cormorant; Carrion Crow; Razorbill; Black Guillemot; Black Throated Diver; Kittiwake; Great Crested Grebe; Oystercatcher and Shag.

It was great to catch up with Captain Bagsy too - a fine chap and always a pleasure to meet up with.

7th December 2013 - Marshside RSPB, Lancashire - A rare twitching occasion for us and after yet more car trouble on the way we arrived a little stressed and 3 hours later than expected. A swift walk and the target bird was had - Baikal Teal - apparently of dubious origin which matters not a jot to me - a bird is a bird and I have a soft spot for all wildfowl. It was a nice chap but don't forget all the Wigeon and Teal it was with as well as the Pintail and other bird life - just as stunning. Amazingly most had overlooked the Long tailed Duck which was whizzing about the water. I duly pointed it out, those that had missed it got a viewing and then whoosh, the beauty flew, as did the Baikal Teal ten minutes after. The rain then came and on the way back we paused to watch a Weasel skip around in the roadside grass and then it was time to bugger off for a cuppa. needs must! As for twitching - not really my bag and as long as those who do it kindly share (with others), care (for the environment) and (don't get took carried away with the tag of) rare I have no gripes. Enjoy folks.

30th November 2013 - Anderton NR, Marbury CP, Cheshire - A quiet wander in full sun and mild weather, a list of 42 birds were noted along the way:- Song Thrush; Blackbird; Mistle Thrush; Redwing; Fieldfare; Black Headed Gull; House Sparrow; Bullfinch; Blue Tit; Wren; Robin; Buzzard; Grey Heron; Mallard; Coot; Canada Goose; Long Tailed Tit; Teal; Shoveler; Shelduck; Mute Swan; Carrion Crow; Tufted Duck; Jay; Jackdaw; Great Crested Grebe; Herring Gull; Pochard; Cormorant; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Greylag Goose; Curlew; Common Gull; Pink Footed Goose; Sparrowhawk (M/F); Coal Tit; Great Tit; Nuthatch; Chaffinch; Moorhen; Pied Wagtail and Goldfinch.

White Dead Nettle was noted in flower.

17th November 2013 - River Mersey/Abney Hall/Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - The car blew last week so we had to stay local. We got the car fixed (£162 quids worth) and lo and behold it went again the day after - aagghh - so no car means another local wander and loads of unnecessary arsing about. Besides a few fungi (2 all time new ones too) we kept an eye on what flowers still had blooms on them, the result:- Purple Toadflax; Hogweed; Oxford Ragwort; Bush Vetch; Common Vetch; Red Valerian; Groundsel; Square Stalked St John's Wort; Himalayan Balsam; Tormentil; Red Clover; Nipplewort; Herb Robert; Daisy; Common Field Speedwell; Redshank; Shepherd's Purse; Prickly Sow Thistle; Orange Hawkbit; Large Bindweed and Dandelion sp.

A pair of Goosander were along the river, Redwings milled about and Bottlejacks pinged here and there (Long Tailed Tits tha' knows).

5th September 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - The moth trap was in the toilet window, I woke up and discovered only a few species, these were:- Garden Carpet (*1); Svennson's Copper Underwing (*2); 20 Plume Moth (*1); Light Brown Apple Moth (*1); Silver Y (*1) and Large Yellow Underwing (*4).

A Hawthorn Shieldbug was also caught and a Common Wasp.

25th August 2013 - Common Marsh, Stockbridge, Hampshire - A call in at a place where we could have a bite to eat from our recently acquired stash of victuals and a chilled walk. Still the weather was on our side and after a fine meal of German meat on fresh crusty rolls (for me) and Veggie Pasta (for my wife) we had a relaxed wander besides the crystal clear River Test and then back through a wooded pathway. Flowers were observed this time with the following making up an average list:- White Clover; Herb Robert; Pink Water Speedwell; Hogweed; Soapwort; Wood Avens; Water Pepper; Dark Mullein; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Creeping Thistle; Common Nettle; Field Bindweed; Hemp Agrimony; Agrimony; Common Knapweed; Tormentil; Water Mint; Ribwort Plantain; Gypsywort; Marsh Thistle; White Dead Nettle; Greater Willowherb; Red Clover; Restharrow and Enchanter's Nightshade.

Brimstone (*1); Speckled Wood (*3); Small Tortoiseshell (*1); Small White (*1) and Meadow Brown (*3) were the butterflies seen, a Mother of Pearl moth on Nettle seemed a little late in the year, Dark Bush Cricket; Meadow Grasshopper; Long Winged Conehead and Common Green Grasshopper represented the Orthoptera and a Wasp Spider was a bonus.

25th August 2013 - Leckford, Hampshire - Joining the Hampshire Fungus Group for a foray proved worthwhile with a few other bugs and beasts thrown in to the end list. The Fungus Beetle (Scaphidium quadrimaculatum); Common and Slender Groundhoppers; Southern Hawker (*2); the Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); the moths Straw Dot and Square Spot Rustic and the butterflies Speckled Wood (*3) and Peacock (*3) all added to the day's interest.

Oh and the Common Reed Gall (Lipara lucens) was picked out by a delightful lady I didn't quite catch the name of - nice one!

24th August 2013 - Denny Wood, New Forest, Hampshire - A mooch for some fungi resulted in very few species seen but a few bugs and beasts were noted. 2 Acorn Weevils (Curculio glandium) were found on Oak as well as a few Common Earwigs; 5 Forest Shieldbugs (Pentatoma rufipes); a few Wood Crickets; a Gatekeeper Butterfly; the Leafhopper (Lassus lanio) 5 Stag Beetle Larvae and an adult Lesser Stag Beetle. Also a Redstart was seen singing in a small loosely leafed tree.

The larva of a Scorched Wing Moth was later identified along with the Walnut Orb Spider (Nuctenea umbractica) as was the fly Choerades marginatus.

24th August 2013 - Keyhaven Marshes, Hampshire - An early start and shock, horror - some summer birding - not like us at all. I fancied the sound of this place so with the sun dazzling we donned our bins (scope left at home as I have enough to carry with liquids, pots, books, magnifiers, snacks, etc) and set off for what would be a wonderful jaunt. The 37 birds seen were:- Little Egret; Turnstone; Mallard; Little Stint; Common Whitethroat; Pied Wagtail; Great Black Backed Gull; Sanderling; Cormorant; Grey Plover; Starling; Curlew; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Collared Dove; Oystercatcher; Carrion Crow; Black Headed Gull; Moorhen; Grey Heron; Wood Pigeon; Lapwing; House Martin; Sand Martin; Sparrowhawk; Redshank; Wheatear; Greenshank; Peregrine Falcon; Dunlin; Goldfinch; Linnet; Greenfinch; Ringed Plover; Whimbrel; Kestrel and Herring Gull.

3 butterflies were noted, namely:- Small Heath (*1); Small White (*1) and Wall (*1). Rock Sea Lavender was added to the day's tally and then we visited another local Art Gallery - not bad and very maritime of course.

22nd August 2013 - Cheyne Weares; Portland Bill, Dorset - An early evening wander with Lucerne Bug; Lesser Cockroach; Wall Lizard (*4); Grass Spider (Tibellus oblongus); Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (*1) and the butterflies:- Common Blue (*5); Chalkhill Blue (*2); Wall (*5); Painted Lady (*1); Small White (*1) and Large White (*1) all contributing to a gentle stroll in warm weather (again).

Portland Spurge was seen for the first time this year as well as the plant gall on Salad Burnet (Aceria sanguisorbae).

22nd August 2013 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A mooch about with me old mucka Ken Dolbear and an abundance of stuff was found. After all species were named and exclaimed this was the result:- Wasp Spider; the Ladybirds (Platynapis luteorubra) and (Scymnus frontalis); Long Winged Conehead; Sloe Bug; the Leaf Beetle (Sermylassa halensis); Meadow Grasshopper; Lucerne Bug (Adelphocoris lineolatus); the Mirid Bug (Phytocoris varipes); the Spider (Hypsosinga pygmaea) and the Tortoise Shieldbug (Eurygaster testidinaria). A few more were photographed by Ken and named but I can't for the life of me remember seeing them - I shall chase them up and get a good look next time.

A few extras thrown in outside of the net and some later in the day were the butterflies Common Blue (*3); Large White (*1); Speckled Wood (*2); Comma (*1); Meadow Brown (*1) and Wall (*1) as well as Dark and Grey Bush Crickets and the Tachnid Fly (Tachina grossa).

A Vine Moth was caught by the warden Martin Cade and duly observed.

21st August 2013 - Nicodemus' Nob, Portland, Dorset - A late afternoon stroll and 9 butterflies seen:- Small White (*2); Chalkhill Blue (*20); Wall (*6); Meadow Brown (*1); Common Blue (*25); Gatekeeper (*4); Marbled White (*2); Small Copper (*1) and Large White (*2). 2 moths noted were Yellow Bellow (*1) and the seemingly ubiquitous Silver Y (*1).

3 Slow Worms, a Dark Bush Cricket and the galls Trioza centanthri; Kiefferia pericarpiicola; Diplolepsis spinosissimae and Diplolepis nervosa were extra species noted. The Beetle Silpha laevigata was later confirmed.

21st August 2013 - Portland Bird Observatory, Dorset - Back to the lighthouse for a couple of days and a few bugs and beasties noted. Kidney and 22 Spot Ladybirds were in good numbers, the hoverfly Chrysotoxum bicinctum was amongst the flowers, a Speckled Bush Cricket was also located and 6 species of butterfly were seen:- Comma (*2); Wall (*2); Painted Lady (*1); Common Blue (*1); Small Tortoiseshell (*1) and Red Admiral (*4).

A Firethorn Leaf Miner Moth was shown to us by Assistant Warden Joe which was a sweet extra.

13th August 2013 - Delamere Forest, Cheshire - A stroll around with a group from work and little to see. A few fungi were noted (See Fungal Friends section) as well as a Green Woodpecker; the micro moth (Blastobasis adustella), the Ground Beetlle (Cychrus caraboides) and the butterflies Peacock (*1) and Small White (*1).

The gall Hartigiola annulipes was noted on a Beech leaf.

6th August 2013 - Ashley Wood DWT, Dorset - Another new area to mooch and after a good walk it seemed a place to revisit. Butterfly species seen were:- Large White (*8); Comma (*1); Peacock (*2); Green Veined White (*21); Gatekeeper (*1); Speckled Wood (*6); Ringlet (*2); Holly Blue (*2); Red Admiral (*1) and Meadow Brown (*2). 2 Silver Y Moths were seen too and a Dingy Footman.

Extras included 24 and 14 Spot Ladybirds; Wood Spurge; the Ash Gall (Aceria fraxinivora) and an out of place Roesel's Bush Cricket at the side of the farmer's fields and on the edges of the woodland - how odd?

5th August 2013 - Portland, Dorset - After the mornings drenching time was spent chilling around the lighthouse and going through a few moths that the warden had brought back from Cornwall. Assistant warden Joe helped with the ID process and eventually we got there:- Mottled Beauty; Small White Wave; Devonshire Wainscot; Dingy Shell; Eudonia delunella; Scarce Footman; Nut Tree Tussock and Twin Spot Carpet being duly named. Palpita vitrealis was the best catch of the Obs' traps and in between pondering the moths the sea produced many Manx Shearwaters and the odd Balearic.

Hoary Plantain was seen growing just outside the Observatories grounds.

5th August 2013 - Ringstead Bay, Dorset - The morn had been glorious but the weather looked set to crack, still we risked a jaunt around this fine area. Clouds gathered, butterflies were low in numbers as the breeze grew:- Gatekeeper (*3); Red Admiral (*2); Small White (*1); Speckled Wood (*2); Marbled White (*2); Comma (*1) and Wall (*1). Another 6 Belted Clearwing was seen at rest and a Silver Y moth was also counted.

A German Wasp; the Hoverfly Scaeva pyastri; a Migrant Hawker and 32 Rose Chafers were other good species seen and a lone Yellowhammer was a birding bonus.

Flowers in bloom were:- Harebell; Pyramidal Orchid; Betony; Dwarf Thistle; Restharrow; Wood Sage; Common Ragwort; Red Clover; Marsh Thistle; Dandelion sp; Wood Avens; Shepherds Purse; Common Field Speedwell; Curled Leaved Dock; Hedge Bedstraw; Hogweed; Goosegrass; Bittersweet; Ribwort Plantain; Black Medick; Field Bindweed; Common Knapweed; Yarrow; Greater Plantain; White Clover; Red Campion; Common Nettle; Greater Willowherb; Ladies Bedstraw;; Mugwort; Creeping Thistle and Spear Thistle.

And then the rain came and we got bloody well soaked - bah!

4th August 2013 - Portland, Dorset - A look through the moth trap and a few species on the Obs table gave us views of a few scale winged blighters we had not seen this year, namely:- Maidens Blush; Small Mottled Willow; Brown Veined Wainscot; Chinese Character; Oak Eggar; Ruby Tiger; Agapeta zoegana; Cochylis roseana; Agapeta hamana; Shuttle Shaped Dart; Kent Black Arches; Brown Line bBright Eye ; Bright Line Brown Eye; Rosy Rustic; Lesser Cream Wave; Dun-Bar; Crescent Dart; Dusky Sallow; Garden Tiger; Cream Bordered Green Pea and Drinker. A Lesser Cockroach was in the trap as well as the beetle Ophonus ardosiacus.

Sea Bristletail (Petrobius maritimus) was plentiful on coastal rocks, a few Shore Crabs were seen and Manx Shearwaters flew past on a rather calm sea.

A mooch around the crooked knob of Nicodemus produced the butterflies:- Chalkhill Blue (*19); Gatekeeper (*12); Small Skipper (*3); Red Admiral (*1); Green Veined White (*1); Common Blue (*1); Peacock (*1); Meadow Brown (*5); Marbled White (*13) and Ringlet (*2). Moths seen were 6 Belted Clearwing (*1); Shaded Broad Bar (*1) and 6 Spot Burnet (*2).

Common Green Grasshopper; Grey Bush Cricket and Speckled Bush Cricket were caught, admired and released and a Field Mouse and lone Slow Worm were choice extras. A Bishop's Mitre Bug was as excellent as ever and the galls Diplolepsis spinosissimae and Aceria labatiflorae were good bonus finds. Chrysotoxum elegans is hesitantly named after checking abdominal markings and the structure of the antennae however this group is far from easy.

2nd August 2013 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - By heck a bit of birding, very rare for us during the summer months. The 17 species observed were:- Little Tern; Mediterranean Gull; Starling; Dunlin; Carrion Crow; Turnstone; Herring Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Meadow Pipit; Ringed Plover; Black Headed Gull; Curlew; Rook; Pied Wagtail; Sandwich Tern; Linnet and Skylark.

Of course a few butterflies were seen, the list being:- Painted Lady (*1); Meadow Brown (*18); Common Blue (*4); Clouded Yellow (*2); Gatekeeper (*3); Large White (*1) and Small White (*1). Moths added were:- Silver Y (*2) and 6 Spot Burnet (*12).

A flower list was kept with 43 species seen in bloom:- Pineappleweed; Creeping Thistle; Ladies Bedstraw; Ribwort Plantain; Wild Carrot; Bird's Foot Trefoil; Yarrow; Restharrow; Scarlet Pimpernel; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Field Bindweed; Lesser Trefoil; Thrift; Black Medick; Sea Beet; Kidney Vetch; Red Clover; Bittersweet; Common Storks-Bill; Tall Melilot; Sea Aster; Shrubby Sea Blite; Common Ragwort; Bucks-Horn Plantain; Teasel; Wild Parsnip; Ploughman's Spikenard; Soapwort; Sea Holly; Wormwood; Common Toadflax; Fennel; Common Knapweed; Spearmint; Greater Plantain; Common Cinquefoil; Groundsel; Pink Oxalis; Common Knotgrass; Equal Leaved Knotgrass; Spear Leaved Orache; Sea Purslane and Scentless Mayweed.

7 Spot Ladybird; Shore Crab; Sea Slater; Edible Periwinkle; Slow Worm and Short Tailed Vole added further natural quality.

Finds of the day were besides the car with the galls Aceria galiobia and Contarinia loti found on Ladies Bedstraw and Bird's Foot Trefoil respectively.

1st August 2013 - Alners Gorse, Dorset - A prize location we always come up trumps at and today was no exception. Butterflies noted were:- Large White (*11); Gatekeeper (*33); Marbled White (*5); Green Veined White (*4); Large Skipper (*1); Silver Washed Fritillary (*8); Peacock (*3); Red Admiral (*1); Meadow Brown (*5); Purple Hairstreak (*5); Brown Hairstreak (*2); Brimstone (*7); Ringlet (*12); White Letter Hairstreak (*3); Comma (*2); Small White (*7); Speckled Wood (*4) and Small Skipper (*24). Moths seen were;- Silver Y (*4); Shaded Broad Bar (*1) and the micro Prochoreutis sehestediana.

2 Brown Hawkers were seen also as well as thye Hoverfly Chrysotoxum bicinctum.

30th July 2013 - Portland, Dorset -  A local wander with several new flowers for the year picked up including:- Pyramidal Orchid; Dwarf Thistle; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Strawberry Clover; Bastard Toadflax; Wild Carrot and Carline Thistle.  A few bugs noted were:- Great Green Bush Cricket; Dark Bush Cricket; the Snail Killing Fly (Coremacera marginata); Down Shieldbug (nymphs only); Oedemera nobilis; Pill Woodlouse; Green Capsid Bug (Lygocoris pabulinus); the Mirid Bug (Leptopterna ferrugata);
the spiders Neoscona adianta and Enoplognatha ovata and what I presume to be Phytocoris varipes as the only similar species is found on dry heathland.

Of course we had a look at a few butterflies (be rude not to) and the list made up comprised of:- Chalkhill Blue (*1); Green Veined White (*6); Lulworth Skipper (*4); Small Blue (*16); Small White (*5); Common Blue (*17); Gatekeeper (*11); Meadow Brown (*22); Marbled White (*17) and Small Skipper (*3).  Day flying moths were Yellow Shell (*2); Dusky Sallow (*1); Mother Of Pearl (*1); Shaded Broad Bar (*2); Silver Y (*4) and 6 Spotted Burnet (*143).

The Obs moth trap had many delights and thanks to a chap from Glamorgan (Dave Slade I think) many micros were named.  Argyresthia albistria; Eucosma conterminana; Acleris aspersana; Cochylis molliculana; Cochylis roseana and Coptotriche marginea all had me intrigued and sincere thanks was given to the micro-master.  Least Carpet; Kent Black Arches and Oncocera semirubella were nice to catch up with again.

Gannets were out at sea and 2 Slow Worms were seen.

26th July 2013 - Ryton Woods, Warwickshire - The first day of the holidays (boy do we need em') and a call off, before going down south, at a reserve I very much rate.  The target was a good day (always the priority) as well as numerous butterfly species, the species seen were:- Small White (*36); Large White (*17); Comma (*2); Gatekeeper (*31); Red Admiral (*1); Purple Hairstreak (*6); Ringlet (*103); Large Skipper (*1); Small Tortoiseshell (*1); Common Blue (*1); Peacock (*84); Small Copper (*1); Speckled Wood (*1); Green Veined White (*3); Silver Washed Fritillary (*15); Brimstone (*2); White Admiral (*9); Small Skipper (*18) and Marbled White (*15).  Moths seen were:- Silver Y (*5); 6 Spot Burnet (*10) and Shaded Broad Bar (*3).
 
Odonata recorded were:- Brown Hawker (*3); Common Darter (*2) and 4 Spotted Chaser (*1) although I am sure there was much more and the butterfly distractions helped us miss them.
 
2 Green Woodpeckers, a single Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Hornet, Meadow Grasshopper and Long Wing Conehead all added further interest to a trip ended with a call in at the ice cream van - why not?

The gall Harmandiola tremulae was later confirmed.

21st July 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A walk to stretch the old legs, butterflies seen were:- Gatekeeper (*4); Meadow Brown (*13) and Speckled Wood (*1).

Smooth Tare was in flower and seed.

15th July 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - Again the moth light was placed in the toilet window and 17 species were caught:- Tachystola acroxantha (*1); Swallow-Tailed Moth (*2); Riband Wave f. remutata (*7); Common Emerald (*1); Phlyctaenia coronata (*1); Marbled Beauty (*4); Early Thorn (*1); Snout (*1); Diamond Back Moth (*2); White Satin (*2); Burnished Brass (*1); Spectacle (*1); Fan-Foot (*1); Bramble Shoot Moth (*1); Hedya nubiferana (*1); Heart And Dart (*1) and Chrysoteuchia culmella (*1).

Walking to the shops a Green Veined White and 2 Large Whites were seen.

14th July 2013 - Moore NR, Cheshire - By crikey it is a hot un' - and I shan't complain. A few hours mooching for a few critters resulted in sightings of the following 9 species of sun soaked butterfly:- Meadow Brown (*69); Gatekeeper (*9); Ringlet (*1); Small White (*1); Small Tortoiseshell (*4); Speckled Wood (*11); Green Veined White (*1); Large White (*1) and Large Skipper (*3). The micro moth Carcina quercana was seen on Oak.

Odonata seen were:- Brown Hawker (*2) and numerous Azure and Blue Tailed Damselflies.

Harlequin; Cream Spot and 7 Spot Ladybirds were seen as well as a brace of the Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata).

Myathropa florea was on the wing, several Common Groundhoppers were viewed as well as a few Common Earwigs and Poppy; Large Flowered Evening ; Dark Mullein; Musk Mallow and Common Centaury were in flower. The Gall Dasineura urticae was seen on a Nettle leaf.

A Fox was seen at close quarters carrying a hefty chunk of meat. He looked as though he could do with a good dinner so good on the fella.

8th July 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - An early start as the moth trap was left in the window and a few moths needed checking. The list of 35 species was:- Flame Shoulder (*4); Heart And Dart (*3); Apple Leaf Miner (*1); Codling Moth (*3); Brimstone (*3); Common Marbled Carpet (*2); Common Wave (*1); Light Brown Apple Moth (*6); Phlyctaenia coronata (*4); Willow Beauty (*2); Riband Wave (*3); Riband Wave f. remutata (*5); Marbled Minor sp. (*4); Tachystola acroxantha (*5); Small Dusty Wave (*2); Small Magpie (*2); Snout (*1); Garden Carpet (*1); Marbled Beauty (*3); Chrysoteuchia culmella (*3); Double Striped Pug (*1); Bramble Shoot Moth (*1); Purple Clay (*1); Bee Moth (*1); Light Emerald (*1); Burnished Brass (*1); Grey/Dark Dagger agg. (*1); Flame (*1); Hedya nubiferana (*1); Argyresthia pruniella (*1); Aleimma loeflingiana (*1); Mottled Rustic (*1); Celypha lacunana (*1); Crambus pascuella (*1) and Plain Golden Y (*1).

2 Harlequin and 3 Orange Ladybirds were also captured.

7th July 2013 - Gait Barrows, Cumbria - Time was ticking on, we had to be back home for my daughters dance classes, we had a decent return for the time put in. Butterflies observed were:- Dark Green Fritillary (*1); Ringlet (*17); Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary (*1); Speckled Wood (*2); Meadow Brown (*3); Peacock (*1) and Large Skipper (*5). The Straw Dot Moth (*4) and Beautiful China Mark (*2) were noted too.

Brown Hawker (*2); Blue Tailed Damselfly (*2) and Large Red Damselfly (*1) were seen along the boardwalk and nearby meadow as well as numerous baby Frogs, a Common Toad, Gardens Chafers, a Violet Ground Beetle and a patch of Quaking Grass.

Birds Eye was just hanging on to a few flowers; Marsh Thistle was plentiful and the find of the day was the Rove Beetle (Oieceoptoma thoracicum).

7th July 2013 - Latterbarrow, Cumbria - Back to this area for another swift tootle. Meadow Plant Bug (Leptoterna dolabrata) was seen as well as its close relation, the Mirid (Grypocoris stysi) and a single Northern Brown Argus Butterfly photographed.

Betony; Gromwell; Common Rock-Rose and Ladies Bedstraw were in flower.

7th July 2013 - Meathop Moss, Cumbria - A mooch for a few bits and bobs, the result - not bad. Only one butterfly species seen:- Large Heath (*21) with 2 moths identified, these being:- Purple And Gold Moth (*2); Common Heath (*2) and Nettle Tap Moth (*10).

Bog Asphodel and Bog Rosemary were in flower, Round Leaved Sundew was picked out, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers hung around and 4 Galls were listed, these were:- Dasineura ulmaria; Phytoptus padi; Dasineura pustulans and Psyllopsis fraxinia.

The Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis) was later confirmed.

6th July 2013 - Latterbarrow, Cumbria - A quick visit after the day's mountainous wanderings to prepare for next day. Butterflies seen were:- Dark Green Fritillary (*1) and Meadow Brown (*6). 2 Six Spot Burnets were also noted.

The Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata) was seen along with a Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis).

Columbine and Greater Butterfly Orchid were in flower amongst many others.

6th July 2013 - Hartsop Dodd, Cumbria - A wander in search of a butterfly to complete our British mainland list, the elusive Mountain Ringlet. All 3 of us wanted to see this beauty and complete an on-going expedition around some wonderful places in pursuit of many lepidopteran wonders. It was a arduous walk on parts with 3 miles uphill, 3 miles down, the 3 butterfly species seen were:- Green Veined White (*2); Small Heath (*2) and...wait for it, wait for it...Mountain Ringlet (*70). Yipp...ding, dong...eeee! Great stuff and thanks especially to Martin Tordoff for leading the walk and for the other excellent company along the way.

Also seen on route was the lichen Rhizocarpon geographicum; several Garden Chafers and several clumps of Parsley Fern.

The Orchid Beetle (Dascillus cervinus) was later identified.

3 celebration photos at the home of the Mountain Ringlet - our last mainland butterfly in Britain to see and we got 70 of the super little tinkers.

30th June 2013 - River Dee, Cheshire - The final location of the day and with the weather ready to turn we managed a good hour and came up with the expected odonates:- Banded Demoiselle (*44); Azure Damselfly (*1) and Club Tailed Dragonfly (*2). 2 species of butterfly seen were:- Peacock (*5) and Small Tortoiseshell (*2).

The Meadow Plant Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata) was located on Nettle leaves.

Meadow Rue and Common Valerian were in flower.

30th June 2013 - Brown Moss, Shropshire - The second location of the day and the sun turned up the heat. Blue Tailed Damselflies were knocking about the lush vegetation near the main body of water and 9 Four Spotted Chasers were also seen. The only butterflies observed were:- Ringlet (*1) and Meadow Brown (*2).

Myathropa florea; Helophilus pendulus; Volucella bombylans (yellow form) and Helophilus hybridus hung around a patch of flowering Ground Elder and numerous Eristalis pertinax hoverflies were also noted.

Marsh Thistle; Heath Bedstraw; Honeysuckle and Amphibious Bistort were in bloom.

I had never seen (well identified) Downy Birch so was glad to come up with this species and the bonus ball gall Anisostephus betulinus.

23rd June 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A swift walk down river in crappy weather so as to put some food out for the birds. Swallow; Swift; House Martin and Sand Martin all fed in one particular spot above the free flowing river making me wonder if some kind of insect explosion was had in a small rippling area.

Orange Hawkweed and Purple Toadflax were noted in flower.

21st June 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A lone Speckled Wood and 3 specimens of Myathropa florea on Hogweed were the only noted natural wonders on the way home from work. Continuing the walk in the evening and 2 Azure Damselflies were seen as well as singles of the butterflies Meadow Brown; Large Skipper; Common Blue and Green Veined White. The Longhorn Beetle (Agapanthia villosoviridescens) was observed on a large Bramble mound.

Hedge Woundwort; Tufted Vetch and Horse Radish were in flower and the gall Protomyces macrosporus was seen on Ground Elder leaves.

18th June 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - A Comma butterfly caterpillar on the Red Currant bushes in the garden - Yippee!

Mothing at night produced:- Mompha sturnipennella (*1); Pseudogyrotoza gonwagana (*1); Pandemis heparana (*1); Small Fan Foot (*1); Garden Pebble (*1); Green Silver Lines (*1); White Shouldered House Moth (*1); Middle Barred Minor (*1); Hedya nubiferana (*3); Phlyctaenia coronata (*1); Common Marbled Carpet (*1); Tachystola acroxantha (*4); Codling Moth (*1); Azalea Leaf Miner (*1); Heart And Dart (*1); Brimstone (*1) and Light Brown Apple Moth (*4).

3 Orange Ladybirds and an Harlequin were also in the trap.

16th June 2013 - Didsbury, G. Manchester - An overdue visit to a nearby study centre and a quick mooch with plans to revisit next week and do a species count. Today several Tree Bees were noted along with a single Red Tailed variety. Smooth Newts were plentiful, a Leopard Slug looked in fine fettle and the first Marmalade Fly of the year was seen. An Azure Damselfly was well away from any water, 3 species of Ladybird were observed - Harlequin; 2 Spot; 7 Spot and 3 Nettle Tap Moths hung around their favoured foodplant.

The galls Aceria cephalonea; Aceria pseudoplatani and Psyllopsis fraxini agg.

16th June 2013 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, Cheshire - Trioza alacris on the leaves of Bay is a species I have overlooked too often. Nettle Tap Moth is a new species to the garden.

Some mothing in the evening after a gig was disappointing despite the ideal conditions. The results were:- Scalloped Hazel (*2); Tachystola acroxantha (*7); Light Brown Apple Moth (*12); Brimstone (*1); Garden Carpet (*1); Common Marbled Carpet (*2); Bee Moth (*2); Green Silver Lines (*1); Brown House Moth (*1); Small Phoenix (*1) and Caloptilia azaleella (*1).

12th June 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - The homeward walk along this stretch of river never fails to turn up interesting stuff. 2 galls today the latter of which is an all time new for us, these were Aceria pseudoplatani and Dasineura fraxini.

Yellow Rattle was in flower and a male Orange Tip flew as the clouds in the sky gathered - good luck mate.

9th June 2013 - Ainsdale NE, Lancashire - A sweet amble in the summer sun and a few things to enjoy and record. Butterflies were low on the species count with only 6 different ones on show, these being:- Common Blue (*34); Large White (*1); Wall (*2); Large Skipper (*1); Peacock (*2) and Small Heath (*14). Moths were represented by:- Mother Shipton (*1) and Cinnabar (*26).

Odonata were represented by Azure and Blue Tailed Damselflies as well as a lone 4 Spotted Chaser.

A few flowers were noted such as Changing Forget Me Not; White Campion; Lily of the Valley; Marsh Thistle; Scarlet Pimpernel; Spring Beauty and Star of Bethlehem. Quite strange to see Bluebell and Cuckooflower still in bloom at this time of year.

Other noted species were a Common Toad; 2 Smooth Newts; 11 Asparagus Beetles; Birch Shieldbug; the Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); Leaf Beetle (Lochmaea caprea); the Sun Flies (Helophilus pendulus) and (Helophilus hybridus) and the galls Eriophyes inangulis; Dasineura kiefferiana and Chirosa betuleti.

One extra species was later confirmed by Joseph Botting of the British Bugs website - Tachycixius pilosus is a plant hopper I have never seen before nor even heard of. Again I find myself faced with a bloody minefield and it goes without saying that in I find myself stepping - kaboom. Sincere thanks to Joe and please, anyone reading this, check out the fine site he runs with his mate Tristan Bantock (it is in the links section).

26th May 2013 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - An open invite for Fungal Friends members - 2 regulars turned up and no more - not to fret and good company they were too. As well as looking for a few fungi we had a nosey at various things and, as per, I concocted a list. The 50 flowers noted in bloom were:- Germander Speedwell; Ribwort Plantain; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Garlic Mustard; Cow Parsley; Daisy; Cuckooflower; Wavy Bittercress; Dandelion sp; Red Campion; Shining Cranes-Bill; Fringe Cups; Pick A Back Plant; Skunk Cabbage; Thale Cress; Chickweed; Groundsel; Common Mouse Ear; Shepherds Purse; Herb Robert; Lesser Celandine; Common Comfrey; Bush Vetch; Yellow Pimpernel; Bluebell; Water Avens; Wood Sorrel; Greater Stitchwort; Pink Purslane; Marsh Marigold; Moschatel; Dog's Mercury; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Ground Ivy; Star Of Bethlehem; Yellow Archangel; Wild Strawberry; Common Dog Violet; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Hairy Bittercress; Wood Speedwell; Large Bittercress; Common Bistort; Bugle; Wood Avens; Colts-Foot and Ramsons.

7 Butterflies on the wing were:- Green Veined White (*4); Speckled Wood (*2); Orange Tip (*3); Peacock (*3); Small Tortoiseshell (*1) and Large White (*1).

I always have an eye on the galls these days and Taphrina tosquinetii; Eriophyes inangulis; Eriophyes sorbi; Eriophyes crataegi; Phyllocoptes eupadi; Eriophyes laevis and Eriosma ulmi were 7 species chalked up, 2 of which were personal all time new ones.

Insects noted were:- Rhingia campestris; Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); Hoverflies (Leucozona lucorum) and (Portevinia maculata); 14 Spot Ladybird; Cream Spot Ladybird; Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); Pot bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); Sawfly (Rhogogaster picta); Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); the Hymenoptera specimen (Craesus septentrionalis) and the Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Mandarin Ducks and a lone Egyptian Goose were admired and Giant Horsetail; Wood Horsetail and Pendulous Sedge were expected extras.

25th May 2013 - Chee Dale/Millers Dale, Derbyshire - Sun, sun and more sun and 6 hours strolling about with a few bits and bobs picked up. Bird wise was poor with the list at a paltry 25 species, these being:- House Martin; Blue Tit; Willow Warbler; Chaffinch; Goldfinch; Robin; Mallard; Wood Pigeon; Common Whitethroat; Long Tailed Tit; Magpie; Meadow Pipit; Redstart; Jackdaw; Nuthatch; Spotted Flycatcher; Grey Wagtail; Dipper; Great Tit + Goldcrest; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Pheasant; Wren; Chiffchaff and Raven on call.

The 43 flowers noted in bloom were:- Thale Cress; Common Dog Violet; Mountain Pansy; Early Purple Orchid; Sweet Cicely; Colts-Foot; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Barren Strawberry; Greater Stitchwort; Lesser Trefoil; Bugle; Common Mouse Ear; Birds-Foot Trefoil; Germander Speedwell; Wood Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Meadow Saxifrage; Wood Anemone; Goldilocks Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Lords and Ladies; Sanicle; Marsh Marigold; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Shining Cranes-Bill; Lesser Celandine; Wavy Bittercress; Cuckooflower; Ramsons; Ground Ivy; Garlic Mustard; Crosswort; Dogs Mercury; Cowslip; Water Avens; White Dead Nettle; Sweet Woodruff; Bush Vetch; Red Campion; Daisy; Cow Parsley and Dandelion sp.

7 species of butterfly were recorded:- Peacock (*1); Brimstone (*2); Speckled Wood (*4); Dingy Skipper (*1); Green Hairstreak (*1); Green Veined White (*5) and Orange Tip (*10). 2 moths seen were Speckled Yellow (*1) and Nettle Tap Moth (*1).

Other insects seen were absolute oodles of Rhingia campestris; Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); Black and Red Froghopper; Drone Flies (Eristalis pertinax) and (Eristalis abustorum); Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); St Marks Fly; and Slender Groundhopper.

Other things seen were Rainbow and Brown Trout, Strawberry Snail and the gall Dasineura ulmaria.

Along with a few fungal species (see Fungal Friends section) this wasn't a bad day at all.

21st May 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Once more on the way home from a working day (well a trip on a barge and a pub lunch to be truthful) and Green Veined White (*2); Small White (*1) and Speckled Wood (*3) were nice to see on the wing.

Common Green Shieldbug and Striped Millipede were seen as well as the galls Eriophyes sorbi and Taprhina tosquinetii were seen for the first time this year.

13th May 2013 - Abney Hall, Stockport, Cheshire - The butterflies Green Veined White (*5) and Orange Tip (*1) were the only lepidopteran representatives on the wing due to sporadic cloud cover and a darn breeze. Eristalis pertinax and Helophilus pendulus were a couple of Hoverflies identified amongst numerous that were just impossible. Nice to observe though! A Harlequin Ladybird was spotted whilst peering at the many winged wonders.

The Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus) and the Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) were noted beneath a log and Pignut was in flower.

11th May 2013 - Chadkirk Chapel, Stockport, Cheshire - Rubbish weather all morn meant catching up with chores and then something what seemed like a break in the downpours so a trip for a couple of hours to this local area was taken.

Notable birds were all along the river, these being:- Kingfisher; Mandarin (M/F); Goosander (F); Grey Wagtail and feeding Swallows. A Kestrel swooped in the breeze in nearby fields.

Flowers noted in bloom were:- Common Dog Violet; Yellow Pimpernel; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Common Vetch; Lords and Ladies; Cuckooflower; Ground Ivy; Garlic Mustard; Sweet Cicely; Wood Sorrel; Yellow Archangel; Pink Purslane; Cow Parsley; Red Dead Nettle; Common Mouse Ear; Ribwort Plantain; Moschatel; Wood Anemone; Hairy Bittercress; Colts-Foot; Bush Vetch; Wavy Bittercress; Red Campion; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Wood Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Lesser Celandine; Three Nerved Sandwort and Ramsons. Pignut and Bistort were on the cusp of flowering.

10th May 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Whilst wandering back from work Goosegrass was seen in flower and Alder Leaf Beetles in good numbers on one particular tree.

A second wander at night, with the good wife, and Apion miniatum and Apion marchicum took some time identifying but with a good key and some macro photos the pitted areas on the heads (above and beneath) and various other close up and personal factors could be noted and meant a solid answer to the ID could be acquired.

A couple of Pot Bellied Emerald Beetles were seen on Dock leaves and Hogweed and Bush Vetch were in flower.

6th May 2013 - Freshfield Heath, Lancashire - Warm and sunny but not much to report. 13 birds noted:- Magpie; Chaffinch; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Common Whitethroat; Jackdaw; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Blackcap; Dunnock; Jay; Linnet and House Sparrow.

Butterflies noted were:- Speckled Wood (*3); Green Veined White (*1); Orange Tip (*1); Small Tortoiseshell (*1) and Peacock (*2).

Wall Speedwell and Honesty was seen and a brace of Heather Beetles (Lochmaea suturalis) were also spotted.

6th May 2013 - Ainsdale NE, Lancashire - A day to wander rather than hammer away at identifying things, and just as well as there was little about to be honest. Bird wise only 11 species seen:- Great Tit; Chiffchaff; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Jay; Common Whitethroat; Willow Warbler; Shelduck; Buzzard and Mistle Thrush.

Butterflies were sorely represented with Speckled Wood (*2); Small Tortoiseshell (*1); Peacock (*1); Comma (*1) and Green Veined White (*1) the only sightings.

A Common Toad, a Brown Rat and several Rabbits were noted as were the Bumble Bees Red Tailed, White Tailed and Buff Tailed. The hoverfly Chrysotoxum arcuatum was confirmed given the globular body, flight range and that crucial third antennal segment which was obviously longer than segments 1 and 2. Nifty! Eristalis pertinax was also recorded - that narrow black face stripe and orangey-yellow front and mid tarsi confirming the ID - double nifty!

St Marks Flies were just emerging and Common Dog Violet; Common Storks-Bill; Hairy Bittercress and Early Forget Me Noted were a few flowers observed.

4th May 2013 - Anderton NR/Marbury CP, Cheshire - Starting at Anderton Nature Reserve we decided to have a reasonable stroll and do the full circular walk through Marbury Country Park and see what we could pick up along the way. 53 species of bird were recorded, these being:- House Sparrow; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Blackcap; Dunnock; Song Thrush; Mallard; Goldfinch; Robin; Common Whitethroat; Great Tit; Reed Warbler; Coot; Reed Bunting; Kestrel; Black Headed Gull; Sand Martin; Willow Warbler; Gadwall; Sparrowhawk; Canada Goose; Shelduck; Oystercatcher; Magpie; Mistle Thrush; Mute Swan; Ringed Plover; Lapwing; Great Crested Grebe; Nuthatch; Jackdaw; Greylag Goose; Blue Tit; Feral Pigeon; Collared Dove; Starling; Buzzard; Tufted Duck; Greenfinch; Lesser Redpoll; Garden Warbler; Swallow; Yellow Wagtail; Pied Wagtail; Swift; Coal Tit; Jay + Chaffinch; Chiffchaff; Long Tailed Tit and Wren on call.

Large Bittercress; Lords and Ladies and Wild Strawberry were new flowers for the year and Peacock (*3); Orange Tip (*1); Green Veined White (*3) and Comma (*1) were the only butterflies on the wing.

Rhingia campestris is a favourite fly of mine so it was great to get some good close up shots of this beauty. A 14 Spot Ladybird was also seen.

A pair of Andrena haemorrhoa were spotted 'on the job' and Andrena fulva and Andrena cineraria were still on the wing in the same spot - those latter tinkers kept peeping out of their holes and wouldn't let me get a full on shot - cute though!

19th April 2013 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - 2 butterflies - A Small White and a Comma, both first sightings for the year. Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap were all heard calling and a couple of Sand Martins flitted around all proving Spring is here at last.

Cow Parsley was seen in flower.

2nd March 2013 - Burton RSPB, Cheshire - The second visit to this newish reserve and I am liking it. It is a place for the beginner, for the ones who like to bird rather than twitch and a place for the keen amateur who likes to be outdoors. Add to this it can produce some fine birds, has a variety of habitats and promises much for the future. Today we clocked up 49 species, which were:- Carrion Crow; Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon; Lapwing; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Goldfinch; Blue Tit; Stock Dove; Black Tailed Godwit; Kestrel; Raven; Treecreeper; Cormorant; Coot; Tufted Duck; Teal; Gadwall; Starling; Grey Heron; Chaffinch; Pochard; Golden Plover; Siskin; Dunlin; Greylag Goose; Mistle Thrush; Oystercatcher; Magpie; Canada Goose; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Moorhen; Common Gull; Shelduck; Pintail; Reed Bunting; Wren; Water Rail; Little Egret; Redshank; Coal Tit; Great Tit; Dunnock; Wigeon; Curlew; Shoveler; Rook and Long Tailed Tit.

Colt's-Foot was seen in flower for the first time this year.

24th February 2013 - Moore NR, Cheshire - A good walk and 49 species of bird was the result, taking in the Upper Moss area too. The list was:- Starling; Song Thrush; Jackdaw; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Buzzard; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Coot; Gadwall; Goldeneye; Tufted Duck; Mallard; Canada Goose; Smew (Redhead); Little Grebe; Shoveler; Moorhen; Blue Tit; Goldcrest; Magpie; Robin; Wren; Jay; Wood Pigeon; Great Tit; Nuthatch; Teal; Chaffinch; Reed Bunting; Long Tailed Tit; Coal Tit; Dunnock; Kingfisher (*2); Cormorant; Lesser Redpoll; Carrion Crow; Yellowhammer (*3); Feral Pigeon; Curlew; Kestrel; Grey Heron; Lapwing; Wigeon; Herring Gull; Black Headed Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Redshank; Common Gull and Mute Swan.

Hazel was seen in flower for the first time this year.

14th February 2013 - Leighton Moss, Lancashire - To finish the day we thought we'd opt for some easy birding so arrived here with a few hours of daylight left. 4 hides visited, the result a below average 43 bird species but still a nice wander. The list was:- Wood Pigeon; Moorhen; Bullfinch; Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Blue Tit; Dunnock; Coal Tit; Mallard; Pheasant; Common Gull; Coot; Great Black Backed Gull; Robin; Wren; Jackdaw; Brambling; Goldfinch; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Collared Dove; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Teal; Pintail; Pochard; Wigeon; Cormorant; Gadwall; Curlew; Tufted Duck; Canada Goose; Magpie; Great Tit; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Carrion Crow; Redshank; Shoveler; Shelduck; Oystercatcher; Little Egret; Grey Heron and Greenshank.

The lichen Ramalina fastigata was also noted.

14th February 2013 - Heysham NR/Harbour, Lancashire - First port of call today and after a chat with the warden and a donation of £2 towards bird food we had a mooch about and came up with 26 bird species, these were:- Grey Plover; Oystercatcher; Redshank; Curlew; Herring Gull; Twite (*79); Lesser Black Backed Gull; Great Black Backed Gull; Wren; Greenfinch; Wood Pigeon; Great Tit; Blackbird; Feral Pigeon; Starling; Kittiwake; Common Gull; Black Headed Gull; Knot; Meadow Pipit; Magpie; Turnstone; Dunnock; Eider and Cormorant.

Full marks to the effort in feeding the flock of Twite - the numbers are doing fine and are a joy to see!

30th January 2013 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A dinner break to clear the clouded noggin - A Treecreeper, Mistle Thrush, a few Redwing and some Common Gulls as well as Long Tailed Tit; Great Tit; Redwing; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow and Feral Pigeon.

27th January 2013 - Chadkirk Chapel, Stockport, Cheshire - Always strapped for time, hey ho. A local walk in nice sunshine but very little to report. 3 Stock Doves, a lone Lapwing and a Lesser Black Backed Gull were unusual for this place.

The Yew Artichoke Gall (Taxomyia taxi) was noted.

13th January 2013 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A meet up with group members and friends and as well as 40+ fungi seen (see Fungal Friends section as per) we saw a few birdies too, only a few though, 18 in fact which isn't great. The list was as follows:- Song Thrush; Blue Tit; Robin; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Great Tit; Mallard; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Goldeneye; Coot; Canada Goose; Pochard; Magpie; Great Crested Grebe; Mute Swan; Shelduck and Tufted Duck. Wren, Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Jay and Coal Tit were heard calling.

A Leopard Slug was noted whilst looking beneath many logs.

12th January 2013 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - My daughter was volunteering here today so we took some time to have a mooch around. 32 species of bird were noted, the list was:- Coal Tit; Chaffinch; Moorhen; Mallard; Tree Sparrow; Bullfinch; Blackbird; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Reed Bunting; Robin; Carrion Crow; Nuthatch; Moorhen; Coot; Jackdaw; Wren; Long Tailed Tit; Canada Goose; Goldfinch; Tufted Duck; Shoveler; Goosander; Teal; Gadwall; Song Thrush; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Pheasant; Buzzard; Dunnock; Water Rail and Wood Pigeon.

A Brown Rat was seen at the back of the visitor centre.

Lichens identified were Cladonia fimbriata, Ramalina farinacea; Parmelia sulcata and Cladonia coniocraea.

12th January 2013 - Marshside RSPB, Lancashire - A sharp breeze and a good wander around the northern side of the reserve produced 46 species of bird, these were:- Buzzard; Shelduck; Magpie; Golden Plover; Lapwing; Mallard; Carrion Crow; Pintail; Tufted Duck; Shoveler; Coot; Mute Swan; Canada Goose; Wigeon; Teal; Little Egret; Greylag Goose; Common Gull; Black Headed Gull; Spoonbill; Pink Footed Goose; Pochard; Curlew; Oystercatcher; Pied Wagtail; Black Tailed Godwit; Starling; Robin; Cormorant; Dunnock; Ruff; Collared Dove; House Sparrow; Feral Pigeon; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw; Blackbird; Greenfinch; Blue Tit; Redshank; Goldfinch; Whooper Swan; Herring Gull; Moorhen and Mistle Thrush.

White Dead Nettle was in flower and a 7-Spot Ladybird was seen.