FUNGALPUNK SIGHTINGS 2024
APRIL
 

26th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey Bowl, Stockport, G. Manchester - Painkillers ang gels are getting me by and after a day at work I called in to one of my fave gaffs for a coffee in the sun. By the time I had left the solar orb had buggered off but as a surprise Cuckoo called I saw:- 29 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Saw-Fly (Aglaostigma fulvipes) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Creeping Buttercup was bursting here, there and everywhere and really making me happy

 
25th April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Another trip to the docs, a chat with the physio - ooh I am struggling. A Dipper whizzed by and 3 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 10+ * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Nursey Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) were the only sightings today.
 

24th April 2024 - Adswood Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - The sun began to dazzle, I paused to take some solar goodness, a few insects were picked out as I slowly ambled through this small, well-used area, these being:- 20 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 12 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 14 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus).

The only birds noted were Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Goldfinch; Magpie and Goldcrest.

And the few flowers were:- Meadow Buttercup; Greater Stitchwort; Pendulous Sedge; Cowslip; Red Campion; Germander Speedwell; Cuckooflower; Creeping Buttercup; Lesser Celandine and Dandelion agg.
 

24th April 2024 - Tenement Lane, Stockport, G. Manchester - After leading the mornings walk I needed to walk home and ease the back.  An area between some house and the local tip was my route and I saw and recorded the following plants in bloom:- Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Garlic Mustard; Pendulous Sedge; Hawthorn; Herb Robert; Spanish Bluebell; Ramsons; Meadow Buttercup; Lesser Celandine; Wood Anemone; Greater Periwinkle; Hogweed; Daisy; Wavy Bittercress; and Elder.

The few bird species spied were:- Dunnock; Wood Pigeon; Magpie;  Blackcap; Wren; Jackdaw and Grey Herons on the nest.

I also picked out:- Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); Smooth Glass Snail (Oxychilus navarricus); Strawberry Snail (Trochulus striolatus); Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) plus the insects:- 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) and 1 * Sun Fly (Helophilus hybridus).
 

24th April 2024 - Bramhall Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - I led a walk for the adult carers from work today despite being in pain with the hernia.  All enjoyed it and the company was great but it was hard work indeed.  I was struggling to bend and operate as normal but we did see a few species and did have a nice day.

Insects discussed were:- 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald (Gastrophysa viridula) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

A few plants in flower that were duly admired, sniffed and discussed were:- Common Bistort; Sweet Ciceley; Cow Parsley; Wood Anemone; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Marsh Marigold and Meadow Buttercup.

Wood Horsetail was looking splendid; Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica) was growing on an old sawn off stump, a couple of Blunt Tailed Snake Millipedes (Cylindroiulus punctatus) were looking miffed at being disturbed and a Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) was passed around and didn't mind giving off his distinctive emanations.  The Yew Gall (Taxomyia taxi) was noted too along with a few fungi and the following birds:- Raven (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Buzzard (*2); Goldcrest (*1); Robin (*1) and Grey Wagtail (*1).

A coffee before and after the walk and a good stretch was crucial indeed.
 

22nd April 2024 - Salford Quays, G. Manchester - The middle stop of a 22 mile round trip. A coffee and a sandwich, a look at the Blue Peter Garden, a walk round media city and back home passed Old Trafford. Birds noted around The Quays were:- Starling; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Mute Swan; Mallard; Canada Goose; Cormorant; Feral Pigeon and 9 * up close and personal Sand Martins.

Blooms listed were:- Dandelion agg; Groundsel; Daisy; Ribwort Plantain; Common Mouse Ear; Herb Robert and Spanish Bluebell.

1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) were the only insect seen.

I reckon I will start to record here on a more regular basis, I added to this initial list Wall Rue and Silver Birch.

 

22nd April 2024 - Bridgewater Canal, Stretford, G. Manchester - A new section of this canal recorded at with the following birds noted:- Carrion Crow; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Blackbird; Goldfinch; Magpie; Canada Goose; Dunnock; Mallard; Robin; Willow Warbler and Great Tit.

I also spied:- 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Plants sporting blooms were:- Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Red Dead Nettle; Creeping Buttercup; Cuckooflower; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Spanish Bluebell; Colt's-Foot; Daisy; Garlic Mustard; Cow Parsley; Oxford Ragwort; Ribwort Plantain; Wall Speedwell; Wild Strawberry; Thale Cress; Cowslip; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Groundsel; Common Nettle; White Dead Nettle; Wood Avens; Rue Leaved Saxifrage; Shepherd's Purse; Sycamore; Hawthorn; and Shining Crane's-Bill.

Cock's-Foot Grass; Common Horsetail; Shiny, Rough and Striped Woodlice and the Gall (Cecidophyes rouhollahi) were also added.

 

22nd April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Crap weather, a lot of pain due to the hernia and the bad back, I cycled onwards and saw along a chosen short stretch from Garlic Corner to Didsbury Bridge:- Blackcap (*2); Goosander (*3): Treecreeper (*2); Song Thrush (*1): Dunnock (*1); Mandarin Duck (*1); Wood Pigeon (*2); Magpie (*1) and several Mallards.

Blooms noted were:- Wood Stitchwort; Ramsons; White Dead Nettle; Cow Parsley; Garlic Mustard; Ribwort Plantain and Wood Avens with the Galls (Biorhiza pallida) and (Eriophyes tiliae) looking good.

 

21st  April 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - The back and hernia are wicked at the mo, I am struggling along. I forced the issue after the mornings roamings with a spot off gardening and saw:- 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 8 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Fringe Cups was is flower.

 

21st April 2024 - Carnival Field, Wilmslow, Cheshire - After a lovely cafe break we had a wander around the periphery of this field and made a few records.

The flower list was made up of:- Dandelion agg; Daisy; Sycamore; Pignut; Creeping Buttercup; Hawthorn; Elder; Cuckooflower; Ribwort Plantain; Green Alkanet; Garlic Mustard; Cow Parsley; Broom; Pendulous Sedge; Spanish Bluebell; Herb Robert; Large Periwinkle; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Lesser Celandine; Wild Strawberry; Slender Speedwell; False Yellow Archangel; Thyme Leaved Speedwell and Field Wood Rush.

Insects were represented by:- 1 * Dagger Fly (Rhamphomyia subcinerascens); 1 * Hazelnut Weevil (Curculio nucum); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 2 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 25 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 7 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Other additions were:- Goldfinch; Carrion Crow; Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon; Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis) and Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) plus the Gall (Biorhiza pallida).

 

21st April 2024 - Lindow Common, Wilmslow, Cheshire - An early morn walk with the missus. The sun was being niggardly with its beams and was in no mood to rise early. We had a quick walk and then went into the nearby town centre for a coffee and a cinnamin swirl. The few insects seen on the walk and returning to the car were:- 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * March Fly (Bibio lanigerus); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Brown Willow Beetle (Galerucella lineola); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis decipiens); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus) and 7 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Birds listed were:- Blackcap; Chiffchaff; Canada Goose; Moorhen; Coot; Jay; Mallard; Goldcrest and Blackbird.

Galls listed were:- Biorhiza pallida; Eriophyes pyri; Andricus kollari and Protomyces macrosporus.

Blooms pondered were:- Pendulous Sedge; Cow Parsley; Marsh Marigold; Herb Robert; Gorse; Ribwort Plantain; Dandelion agg; Garlic Mustard; Spanish Bluebell and False Yellow Archangel.

Other bits noted were:- White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis) and Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus).
 

20th April 2024 - Crewe FC, Cheshire - A new footy ground and whilst doing a report and watching 6 goals fly in I recorded a few insects:- 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 4 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 8 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax): 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major) and 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

Flowers in bloom were:- Daisy; Dandelion agg; Field Wood Rush; Thale Cress; Common Mouse Ear; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Groundsel; Shepherd's Purse; Hawthorn; Red Dead Nettle; Chickweed; Garlic Mustard; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Meadow Buttercup.

The few birds noted were:- Jackdaw; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Blue Tit and Wood Pigeon.

I also recorded some splendid Silver Birches.

 

20th April 2024 - Queens Park, Crewe, Cheshire - A public park, we have done a few of late and they are better for wildlife than what people think. After a coffee and some breakfast we had a lovely stroll prior to some more Non-League Footy. Insects seen were:- 2 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrstris); 16 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 5 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 10 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 6 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * Nomad Bee (Nomada fabriciana); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) and 7 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) .

Birds listed were:- Carrion Crow; Mistle Thrush; Canada Goose; Mallard; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Feral Pigeon; Wood Pigeon; Mute Swan; Blue Tit; Buzzard; Moorhen; Coot; Blackbird; Feral Barnacle Goose; Blackcap; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Robin; Treecreeper; Goldfinch and Grey Wagtail.

Blooms included:- Hawthorn; Herb Robert; Daisy; Cow Parsley; Dandelion agg; Groundsel; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Common Field Speedwell; Slender Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Germander Speedwell; Thale Cress; Common Mouse Ear; Field Wood Rush; Garlic Mustard; Pendulous Sedge; Red Dead Nettle; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Wild Strawberry; Lesser Celandine; Chickweed; Wavy Bittercress; Spanish Bluebell; Horse Chestnut; Pendunculate Oak; Ribwort Plantain; Colt's-Foot; Ribwort Plantain; Cuckooflower; Gorse; Laburnum; Shepherd's Purse; Marsh Marigold; White Dead Nettle; Colt's-Foot and Wood Anemone.

Also added were:- Several Brown Rats and Grey Squirrels; Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and the Galls:- Taxomyia taxi; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Biorhiza pallida and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum.

A new one for us was the Horse Chestnut Scale (Pulvinaria regalis).

 

20th April 2024 - Quakers Coppice, Crewe, Cheshire - A real quiet area with only 4 folk seen, which is always a bonus. The woodland was serene and looked to be well managed. It was early morn but we still managed to see a few insects:- 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus); 11 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans) and 1 * Green Longhorn Moth (Adela reaumurella).

Birds seen were:- Chiffchaff; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Nuthatch; Chaffinch; Wren; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Stock Dove; Blackbird; Blackcap; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Great Spotted Woodpecker and Robin.

Flowers in bloom were:- Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Daisy; Bugle; Holly; Lords and Ladies; Hawthorn; Ramsons; Wood Anemone; Garlic Mustard; Spanish Bluebell; Gorse; Red Campion; Herb Robert; Dandelion agg; Ground Ivy; Dog's Mercury and Bluebell.

Also added were the Galls:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Aceria campestricola as well as Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and 2 Grey Squirrels.

Hornbeams were looking decent and the whole area had a feel of Spring.

 
19th April 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A cycle home after a long week at work. A coffee and before I could get started on a mooch the rain began. I hopped on my bike and buggered off home but I did record a few fungi and a Great Spotted Woodpecker; 2 * Harlequin Ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis); a Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and Field Maple, Creeping Buttercup and Cuckooflower in bloom - not a lot but better than a kick in the conkers.
 
19th April 2024 - Thornfield Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - The hernia is getting on my wick, it is affecting my back and along with the weather my patience is being tested.  A short stroll was had around a park near my office, it is a mini-area and not designated for nature.  I did see however:- 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Privet Leaf Miner (Gracillaria syringella); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 2 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Gooden's Nomad Bee (Nomada goodeniana) and 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina).  The only blooms spied were:- Daisy; Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell and Slender Speedwell.  I also spied 6 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis).
 

18th April 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A midday stroll to ease the legs, back and pesky hernia.  Wall Speedwell was now in flower and down a usual back alley, where I like to record species, pendulous Sedge; Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Green Alkanet; Lilac and Ivy leaved Speedwell were putting on a show.  Due to the chill only a few insect species were seen:- 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata 2 of which were f. quadripustulata); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 10 * Harleqion Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Melansotoma scalare); 6 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

I also saw a male House Sparrow and the Gall (Phyllocoptes goniothorax).
 
17th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Heading home, the clouds started to leak but I did spy 2 * Blackbird; a Song Thrush; Sycamore; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup and Garlic Mustard in flower as well as 5 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Clarke's MIning Bee (Andrena clarkella); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale).
 

16th April 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - The final stretch of the cycle home, I dismounted again and had a mooch and duly saw:- 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) and 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus).

Shining Crane's-Bill; Sycamore; Thale Cress and Rowan were all sporting flowers.

 
16th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A day at work, a day of hefty showers. A quick look in the orchard on the way home revealed:- 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Thistle Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) and 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus).
 

14th April 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Once home I had to trim the Ivy in the front garden, do the dishes and have a potter in the back yard. I fed the birds and 2 House Sparrows, 2 Wood Pigeons and a Collared Dove were soon filling the bellies.

Insects seen were:- 2 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina).

 

14th April 2024 - Ridgeway Grundy Park, Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire - After a smashing breakfast and a good coffee a short walk was had at this new and somewhat small area. All these plcaes count, we saw a few insects too:- 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 102 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 15 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 3 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melangyna lasiophthalma) and 1 * Saw-Fly (Aglaostigma fulvipes).

Flowers blooming were:- Slender Speedwell; Chickweed; Garlic Mustard; Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg; Daisy; Marsh Marigold; Spanish Bluebell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Groundsel; Field Wood Rush; Cuckooflower; Hawthorn; Ramsons and Honesty.

The only birds seen were a Wood Pigeon; a Song Thrush and a Treecreeper.

Also added were Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).
 

14th April 2024 - Lymm Dam, Warrington, Cheshire - A walk with the lasses before a good lunch. Insects seen on this early Sunday morn were:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 5 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 16 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) and 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

We couldn't be arsed to carry binoculars today but we did see a few bird species:- Goldcrest; Mallard; Carrion Crow; Song Thrush; Wood Pigeon; Blackcap; Cormorant; Robin; Chiffchaff; Blackbird; Jackdaw and Great Crested Grebe.

Blooms listed were:- Pendulous Sedge; Lords and Ladies; Ramsons; Garlic Mustard; Wild Strawberry; Bird Cherry; False Yellow Archangel; Red Dead Nettle; Dandelion agg; Green Alkanet; Cowslip; Lesser Celandine; Bramble agg; Spanish Bluebell and Daisy.

We also saw the Fungus Gall (Agathomyia wankowiczii).
 

13th April 2024 - Cheadle Heath Nomads, Stockport, G. Manchester - Prior to watching my 59th match of the season I noted Ramsons; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Fringe Cups and Red Campion in flower.

A Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 4 * Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) were also noted along with a Herring Gull and a Lesser Black Backed Gull.

13th April 2024 - Lyme And Wood Pits Country Park, St Helens, Merseyside - The 1034th site recorded at and a place to revisit when the ground underfoot isn't so squelchy and the weather in general is brighter. We finished the walk absolutely filthy and without the chance to tap its true potential due to the clouds, rain and slight chill.

Birds noted were:- Cormorant (*2); Little Grebe (*1); Reed Bunting (*1); Great Tit (*5); Blue Tit (*2); Coal Tit (*1); Jay (*1); Black Headed Gull (*1); Bullfinch (*1); Song Thrush (*2); Lesser Black Backed Gull (1); Carrion Crow (*1); Wood Pigeon (*2); Magpie (*2); Blackcap (*3); Canada Goose (*1); Yellowhammer (*1); Mallard (*6); Coot (*2); Moorhen (*2); Blackbird (*3); Dunnock (*2); Robin (*1); Grey Heron (*1); Willow Warbler (*1); Kestrel (*1); Chaffinch (*1) and Skylark (*1).

Blooms admired included:- Bird Cherry; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Hawthorn; Red Campion; Gorse; Spanish Bluebell; Herb Robert; Colt's-Foot; Ribwort Plantain; Common Mouse Ear and 3 Cornered Leek.

The few insects spied were:- 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 5 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis).

Added extras were:- Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Common Toad (Bufo bufo) and the Gall (Andricus kollari).

 
12th April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Laburnum was now in flower and 12 examples of the Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria) were noted in their usual nest site.
 

12th April 2024 - River Mersey, East Didsbury, G. Manchester - What is now a regular Friday route and today this short stretch produced:- 1 * Common Leaf Weevil (Phyllobius pyri); 5 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Chequered Weevil (Liophloeus tessulatus); 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae).

Mallard (*2); Goosander (*1); Common Buzzard (*1); Carrion Crow (*2) and Wood Pigeon (*8) were the only birds listed.

Ramsons; Meadow Buttercup and Pendulous Sedge were blooming and I also added:- 2 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 3 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 2 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 8 * Amber Snail (Succinea putris) and several Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and a lone Red Velvet Mite (Trombidium sp).
 

12th April 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A cycle from work, a coffee and a pootle. Insects recorded were:- 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 8 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 25 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Hawthorn Leaf Beetle (Lochmaea crataegi); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 6 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 4 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 3 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines).

I also saw 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

Fringe Cups; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Elder; Three Cornered Leek; Skunk Cabbage; Wood Anemone; Bird Cherry; Cow Parsley and Ribwort Plantain were a few blooms pondered.
 
11th April 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick pootle in the garden before doing the dishes, getting tea ready and having a draw.  Singles of the following insects were seen:- 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) and Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius).  Honesty; Dandelion agg; Garlic Mustard; Herb Robert; Ivy Leaved Toadflax and Ramsons were all in flower.
 
11th April 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A break from the desk and a few rays soaking up the sun.  I recorded:- 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 4 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).
 
11th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - The year is cracking on, the Galls are appearing, Aceria campestricola was the latest find - I need to get my Cecidology books out - cripes.
 
 10th April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A cycle and then a short walk on my way home.  Sweet Woodruff and Broom were in flower as was some very variable False Yellow Archangel and the quite common Pendulous Sedge. The Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) was also noted.
 

10th April 2024 - Spike Island, Widnes, Cheshire - A walk with the young un's from work.  It was a case of rain, wind, more rain and some soggy feet.  We had a brew in the cafe and finished with some chips, and along the way we noted:- Song Thrush; Wren; Cormorant; Canada Goose; Herring Gull; Blackbird; Mallard; Coot; Moorhen; Mute Swan; Feral Pigeon; Grey Heron and Magpie.

A few flowers in bloom were Red Dead Nettle; Shining Crane's-Bill; White Dead Nettle; Spanish Bluebell; Hawthorn; Daisy; Alexanders and Dandelion agg with Ramsons on the cusp.White Legged Snake Millipede; Blunt Ended Snake Millipede and Tramp Slug were added along with a few fungi.  Now much due to the weather but rest assured, we had a splendid time of it.
 
9th April 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A Beautiful Plume and a Light Brown Apple Moth were both seen in the bathroom, no doubt sheltering from the crappy weather.
 

8th April 2024 - Macclesfield Forest, Cheshire - 90 minutes in the field before shopping needed to be done. The few insects seen were:- 1 * Leafhopper (Balclutha punctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis); 1 * Springtail (Dicyrtomina saundersi); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Hoverfly (Meligramma trianguliferum); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Eyed Ladybird (Anatis ocellata); 1 * Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata); 5 * Larch Ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Pine Scymnus Ladybird (Scymnus suturalis); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 15 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

Canada Goose; Willow Warbler; Blackcap; Chiffchaff; Cormorant; Carrion Crow; Mandarin Duck; Robin; Long Tailed Tit and Grey Wagtail were the few bird species noted.

Sweet Ciceley; Wood Sorrel; Dandelion agg; Bluebell and Greater Stitchwort were in flower.

We also added Wall Rue; Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) and Pill Millipede (Glomeris marginata).
 

7th April 2024 - Longford Park, Stretford, G. Manchester - A walk with the lasses before a trip into Chorlton for a brew. The wind was steadily rising, a storm threatened but we just avoided a downpour and saw a few insects:- 2 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 6 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 6 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Melangyna cincta); 10 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanstoma scalare); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrstris); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus torvus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Meligramma trianguliferum) and 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva).

The few blooms that caught the eye were:- Meadow Buttercup; White Dead Nettle; Red Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Hawthorn; Welsh Poppy and Dandelion agg.

We also added a Robin; Jay; Great Tit; Coal Tit and Wood Pigeon along with Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica).
 

6th April 2024 - Winstanley Warriors FC, Wigan, Lancashire - Prior to the kick-off of this latest Non-League game I had a wander whilst the missus read her book. Whilst walking in and leaving we added a few extra species too. Birds noted were:- Mistle Thrush; Starling; Carrion Crow and Magpie.

Insects seen included:- 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 17 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 6 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) and 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva).

Blooms noted were:- Hawthorn; Dandelion agg; Common Mouse Ear; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Herb Robert and Groundsel.

A Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) was added too.

 

6th April 2024 - Three Sisters NR, Wigan, Lancashire - Me and my missus met up with my brother for a walk prior to a Non-League game. Cloud cover and wind meant insects sightings were low but we did see:- 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris): 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 10 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 23 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 6 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Bronze Shieldbug (Troilus luridus); 2 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricularia) and several Gorse Seed Weevils (Exapion ulicis).

The bird list comprised of:- Willow Tit; Bullfinch; Chaffinch; Goldfinch; Nuthatch; Wren; Mallard; Coot; Canada goose; Wood Pigeon; Moorhen; Gadwall; Treecreeper; Great Tit; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Song Thrush; Reed Bunting; Magpie; Robin and Blue Tit.

Flowers in bloom were:- Wood Anemone; Red Campion; Daisy; Lesser Celandine; Gorse; Wood Sorrel; Marsh Marigold; Garlic Mustard; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Dandelion agg; Bluebell; Spanish Bluebell and Ramsons.

Also added were:- Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) and Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica) plus 7 Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis).

The Gall (Phyllocoptes goniothorax) was picked out too.

 

5th April 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire - A short walk for my dinner break and the head went twang and I dashed to the shops to get some pies and duly scoff them in the hope of picking myself up. It didn't help. During the terse tooting I saw:- 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone Fly (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Springtail (Orchesella cincta) and a Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); a gathering of Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis) and 2 Netted Slugs (Deroceras reticulatum).

Yellow Corydalis was in flower and I saw the Gall (Protomyces macrosporus).

 
4th April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - A short part of the river and 24 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) were nice to see along with singles of Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus); Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).
 

4th April 2024 - Heaton Mersey Bowl, Stockport, Cheshire - A cycle after a day out, a slow mooch around the periphery of this small area. I saw:- 1 * Hawthorn Leaf Beetle (Lochmaea crataegi); 21 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 8 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) and a small gathering of Johann's Bibio (Bibio johannis).

Creeping Buttercup; Daisy; Slender Speedwell; Garlic Mustard; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Dandelion agg were the flowers noted and I also added:- the Gall (Andricus kollari); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) plus a Carrion Crow; a Wren; a Goldfinch and 8 Ring Necked Parakeets.

 

4th April 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - A cracking walk again with the Young Carers from work. We pootled, got mucky, had a play on the park and then got some Ice Cream to finish. We did a wildlife competition and all the kids got a prize at the end. The birds noted were:- a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers and a pair of Mandarins up near their nest hole plus Magpie; Jackdaw; Canada Goose; Ring Necked Parakeet; Mallard; Coot and Moorhen.

Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis) and Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) were all held and 'yucked' at whilst a couple of girls were happy to have their photo taken with a large Earthworm on their faces.

2 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata) and numerous Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) were spied and one lass even ate a Pignut.

 

2nd April 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, Cheshire - A cycle from work and then a short walk. I met a delightful couple who were wondering what I was looking at, and of course I was only too willing to share my finds.

During the terse nosey I saw:- 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia) and 5 * 7 Sp[ot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

I also saw:- several Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); a couple of Flatworms (Kontikia ventrolineata); Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber).

A Chiffchaff was seen singing with 2 Magpies noted too.

 
2nd April 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - After reaching the 100, 000 record mark on Irecord I have decided to ease up for the month of April and to catch up in other areas.  Today I did see 3 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus) plus 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) and Thale Cress; Groundsel and Dandelion agg all in flower.
 
MARCH
 
31st March 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Arriving home after a busy day and an Early Grey Moth was in the bathroom - smashing.
 

31st March 2024 - Greenfield Valley, Flintshire - To finish the day we called in at this area we hadn't visited for a few years. The clouds had now gathered but we had a good walk nonetheless.

Bird species noted were:- Mistle Thrush; Jackdaw; Great Tit; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Treecreeper; Blackbird; Canada Goose; Mallard; Chiffchaff; Wood Pigeon; Long Tailed Tit; Tufted Duck; Herring Gull; Robin; Moorhen; Mute Swan and Blue Tit.

Flowers in bloom were:- Hairy Bittercress; Thale Cress; Common Whitlow Grass; Yellow Corydalis; Garlic Mustard; Gorse; Wood Anemone; Greater Periwinkle; White Dead Nettle; Early Dog Violet; Dog's Mercury; Marsh Marigold; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Common Field Speedwell; Red Dead Nettle; Lesser Celandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Herb Robert; Green Alkanet; Dandelion agg; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Groundsel; Common Chickweed; Daisy and Colt's-Foot.

Insects were represented by:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) and 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

We also recorded:- Wall Rue; Common Polypody agg; Maidenhair Spleenwort; Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and Wall Screw Moss (Tortula muralis).
 

31st March 2024 - Flint Castle to Bagillt, Flintshire - An early morning walk done in very decent weather although when we were done the clouds were slowly gathering and the winding picking up.

The recording was done in 3 sectors but the final bird species list was:- Herring Gull; Jackdaw; Starling; Magpie; Goldfinch; Feral Pigeon; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Blackbird; Mallard; Oystercatcher; Redshank; Great Tit; Bar Tailed Godwit; Curlew; Teal; Dunnock; Great Black Backed Gull; Cormorant; Bullfinch; Goldcrest; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Chiffchaff; Long Tailed Tit; Carrion Crow; Mallard; Sand Martin; Blue Tit; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Turnstone; Canada Goose; Black Headed Gull; Herring Gull; Meadow Pipit; Wren and Collared Dove.

Flowers noted along the way were:- Daisy; Red Dead Nettle; Oxford Ragwort; Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Herb Robert; Gorse; Thale Cress; Groundsel; Common Field Speedwell; Common Chickweed; Honesty; Common Vetch; English Scurvygrass; Thale Cress; Green Alkanet and Common Stork's-Bill.

Insects totted up were:- 7 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 5 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrstris); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 3 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * 24 Spot Ladybird (Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata) and 2 * Drinker Moth larvae (Euthrix potatoria).

Other oddments added were:- Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) plus the (Cecidophyes rouhollahi) and a Rabbit.
 

30th March 2024 - Heywood St James FC, G. Manchester - Whilst watching the 54th match of the season we spied:- Daisy and Red Dead Nettle in flower plus:- 3 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Carrion Crow; Long Tailed Tit; Wood Pigeon; House Sparrow and Lesser Black Backed Gull were seen as well as Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).

We also saw 4 goals in a decent game.

 

30th March 2024 - Queen's Park, Rochdale, G. Manchester - A walk with the missus prior to a footy game and a gig. I don't mind these pootles around public parks, to get species recorded at them I hope gives folk a better sense of what's a round them and a greater respect.

The birds seen were:- Canada Goose; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Chaffinch; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Carrion Crow; Robin; Mistle Thrush; Coot; Mallard; Wren; Coal Tit; Jackdaw and Mute Swan.

Flowers recorded in bloom were:- Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Daisy and Shining Crane's-Bill.

Despite the weather not being absolutely on the bug-hunting nail we did record:- 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Daffodil Dung Fly (Norellia spinipes); 6 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

Also added were:- Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Australian Flatworm (Australoplana sanguinea) and Leopard Slug (Limax maximus).

29th March 2024 - Didsbury Park, G. Manchester - Another coffee and a mini mooch with the sun peeping out and a heavy downpour. Carrion Crow; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Ring Necked Parakeet; Nuthatch; Chaffinch; Dunnock; Blue Tit and Starling were the few birds seen.

Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Lesser Celandine; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Wavy Bittercress and Herb Robert were the only wild flowers observed.

1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 9 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Springtail (Orchesella villosa) and 1 * Springtail (Orchesella cincta) were the few insects identified.

Whilst I sheltered from the rain, I rolled a log and saw:- Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens) and White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).
 

29th March 2024 - Marie Louise Gardens, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A call off to have a short mooch at this small garden area. A mixed bag of species included:- Landhopper (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica); Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and the birds:- Goldcrest; Wren; Long Tailed Tit; Nuthatch; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Magpie and Robin.

Dandelion agg; Wood Anemone; Lesser Celandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Daisy were in flower and I also saw the Yew Gall (Taxomyia taxi).

 
29th March 2024 - Sale WP, G. Manchester - After a long cycle and a coffee I did one half of this area before heading homeward. The birds noted were:- Chiffchaff; Great Tit; Song Thrush; Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Robin; Jay; Ring Necked Parakeet; Blackcap; Mallard; Coot; Mute Swan; Canada Goose; Long Tailed Tit; Blackbird; Cormorant; Great Crested Grebe; Moorhen; Shoveler; Grey Heron; Gadwall; Tufted Duck; Teal; Reed Bunting and Jackdaw plus a Cetti's Warbler on call - ooh the elusive devil.
 

29th March 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - 17.2 miles on the bike today, the stretch here was were I started and finished with the following few birds seen:- Jay (*3); Blackbird (*1); Mallard (*2); Chiffchaff (*3); Grey Wagtail (*2); Kingfisher (*1); Robin (*2); Dunnock (*2); Wood Pigeon (*2); Blue Tit (*2); Song Thrush (*1) and Carrion Crow (*2).

The weather was a shapeshifting menace, I still saw:- 2 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 5 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 9 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula): 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) and 2 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus).

Broom; Common Vetch; Wood Stitchwort; Hawthorn and Spanish Bluebell were all now in flower.

 

28th March 2024 - Etherow CP, Stockport, G. Manchester - A morn catching up, an afternoon strolling with the missus. We cracked the annual 200 fungus barrier along the way and also saw a few bird species:- Tufted Duck; Muscovy Duck; Canada Goose; Mallard; Feral Pigeon; Moorhen; Wren; Dunnock; Mute Swan; Carrion Crow; Mandarin Duck; Wood Pigeon; Blue Tit; Buzzard; Great Tit; Chaffinch; Nuthatch; Coal Tit; Robin; Cormorant; Long Tailed Tit; Dipper; Blackbird and Coot.

Flowers in bloom were:- Common Field Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; False Yellow Archangel; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Daisy; Dog's Mercury; Barren Strawberry; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Cowslip; Butterbur; Marsh Marigold; Common Dog Violet; Bluebell; Gorse plus Field Wood Rush and Great Wood Rush were sporting blooms too.

As the weather turned only a few insects were seen:- 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae).

Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) and Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) were also added to the small tally

 

27th March 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - After a coffee and a sit in some window-enhanced sunshine I made my way home through this local area.

I didn't hang about, the clouds were gathering and I had done well to avoid a soaking. The few birds recorded were:- Magpie; Moorhen; Robin; Mallard; Canada Goose; Nuthatch; Wren; Chiffchaff; Ring Necked Parakeet and Mistle Thrush.

2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Strawberry Snail (Trochulus striolatus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 1 * Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris); 2 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) were the mixed bag of beasties jotted down.

Green Alkanet; Wood Avens; Dandelion agg and Herb Robert were the only flowers noted.
 

27th March 2024 - Bruntwood Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early morn and out on the bike and filthy. The weather was below average and so things weren't playing ball. The few bird species seen were:- Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Long Tailed Tit; Carrion Crow; Chiffchaff; Nuthatch; Magpie; Blackbird; Mallard; Dunnock; Robin; Moorhen; Canada Goose; House Sparrow; Blue Tit and Wren; Buzzard.

I only picked out a few insects:- Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea); 1 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Cream Streaked Ladybird (Harmonia quadripunctata) and 2 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata).

Lesser Celandine; Wood Anemone and Grape Hyacinth were the few blooms pondered, Field Wood Rush was also in flower and I added the Oak Marble Gall (Andricus kollari) and Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus) and Leopard Slug (Limax maximus).

 
26th March 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - Lungwort and False Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon subsp. argentatum) were in flower and the last sightings of the day were:- 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax).
 

26th March 2024 - Chorlton Park, Chorlton, G. Manchester - Another saunter, this time with a few more insects seen:- 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 39 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 5 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

Whilst this was a place I hadn't visited before I recorded a few common species:- Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Striped Woodlice (Philoscia muscorum); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata) and a Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).

Red Dead Nettle; Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Norway Maple; Daisy; Groundsel and Shepherd's Purse were in flower.

Birds added were:- Wren; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Mallard; Robin; Blackbird; Starling and Jackdaw.

 

26th March 2024 - Longford Park, Stretford, G. Manchester - A stroll around this park produced the following list of bird species:- Starling; Chaffinch; Ring Necked Parakeet; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; Dunnock; Chiffchaff; Feral Pigeon; Great Tit; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Robin; Wren; Goldcrest; Blue Tit and Mistle Thrush.

Insects noted were:- 10 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 9 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 9 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva) and 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni).

Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) were added too.

Common Field Speedwell; Field Wood Rush; Dandelion agg; Groundsel; Daisy and Ivy Leaved Toadflax were in flower.

 

26th March 2024 - Stretford Meadows, Stretford, G. Manchester - A lone Snake's-Head Fritillary was a surprise flower that was rising from the ground in the middle of nowhere. The only other blooms noted were:- Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Hogweed and Colt's-Foot.

The few birds recorded were:- Wood Pigeon (*2); Kestrel (*2); Magpie (*8); Greenfinch (*1); Wren (*1); Jackdaw (*1); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1); Great Spotted Woodpecker (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Jay (*1); Chiffchaff (*1); Blackbird (*1); Robin (*1); Blue Tit (*1) and Buzzard (*1).

2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempuncata) were the only other sightings.

 

26th March 2024 - Bridgewater Canal, Stretford, G. Manchester - Along this short stretch I noted a few bird species, these being:- Carrion Crow; Blue Tit; Feral Pigeon; Starling; Ring Necked Parakeet; Chiffchaff; Magpie and House Sparrow.

Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Daisy and Hairy Bittercress were in flower and the few insects seen were:- 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae).
 

26th March 2024 - Kickety Brook, Trafford, G. Manchester - The second visit of the year to this area with the usual coffee break had. Birds listed were:- Treecreeper (*3); Chiffchaff (*4); Great Tit (*1); Magpie (*4); Ring Necked Parakeet (*3); Wren (*3); Goldcrest (*2); Greenfinch (*2); Wood Pigeon (*1); Nuthatch (*1); Blackbird (*3); Jackdaw (*1); Blue Tit (*1); Blackcap (*1); Mallard (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Song Thrush (*2); Carrion Crow (*3) and Stock Dove (*1).

I also added:- White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Amber Snail (Succinea putris); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus) and 1 * Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica).

The few insects spied were:- 6 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * False Ladybird (Endomychus coccineus); and 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae).

Butterbur; Lesser Celandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Wavy Bittercress and Dandelion agg were the only flowers noted in bloom.

 

26th March 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A good 23 mile cycle today with the route beginning and ending along the usual stretch. I didn't dawdle but did record:- Kingfisher (*1); Goosander (*5); Mandarin Duck (*4); Great Tit (*2); Grey Wagtail (*2); Carrion Crow (*2) and Chiffchaff (*1) plus Cowslip and Barren Strawberry in flower; a lone Drone Fly (Eristalis pertnax), 3 * Kidney Spot Ladybirds (Chilocorus renipustulatus); 1 * Short Palped Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa) and 9 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula).

 

25th March 2024 - Chadkirk Chapel, Stockport, G. Manchester - A second walk was squeezed in today, albeit another short one. Bird species noted were:- Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Goosander; Dunnock; Coal Tit; Great Tit; Nuthatch; Chiffchaff; Robin; Starling; Jackdaw; Mallard; Goldfinch; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon; Canada Goose and Moorhen.

Flowers in bloom were:- Lesser Celandine; Dog's Mercury; Ramsons; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Field Wood Rush; Great Wood Rush; Ground Ivy; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage and Greater Stitchwort.

Giant Horsetail was now showing and we also saw:- 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and the Gall (Taxomyia taxi).

 

25th March 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - A walk with the missus after checking if everyone had got the message that a planned meet-up was cancelled. The weather was set to level 'horrid', we got a good hour in and it was fine - darn those weather folk.

Bird species recorded were:- Blackbird; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Ring Necked Parakeet; Mallard; Canada Goose; Coot; Robin; Feral Pigeon; Chiffchaff; Mandarin Duck; Song Thrush; Dunnock; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Mistle Thrush; Nuthatch; House Sparrow; Starling and Goldfinch.

The few flowers contemplated were those of:- Norway Maple; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Daisy; Ramsons; Spotted Dead Nettle; Spanish Bluebell and Laurel.

A Brown Rat was noted, a Grey Squirrel too plus the Gall (Cecidophyes rouhollahi).

Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and a Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae) were the only other species seen along with 9 species of fungi.

 

24th March 2024 - Ainsdale Sands Lake, Lancashire - The final destination of the day and a walk around the lake and a check of a few sand dunes. Flowers in bloom were:- Spring Beauty; Grape Hyacinth; Groundsel; Early Forget-Me-Not; Colt's-Foot; Daisy; Alexanders; Thale Cress and Ivy Leaved Speedwell.

We spied 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and a Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) plus the following bird species:- Herring Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Black Headed Gull; Cormorant; Mute Swan; Coot; Tufted Duck; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Shoveler; Moorhen; Goldfinch; Chiffchaff; Meadow Pipit; Wren; Canada Goose and Gadwall.

 

24th March 2024 - Marshside RSPB, Lancashire - A short pootle at an old fave with the sun still shining overhead. We only visited one hide before going to our final location of the day. Flowers noted in bloom were:- Green Alkanet; White Dead Nettle; Herb Robert; Groundsel; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Alexanders; Spanish Bluebell and Red Dead Nettle.

Bird species seen were:- Scaup; Greenfinch; Herring Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Skylark; Little Egret; Mallard; Shelduck; Golden Plover; Canada Goose; Buzzard; Moorhen; Coot; Tufted Duck; Oystercatcher; Teal; Pink Footed Goose; Gadwall; Avocet; Redshank; Black Tailed Godwit; Black Headed Gull; Starling; Shoveler; Mute Swan; Carrion Crow; Goldfinch; Goldcrest; Great Black Backed Gull and Pied Wagtail.

We also saw:- 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and many Sandhoppers (Talitrus saltator); Pill Woodlice (Armadillidium vulgare); a few Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and a Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum).
 

24th March 2024 - Hesketh Out Marsh RSPB, Lancashire - Sunny skies and a brisk wind were had whilst we went on a 12, 000 almost non-stop walk. Sightings weren't as expected but we didn't dawdle. Bird species seen were:- Shelduck; Little Egret; Oystercatcher; Mallard; Spotted Redshank; Pink Footed Goose; Redshank; Canada Goose; Skylark; Red Breasted Merganser; Whooper Swan; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Avocet; Kestrel; Meadow Pipit; Blackbird; Lapwing; Reed Bunting; Black Headed Gull; Jackdaw; Chaffinch; Grey Heron; Magpie; Goldfinch; Rook; Carrion Crow; Collared Dove; Pheasant; Linnet and Greenfinch.

Dandelion agg; Daisy; Common Field Speedwell and Lesser Celandine were in flower and we also saw 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

 
24th March 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - 3 examples of the Springtail (Orchesella cincta) were on the front garden wall and I rescued a Hebrew Character Moth that had fell down the bog - the silly sod.
 

22nd March 2024 - River Mersey, East Didsbury, G. Manchester - After a coffee at the rather lovely Gelateria. As I wandered down the chosen stretch of river the darn hernia was twanging so I didn't see as much as I should have. I did record though:- 12 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

Cowslip was in flower and the few birds seen were:- Magpie (*3); Blackbird (*1); Wood Pigeon (*4); Goldfinch (*4); Mallard (*2) and Goosander (*1).

Further along I saw a Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum).

.
 

22nd March 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short pootle and a look at a tiny back alley where I do a bit of recording. It was a bit windy but I did spy:- 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis) plus a Wood Pigeon and Dandelion agg; Lesser Celandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Groundsel in flower.

Just outside work I saw a Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); a Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and another 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

 
21st March 2024 - Wright's Wood NR, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick pop in whilst on my way home. I got muddy, rained on and saw little. Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) and 2 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus) were recorded along with Groundsel; Marsh Marigold and Colt's-Foot which were in flower. I also saw a Magpie and a Great Tit.
 

21st March 2024 - Bramhall Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A day off work but so busy I could only afford a short bike ride, a mini-pootle and a coffee. The few birds listed were:- Raven; Grey Heron; Grey Wagtail; Mandarin; Moorhen; Great Tit; Robin; Carrion Crow; Wren; Nuthatch; Wood Pigeon; Jay; Canada Goose; Magpie and Blackbird.

Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; Lesser Celandine; Wood Anemone; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Thale Cress and Butterbur were in flower.

Common Frog (Rana temporaria); Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) were added too.

 

19th March 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - Walking to work and Toothwort was now back in flower, a welcome sight as I pootled to work.  The only other things noted down this different stretch of river were:- Goosander (*1); Robin (*2) and Long Tailed Tit (*1).

Walking home and I saw:- 2 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 17 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomina prasina) plus a Greenfinch and a Grey Wagtail.

19th March 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick look around the building were I work and I saw:- 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella) plus a Jackdaw and a Blackbird.
 

19th March 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, Cheshire - Walking home from work and there was a bit of sun to be had. Insects noted were:- 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomina prasina); 19 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae); 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg).

Common Whitlow Grass was in flower at the park entrance, a Dunnock sat by and sang its heart out, a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) soaked up the late rays and the Gall (Cecidophyes nudus) completed a small but pleasing list.

 
18th March 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, Cheshire - The last leg of the walk home and I noted:- Goosander (*1); Mandarin Duck (*4); Grey Heron (*1); Chiffchaff (*1) plus 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and Ramson; Wood Anemone and Hogweed in flower.
 

18th March 2024 - River Mersey, East Didsbury, Cheshire - Walking down the river and I spied:- Goldfinch (*2); Carrion Crow (*2); Chiffchaff (*1): Wood Pigeon (*6); Feral PIgeon (*4); Magpie (*2) and House Sparrow (*9).

Butterbur and Colt's-Foot were in flower and I saw a Grey Squirrel.

 

18th March 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, Cheshire - Another coffee in the sun before the clouds gathered. The lasses soon pootled off to see to a few tasks, I had a pottered and walked home. Whilst mooching here I noted a few insects:- 3 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 9 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 2 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae) and 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae).

I also added a Wren; Ring Necked Parakeet; Blackbird; Great Tit; Canada Goose; Mallard; Chiffchaff and Blue Tit.

Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Green Alkanet; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Marsh Marigold; Dandelion; White Dead Nettle and Barren Strawberry were all in flower.

A lone Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum) was added as well as a Nursey Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).
 
18th March 2024 - Congleton, Cheshire - A male Brimstone butterfly was spotted by my daughter as we were in the town centre car park.
 

18th March 2024 - Astbury Mere, Congleton, Cheshire - A walk with the good lady and the fine daughter. We had a coffee, a stroll and then a mooch around the local shops. Bird species noted at this small area were:- Bullfinch; Chiffchaff; Dunnock; Blackbird; Magpie; Robin; Carrion Crow; Wren; Great Tit; Black Headed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Coot; Tufted Duck; Mute Swan; Song Thrush; Long Tailed Tit; Sparrowhawk; Jackdaw; Moorhen; Jay; Blue Tit and Lesser Black Backed Gull; Cormorant.

The few insects seen were:- 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomina prasina); 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 14 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) and 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

We also found a pair of copulating Toads on the main pathway which my daughter kindly moved to safety.

Colt's-Foot; Gorse; Red Campion; Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Early Dog Violet; Lesser Celandine and Dog's Mercury were all in flower.

Also added were the galls:- Andricus kollari and Aceria fraxinivora and the gastropods:- Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus); Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum and Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus).

For recording purposes we added:- Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber).
 

17th March 2024 - Appleton Meadows and Woodland, Cheshire - An extension of the latest walk with a few insects seen:- 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Water Beetle (Helophorus brevipalpis) and 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Sparrowhawk; Magpie; Mallard; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw; Long Tailed Tit; Jay and Buzzard were the few birds noted.

Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) were also added.

Red Dead Nettle; Daisy and Common Field Speedwell were in flower and we saw a couple of Grey Squirrels.

 

17th March 2024 - Grappenhall Walled Gardens, Warrington, Cheshire - A coffee, a snack, a chat with a lovely couple and one of their mums and a short pootle. We saw a few birds, these were:- Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Chaffinch; Blackbird; Buzzard; Coot; Robin; Moorhen; Mallard; Goldcrest; Long Tailed Tit; Great Spotted Woodpecker and Magpie.

Insects noted were:- 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 5 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Loricera pilicornis) and 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina).

The few wildlflowers recorded were:- Lesser Celandine; Colt's-Foot; Lungwort; Daisy and Wood Avens.

We also recorded:- Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Balkan Threeband/Greenhouse Slug (Ambigolimax sp); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) and Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus).
 
17th March 2024 - Grappenhall Walled Gardens, Warrington, Cheshire - Driving to our second destination and a male Brimstone butterfly was seen whilst waiting to turn at a crossroads.
 

17th March 2024 - Rixton Clay Pits, Warrington, Cheshire - An early morn mooch that was brief due to the awful ground underfoot. Bird species seen were:- Green Sandpiper; Chiffchaff; Sparrowhawk; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Blackbird; Dunnock; House Sparrow; Tufted Duck; Greenfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Bullfinch; Mallard; Cormorant; Goosander; Goldcrest; Nuthatch; Shoveler; Chaffinch; Great Spotted Woodpecker and Magpie.

Flowering Currant; Gorse; Primrose; Dog's Mercury; Red Dead Nettle; Daisy and Lesser Celandine and we also saw 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and a Rabbit.

 

16th March 2024 - Alexandra Park, Oldham, G. Manchester - A morning walk in some middling sunshine that started with a coffee, was broken by a read in a greenhouse and finalised by a trip to some Non-League Football. The few insects noted were:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Daffodil Dung Fly (Norellia spinipes); 1 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Lesser Celandine; Daisy; Groundsel and Field Wood Rush were in flower and we also recorded:- Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Balkan Threeband/Greenhouse Slug (Ambigolimax sp); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).

The bird species recorded were:- Starling; Jackdaw; Song Thrush; Nuthatch; Chaffinch; Great Tit; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Coot; Goosander; Tufted Duck; Black Headed Gull; Feral Pigeon; Wren; Carrion Crow; Moorhen; Mallard; Canada Goose; Robin; Greenfinch; Magpie; Long Tailed Tit and Dunnock.

 

15th March 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Pootling to work, I saw:- Goldfinch (*1); Greenfinch (*1); Blackbird (*2); Carrion Crow (*3); Ring Necked Parakeet (*2); Wood Pigeon (*6); Magpie (*2) and Mistle Thrush (*1).

Also added were:- Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Balkan Threeband/Greenhouse Slug (Ambigolimax sp); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber).
 

14th March 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - An early finish from work, a coffee and a cycle and 1 hour spent in the Parsonage Gardens and nearby churchyard, a small area that was viewed in cool temperatures and under grey clouds. I saw:- Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera). Also added were:- Girdled Snail (Hygromia cinctella); Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) plus Jay; Robin; Carrion Crow; Magpie and Wood Pigeon.

Green Alkanet and Ivy Leaved Toadflax were in flower.

 
13th March 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking to work, the hernia was twanging, the back aching, by ruddy crikey this growing old is shite.  On my way I saw:- Greenfinch (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Chiffchaff (*1); Blackbird (*2); Magpie (*2); Wood Pigeon (*2); Mistle Thrush (*2); Robin (*2); Song Thrush (*1) and Collared Dove (*1).  Colt's-Foot and  * Irish Yellow Slug (Limacus maculatus).
 

12th March 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - I walked home from work today so did a little count of species down an 100 metre backalley I have been sporadically recording at. The few bird species noted were:- Goldfinch (*4); Great Tit (*2); Carrion Crow (*1); Magpie (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1) and Robin (*1).

I also added:- Girdled Snail (Hygromia cinctella); Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Striped Woodlice (Philoscia muscorum); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata) and White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger). a new species for me was the springtail (Dicyrtomina minuta) - bonus!

Dandelion agg and Sweet Violet were in flower.

 

11th March 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk through this park close to home and I didn't hang about but did see the following birds:- Redwing; Jay; Blackbird; Dunnock and Great tit as well as 32 Smooth Newts; Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum) and Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

I also added the Gall (Taxomyia taxi).

 

11th March 2024 - Longford Park, Stretford, G. Manchester - The third recording area of the day and a site I had not previously visited. Bird species seen were:- Sparrowhawk (*1); Feral Pigeon (*5); Robin (*1); Blackbird (*1); Magpie (*9); Great Tit (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Starling (*2); Redwing (*2); Chaffinch (*2); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Nuthatch (*1); Mistle Thrush (*2) and plenty Wood Pigeons too.

4 Grey Squirrels pottered about; I found a Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); a Daffodil Dung Fly (Norellia spinipes) and also added:- Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Balkan Threeband/Greenhouse Slug (Ambigolimax sp); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Striped Woodlice (Philoscia muscorum); Ivy Leaved Speedwell in flower and the mosses (Bryum capillare) and (Grimmia pulvinata).

 

11th March 2024 - Kickety Brook, Trafford, G. Manchester - The second recording spot of the day broken by a visit to the Riverside Cafe for a sausage roll and a coffee. Bird species seen were:- Carrion Crow (*3); Great Tit (*3); Magpie (*3); Robin (*2); Blackbird (*3); Song Thrush (*1); Chiffchaff (*1); Wood Pigeon (*3); Dunnock (*1); Wren (*3); Nuthatch (*1); Blue Tit (*1); Ring Necked Parakeet (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Jay (*1) and Kestrel (*1).

Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg and Butterbur were in flower and I also added:- Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea); Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) and White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius).
 

11th March 2024 - Bridgewater Canal, Stretford, G. Manchester - An 18 mile bike trip, the first recording area was a short stretch down a canal. Birds seen were:- Blackbird (*3); Robin (*1); Carrion Crow (*3); Feral Pigeon (*2); Magpie (*4); Cormorant (*1); Starling (*3); Wood Pigeon (*2); Mallard (*2); Black Headed Gull (*1); Blue Tit (*1); and Canada Goose (*4).

Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Dandelion agg were in flower and I also recorded:- Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber).
 

10th March 2024 - Chorlton Ees NR, Chorlton, G. Manchester - Crappy weather, lots to do and a body twanging - it has been a rough week but we had a short walk today and enjoyed a midway coffee. Whilst pootling around this local Nature Reserve we spied:- Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Balkan Threeband/Greenhouse Slug (Ambigolimax sp); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Amber Snail (Succinea putris); 1 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Glossy Glass Snail (Oxychilus navarricus); Red Velvet Mite (Trombidium sp); Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

Bird species seen were:- Goldfinch; Robin; Great Tit; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Mistle Thrush; Wood Pigeon; Blue Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Jackdaw; Ring Necked Parakeet; Grey Heron and Reed Bunting with the nearby river showing 3 Grey Wagtails and a male and female Mallard, the latter with 2 young.

We also saw the Galls:- Agathomyia wankowiczii and Phytoptus avellanae plus Butterbur; Lesser Celandine and Ivy Leaved Speedwell in flower.

 
10th March 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - My daughter was gardening yesterday and found 2 curious snails, with some online help they turned out to be the Girdled Snail (Hygromia cinctella).
 

6th March 2024 - Chorlton, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early finish from work, a cycle, a coffee and then a planned walk down the River Mersey. I started at the back of Chorlton Water Park and got a puncture 6 miles from home. A 2 mile detour to a bike shop saw me get the repair done and use a whole heap of vile language. The short area explored prior to the deflating moment saw me record the following birds:- Reed Bunting (*2); Wood Pigeon (*5); Great Tit (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*2); Jackdaw (*1); Canada Goose (*27); Magpie (*4); Blackbird (*1); Black Headed Gull (*2); House Sparrow (*3); Carrion Crow (*2); Mallard (*10); Grey Wagtail (*3); Feral Pigeon (*2) and Ring Necked Parakeet (*3).

I noted Lesser Celandine and Ivy Leaved Speedwell in flower and also saw:- 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Small Tortoisehsell (Aglais urticae); 39 * Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 1 * Amber Snail (Succinea putris); 4 * Flatworms (Kontikia ventrolineata); 1 * Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) and 1 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).
 

5th March 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - The few sightings today were:- Kingfisher (*1); Grey Heron (*1); Great Tit (*1); Wood Pigeon (*23); Dunnock (*1) and Mistle Thrush (*1).

I added:- 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale) and 1 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella).
 

5th March 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Pootling homeward and I noted:- 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 24 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and 1 * Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica).

I also spied a Long Tailed Tit; a Blackbird and a Blue Tit.

 

5th March 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A busy bod at work and a lunch break was need. During the wander I saw:- 13 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 63 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 8 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 6 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 8 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).

I also saw:- 1 * Wood PIgeon; 1 * House Sparrow; 1 * Lesser Black Backed Gull; 2 * Blackbird plus Thale Cress in flower; 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) and 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius).
 

4th March 2024 - Pex Hill, Widnes, Cheshire - A quick re-visit to a site that is what it is, nowt special but worth looking after. The few bird species seen were:- Robin; Blackbird; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Herring Gull; Magpie and Goldfinch.

Pineappleweed; Rape; Dandelion agg; Common Field Speedwell; Gorse; Daisy and Lesser Celandine were all in flower.

We also saw:- Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica); Wall-Screw Moss (Tortula muralis) and a Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).
 

4th March 2024 - Pickerings Pasture, Widnes, Cheshire - A pootle in the sun, it was a good do and despite a knackered back and guts, we got in a fair stretch. Birds seen were:- Wren (*2); Blue Tit (*6); Collared Dove (*1); Goldfinch (*6); Wood Pigeon (*12); Long Tailed Tit (*3); Robin (*9); Carrion Crow (*2); Great Tit (*10); Magpie (*5); Blackbird (*9); Oystercatcher (*20); Great Black Backed Gull (*1); Shelduck (*64); Starling (*4); Cormorant (*4); Dunnock (*4); Pied Wagtail (*10); House Sparrow (*1); Common Buzzard (*8); Teal (*25); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Curlew (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Mallard (*5) and Redshank (*1) plus plenty of Canada Geese and Black Headed Gulls.

Gorse; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Common Field Speedwell; Primrose; Spring Snowflake; Lesser Celandine; White Dead Nettle; Red Dead Nettle; Alexanders and Daisy were all in flower.

We also saw 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 20 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); plus Garden Snail (Cornus aspersum); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum).
 

3rd March 2024 - Heaton Park, G. Manchester - We are trying to vary up the walks as much as possible and today we visited a location we hadn't been to for quite a few years. The reasons for our lack of visitations - too many people. It is what it is though and a nice stroll in decent weather was had and, of course, the obligatory coffee. Bird species seen were:- Coot; Canada Goose; Tufted Duck; Mallard; Magpie; Black Headed Gull; Blackbird; Cormorant; Mistle Thrush; Blue Tit; Goldfinch; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Feral Pigeon; Redwing; Lesser Redpoll; Jackdaw; Wren; Dunnock; Moorhen and Pied Wagtail.

5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) were the only insects seen.

I aslo record a few fungi and:- Elegand Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum); 22 * Garden Snail (Cornus aspersum); 31 * Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 4 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and many Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlice (Porcellio scaber), a couple of Variegated Centipedes (Lithobous variegatus) and several White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).

Grey Squirrels were on the cadge for food and the few blooms noted in flower were:- White Dead Nettle; Spotted Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell and Dandelion agg.

 
1st March 2024 - River Mersey, Didsbury, G. Manchester - The end of the week walk - a coffee, a cycle and a mooch on the way home. The birds seen were:- 1 * Common Buzzard; 1 * Sparrowhawk; 1 * Cormorant; 1 * Great Spotted Woodpecker; 6 * Goosander; 7 * House Sparrow; 3 * Redwing; 1 * Great Tit; 4 * Feral Pigeon; 1 * Dunnock; 2 * Long Tailed Tit; 3 * Wood Pigeon; 9 * Starling; 3 * Blackbird; 6 * Magpie; 3 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Robin and 3 * Song Thrush.
 
1st March 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short jog to blow away the palpitations, a short dinnertime walk and I saw:- 8 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 12 Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 3 Irish Yellow Slug (Limacus maculatus); 9 Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 1 Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) plus the birds:- 5 * Wood Pigeon; 10 * Canada Goose; 2 * Carrion Crow; 10 * Magpie; 6 * Ring Necked Parakeet; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Wren; 4 * Blackbird; 1 * Nuthatch; 1 * Blue Tit and 1 * Robin. Ivy Leaved Speedwell was in flower.
 
FEBRUARY
 
29th February 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - A half-day at work so after a coffee with the missus we had a short pootle around this park. I recorded just a few things to close the month, namely:- 2 * Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); 4 * Ground Beetle (Anchomenus dorsalis); a cheeky Jay, Ivy Leaved Speedwell in flower and a few other common birds recorded - job done for the month.
 

26th February 2024 - Lindow Common, Wilmslow, Cheshire - A walk in the chilled weather with very little to report. The few birds seen were:- Robin (*2); Magpie (*4); Great Tit (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Grey Heron (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*5); Mallard (*11); Moorhen (*10); Coot (*2); Cormorant (*1); Canada Goose (*2); Black Headed Gull (*22); Dunnock (*1); Wood Pigeon (*2); Goldfinch (*4) and Coal Tit (*1).

We also saw:- 1 * Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris); 9 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 2 * Common Frog (Rana temporaria); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 2 * Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus) and a few fungi.

 
25th February 2024 - Birchwood Forest Park, Warrington, Cheshire - A short circular walk before a visit to the Red Telephone Box Cafe. Along with a few fungi we saw Daisy; Hazel; Groundsel; Common Field Speedwell and Dandelion agg in flower, Wood Pigeon (*1); Robin (*2); Magpie (*2); Blackbird (*1) and Blue Tit (*1) plus the Moss (Bryum capillare).
 

25th February 2024 - Risley Moss, Warrington, Cheshire - A visit to an area we hadn't been to for quite a while. It was sunny and quiet and made for a nice stroll after the previous nights gig. The few mini-beasts seen were:- 1 * Snail Hunter Beetle (Cychrus caraboides); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) plus 2 * Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 2 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 2 * Ichneumon Wasp (Ichneumon stramentor); 1 * Ichneumon Wasp (Ichneumon suspiciosus); 1 * Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and the mosses (Bryum capillare) and (Orthotrichum pulchellum).

The birds were represented by:- Jackdaw (*2); Robin (*4); Great Tit (*6); Blackbird (*3); Chaffinch (*4); Blue Tit (*4); Dunnock (*2); Wood Pigeon (*5); Coal Tit (*1); Nuthatch (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Magpie (*3); Siskin (*2); Goldcrest (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Canada Goose (*2); Common Buzzard (*1) and Herring Gull (*1).

 

23rd February 2024 - River Mersey, Didsbury, G. Manchester - The end of the week, work finished, a coffee and a walk down a different stretch of the river, from the end of Fletcher Moss to Didsbury Bridge. It is an area I have walked many times but I am planning to make it a more frequent pootle, it is ideal for an end of week waltz.

The mixed bag of species seen were:- 4 * Harvestman Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); 2 * Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum); 2 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Hairy Snail (Trochulus hispidus); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 1 * Strawberry Snail (Trochulus striolatus); 4 * Amber Snail (Succinea putris); 2 * Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus); 31 * Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); 3 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 2 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) and 2 * Flatworms (Kontikia ventrolineata).

Birds recorded were:- Goosander (*5); Carrion Crow (*1); Great Tit (*1); Wood Pigeon (*6); Dunnock (*1); Starling (*9); Song Thrush (*1); Robin (*1); Mallard (*3); Feral Pigeon (*8); Magpie (*3); Goldcrest (*1) and Long Tailed Tit (*1).

Ivy Leaved Speedwell was now in flower.
 

22nd February 2024 - Stamford Park, Altrincham, G. Manchester - A short walk after a morn mooching around the local shops. The few birds fed and recorded at this small park were:- Robin (*2); Wood Pigeon (*6); Magpie (*3); Mistle Thrush (*1); Moorhen (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Canada Goose (*10); Mallard (*16); Blackbird (*4); Redwing (*3); Blue Tit (*2); Great Tit (*1); Goldcrest (*1); House Sparrow (*12); Jackdaw (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Dunnock (*1); Wren (*1) and a good flock of Feral Pigeon who sat and my arm and hand whilst guzzling seeds.

Also added were:-Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Rough Woodlice (Porcellio scaber); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

 
20th February 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A break from the desk at work, the skies were grey and there was a slight breeze but it was far from cold.  The insects seen were:- 60 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 11 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).  I also saw 2 Wood Pigeons; 2 Magpies and a  Irish Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus).
 
19th February 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Cycling homewards and 2 Grey Wagtails; 2 Blue Tits and 7 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) were all recorded.
 

19th February 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - Another cycle, another walk, another coffee. The few insects seen were:- 1 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Anchomenus dorsalis); 1 * Ground Beetle (Badister bullatus); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia) and 2 * Daffodil Dung Fly (Norellia spinipes).

Also added were:- 2 * Balkan Threeband/Greenhouse Slug (Ambigolimax sp); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Rough Woodlice (Porcellio scaber); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and Striped Woodlice (Philoscia muscorum) plus White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).

I spied a Brown Rat; the Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis) and Daisy; Cherry Plum; Cornelian Cherry and Hairy Bittercress were in flower.

Bird species seen were:- Jackdaw; Magpie; Ring Necked Parakeet; Carrion Crow; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; Starling; Coot; Moorhen; Mandarin Duck; Canada Goose; Mallard; Robin; Blackbird; Redwing; Wood Pigeon; Blue Tit; Goldcrest; Coal Tit; Nuthatch; Wren; Bullfinch; Chaffinch; Great Tit and Feral Pigeon.

Wood Bristle Moss (Lewinskya affinis) was added and was bearing a rather nice fungus (see Fungal Sightings 2024).

 

18th February 2024 - Stamford Park, Stalybridge, Tameside - The young un' had health and safety training, we had a short pootle and a coffee. Bird species recorded were:- Mallard; Moorhen; Dunnock; Feral Pigeon; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Redwing; Robin; Wren; Goosander; Grey Wagtail; Canada Goose; Cormorant; Grey Heron; Coot; Mute Swan; Greenfinch; Black Headed Gull and Goldfinch.

A fine Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and Tawny Soil Slug (Arion owenii) were seen as well as 6 * Beetle (Vincenzellus ruficollis); a cheeky Brown Rat, a sweet Grey Squirrel fed from my hand and the Lichen (Physcia adscendens) was noted.

 

17th February 2024 - Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, G. Manchester - After the missus' operation earlier in the week we have to take it easy so a short walk was had today before I then went to my mates memorial gig. The gentle pootle produced the following bird species:- House Sparrow; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Starling; Tufted Duck; Long Tailed Tit; Mute Swan; Mallard; Wood Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Canada Goose; Moorhen; Great Crested Grebe; Ring Necked Parakeet; Magpie and Carrion Crow.

We also saw:- 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis tenax); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) and 9 * Daffodil Dung Fly (Norellia spinipes).

Daisy; Pineappleweed and Cherry Plum were in flower.

 
16th February 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A long and stressful week, a couple of moth species decided to come and saw 'Hello', these were:- Beautiful Plume (*2) and Mompha subbistrigella (*1).
 

11th February 2024 - Arnfield Reservoir, Tintwistle, Derbyshire - A walk in the fog with the missus. Mosses recorded were:- Bryum capillare; Orthotrichum pulchellum; Tortula muralis; Orthotrichum anomalum; Schistidium crassipilum; Dicranoweisia cirrata; Campylopus introflexus; Kindbergia praelonga and Grimmia pulvinata. Birds listed were:- Dunnock (*1); Mallard (*24); Blue Tit (*4); Chaffinch (*2); Blackbird (*2); Magpie (*1); Teal (*1); Pheasant (*1); Wood PIgeon (*1); Robin (*1); Canada Goose (*18); Greylag Goose (*1); Nuthatch (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Goldfinch (*4); Tufted Duck (*1); Feral Pigeon (*1); Siskin (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*4) and Wren (*1).

 

10th February 2024 - Alexandra Park, Moss Side, G. Manchester - A walk on me todd before footy and a gig. I had a coffee, fed a Grey Squirrel out of my hand and a few other birds came and enjoyed the scraps. The birds seen were:- Ring Necked Parakeet (*2); Magpie (*1); Robin (*1); Carrion Crow (*3); Wood Pigeon (*2); Feral Pigeon (*100 approx); Tufted Duck (*23); Mute Swan (*1); Grey Heron (*1); Mallard (*14); Canada Goose (*7); Black Headed Gull (*47); Blue Tit (*4); Nuthatch (*1); Treecreeper (*1); Redwing (*9) and a few Coot.

I also saw:- Red Dead Nettle in flower; 2 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 3 * Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg) and 1 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).
 

9th February 2024 - Otterspool, Liverpool, Merseyside - The second place of the day and a good stretch of the legs was had, rain avoided and another cafe visit enjoyed. Birds recorded were:- Oystercatcher (*60 approx); Greenfinch; Herring Gull; Common Gull; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Black Headed Gull; Wren; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Turnstone (*32); Lesser Black Backed Gull; Cormorant; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Redshank; Dunling (*2); Shelduck; Teal; Collared Dove; Curlew; Kestrel; Starling; Song Thrush; Blue Tit; Long Tailed Tit and Ring Necked Parakeet.

Common Whitlow Grass; Daisy; Groundsel; Red Dead Nettle and Hazel were in flower and I also spied more Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); a Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); a Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg); and a Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis).
 

9th February 2024 - Calderstones Park, Liverpool, Merseyside - A meet-up with some nice friends, a pootle, a coffee and the birds recorded were:- Magpie; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Ring Necked Parakeet; Moorhen; Mallard; Canada Goose; Coot; Herring Gull; Cormorant; Feral Pigeon; Song Thrush; Great Tit; Chaffinch; Robin; Redwing; Nuthatch; Mistle Thrush; Black Headed Gull; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Treecreeper and Goldcrest.

Also added to the list were:- 2 * Eight Striped Darkiling Beetle (Nalassus laevioctostriatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 53 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Walnut Orb Weaver Spider (Nuctenea umbratica); 4 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 3 * Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg); 2 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and an abundance of Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni).

 

8th February 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk into town in horrid conditions. I only dawdled once when I heard a bird call that rung a bell. I turned and there at the side of me within 10 feet where 3 Waxwings feeding on some rather swollen rose-hips. I was stricken with delight and the sleet was duly forgotten - what a treat. Other birds noted along this short stretch were:- Treecreeper (*1; Blackbird (*2); Feral Pigeon (*2); Carrion Crow (*3): Robin (*|1); Blue tit 9*1); Mallard (*2); Magpie (*1) and Long Tailed Tit (*4)

A lone Ox-Eye Daisy bloom was also seen.

 

7th February 2024 - Wythenshawe CP, G. Manchester - A meet up with 3 fine gents who are always smashing company. We had a coffee to start and finish, we didn't see a great deal but we had some quality for a February day. Insects seen were:- 1 * Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata); 1 * Larch Ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 100+ Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 2 * Clouded Mompha (Mompha langiella); 1 * Rove Beetle (Quedius fuliginosus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Platynus assimilis); 1 * Ground Beetle (Leistus fulvibarbis) and 5 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae).

Also added were:- 1 * Short Tailed Vole (Microtus agrestis); 2 * Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg); 1 * Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) and a couple of White Legged Snake Millipedes (Tachypodoiulus niger).

I took my bins and never got them out but the few birds I did see were:- Magpie (*2); Bullfinch (*1); Blackbird (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Blue Tit (*1); Great Tit (*1); Robin (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Ring Necked Parakeet (*3); Wood Pigeon (*1); Mistle Thrush (*4); Jackdaw (*1) and Buzzard (*1). A flock of Pink Footed Geese flew over and made a fine racket.

 

6th February 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - After a coffee and a read I headed home under more lashing rain. I fed the birds again and whilst wandering I recorded:- Grey Heron (*2): Moorhen (*2): Goldfinch (*6); Blackbird (*5); Robin (*3); Dunnock (*2): Sparrowhawk (*1); Blue Tit (*2); Jay (*1) and Mistle Thrush (*2);

I also saw:- 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum) and 1 * Hornet (Vespa crabro); 1 * Ichneumon Wasp (Ichneumon suspiciosus) and a Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis).
 

6th February 2024 - Gorsey Bank/River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk in the piddling rain. I put food out for the birds, they remained hunkered down but I did see:- Blackbird (*2); Cormorant (*2); Song Thrush (*1); Wood Pigeon (*7): Great Tit (*5); Redwing (*3); Black Headed Gull (*200 approx); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*2); Grey Heron (*1); Canada Goose (*3); Goosander (*3); Blue Tit (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Magpie (*11); Mallard (*9); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Moorhen (*1) and Ring Necked Parakeet (*2).

Sweet Violet was in flower and the Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum) was adorning the branches of an old Elder. The only other species noted were 2 * Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum).
 
5th February 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - Heading homeward and with a few fungi noted the only other species seen were:- 1 * Walnut Orb Weaver Spider (Nuctenea umbratica); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 21 * Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg) and 2 Common Buzzards circled over the nearby river.
 

5th February 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - A cycle, a walk, a new place recorded at. Birds noted were:- Wren (*1); Wood Pigeon (*5); Treecreeper (*1); Redwing (*6); Nuthatch (*2); Dunnock (*1); Goldfinch (*5): Grey Heron (*1); Greenfinch (*1); Black Headed Gull (*19); Common Gull (*11); Jackdaw (*9); Starling (*11); Long Tailed Tit (*6); Blue Tit (*3); Song Thrush (*2): Bullfinch (*5); Blackbird (*1); Robin (*4); Siskin (*5); Carrion Crow (*4); Feral Pigeon (*25); Mandarin Duck (*9); Canada Goose (*8); Mallard (*57); Coot (*6); Moorhen (*3); Magpie (*17); Great Tit (*1) and oodles of Ring Necked Parakeets.

I noted also the following array of wildlife:- 1 * Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis); 1 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 3 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 34 * Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger); 1 * Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 15 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Agonum muelleri); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Walnut Orb Weaver Spider (Nuctenea umbratica) and plenty Rough Woodlice (Porcellio scaber); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and Striped Woodlice (Philoscia muscorum) and the mosses:- Tortula muralis; Grimmia pulvinata and Bryum capillare.

Groundsel; Hazel and Forsythia were in flower.

 

4th February 2024 - Big Pool Wood, Gronant, Flintshire - A return to a place that is tucked away to say the least. The wind was whipping, a quick wander bore a few fungi and:- Sparrowhawk (*1); Jackdaw (*1); Blue Tit (*1); Chaffinch (*1); Great Tit (*2) and Rook (*2).

Red Campion; Dog's Mercury and Sweet Violet with Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage on the cusp.

White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Rough Woodlice (Porcellio scaber); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Hart's-Tongue Fern and the Lichen (Xanthoria parietina) were the few other species added.

 

4th February 2024 - Point of Ayr, Talacre, Flintshire - A birding wander saw the species noted as follows:- Snow Bunting (*5); Linnet (*3); Stonechat (*1) plus Skylark; Little Egret; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Shelduck; Moorhen; Mute Swan; Reed Bunting; Chaffinch; Pheasant; Blue Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Coot; Meadow Pipit; Tufted Duck; Pink Footed Goose; Shoveler; Wigeon; Goldfinch; Teal; Redshank; Jackdaw; Starling; Canada Goose; Oystercatcher; Mallard; Lapwing; Rook; House Sparrow; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Great Tit; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Collared Dove; Pied Wagtail; Herring Gull and Curlew plus Song Thrush; Robin; Wren and Dunnock on call.

Alexanders; Common Field Speedwell; Daisy; Cherry Plum; Groundsel; Gorse; Colt's-Foot and Dandelion agg were all in flower and we also added:- 30+ * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum) and Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica).

 

3rd February 2024 - Eccles Utd/Port Salford Greenway, G. Manchester - A new footy ground and prior to the game we saw what we could see. Birds noted were:- Lesser Black Backed Gull (*3); Black Headed Gull (*1); Jackdaw (*1); Blackbird (*3); Carrion Crow (*3); Wood Pigeon (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Magpie (*3) and Goldfinch (*3).

Hazel and Shepherd's Purse were in flower; a fine carpet of the Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) was noted along with the mosses:- Funaria hygrometrica and Orthotrichum pulchellum.

4 * Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg) and 2 Flatworms (Kontikia ventrolineata) were added too.

 

2nd February 2024 - River Mersey, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A longer route home from work with a coffee at a cafe, a cycle and then a walk down the river just outside of Fletcher Moss. Lesser Celandine was producing several flowers and the birds noted were:- Great Tit (*3); Carrion Crow (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Wood Pigeon (*4); Blackbird (*1); Mallard (*6); Starling (*26); Magpie (*1) and Goosander (*1).

4 examples of the Ground Beetle (Paranchus albipes) were found beneath wood at the side of the river.

 
1st February 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short stroll away from the work desk and a Blue Tit called whilst sat atop a bare tree, a Dunnock sang with ardour, 2 Magpies looked up to no good and 2 Wood Pigeons pootled on a bowling green.  Orthotrichum pulchellum and Grimmia pulvinata were two mossed growing on the trunk of a living Beech Tree and a few Striped Woodlice (Philoscia muscorum) darted about beneath a few bits of timber.
 
1st February 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A brace of Song Thrush were singing away and looking chipper whilst 3 Wood Pigeons sat huddled up in the early morning gloom. A Bullfinch flew by on the way home.
 

JANUARY

 
30th January 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - Back in work, a short dinnertime walk saw me see:- 11 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis).
 

29th January 2024 - Alexandra Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk under head-screwing clouds with a slow mizzle falling and the general ambience one of dreary dimensions. I fed the birds, noted Hazel and Mahonia in flower, found the Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata) and even spied a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis). The birds I counted were:- Redwing (*2); Coal Tit (*1); Canada Goose (68); Magpie (*10); Carrion Crow (*1); Robin (*3); Collared Dove (*1); Mallard (*21); Feral Pigeon (*95 approx); Moorhen (*10); Blackbird (*2); Coot (*7); Grey Heron (*2); Wood Pigeon (*9); Nuthatch (*1); House Sparrow (*2); Blue Tit (*2); Goosander (*12) and Cormorant (*1).

One of the Robins I saw was laying the foundations of a new nest by taking Beech leaves into a tucked away hole in a tree trunk - it was lovely to see.

 

28th January 2024 - RSPB Burton Mere, Cheshire - A short walk to finish the day wit a coffee in the car before heading home. Oodles of Lapwing were out on the marsh along with a few Golden Plover. a Marsh Harrier spooked a few birds and I also added:- Mallard; Cormorant; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Long Tailed Tit; Rook; Carrion Crow; Pied Wagtail; Pink Footed Goose; House Sparrow and Jackdaw.

Sweet Violet; Daisy and Red Dead Nettle were in flower.

 
28th January 2024 - RSPB Burton Mere, Cheshire - After a crappy week of stress, food poisoning and tasting weather we got out and tried to clear the heads. A few fungi, a couple of Grey Squirrels, a Brown Rat, a Garden Snail, Large Yellow Slug and the following birds did help:- Blackbird; Reed Bunting; Chaffinch; Ruddy Shelduck; Kestrel; Little Egret; Greylag Goose; Dunnock; Magpie; Jackdaw; Common Buzzard; Pink Footed Goose; Black Headed Gull; Carrion Crow; Herring Gull; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon; Tufted Duck; Pintail; Gadwall; Pheasant; Shoveler; Marsh Harrier; Grey Heron; Canada Goose; Mallard; Coot; Wigeon; Curlew; Moorhen; Teal; Lapwing; Common Redshank; Ruff; Shelduck; Robin; Long Tailed Tit; Siskin and Raven.
 

22nd January 2024 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - A final quick mooch before heading home was taken at this localish area. A few fungi were seen along with:- a Sparrowhawk; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Moorhen; Robin; Long Tailed Tit and 4 Magpies.

The Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata) and White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) were seen along with the Lichen (Cladonia coniocraea) and a lone Lesser Celandine flower.

Also added was common Smoothcap (Atrichum undulatum).

 

22nd January 2024 - Styal FC, Cheshire - Just prior to my cafe break I checked the local footy and cricket pitch and saw:- Redwing (*30); Black Headed Gull (*1); Jackdaw (*19); Magpie (*2); Mistle Thrush (*2); Blackbird (*1) and Wood Pigeon (*3).

 

22nd January 2024 - Styal CP, Cheshire - A 15.5 mile round trip, with home-made soup, crusty bread and a coffee in the mix - smashing. With a few fungi noted I also added a few birds at this site despite not dawdling:- Black Headed Gull (*24); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*2); Jackdaw (*14); House Sparrow (*1); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Jay (*1); Mallard (*7); Blue Tit (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*6); Goldcrest (*2); Treecreeper (*1); Carrion Crow (*2); Wood Pigeon (*4); Blackbird (*1); Wren (*1); Great Tit (*4); Buzzard (*1); Goosander (*5); Grey Heron (*1); Moorhen (*3); Mistle Thrush (*2) and Goldfinch (*2).

I also saw Leopard Slug, Large Yellow Slug agg; Garden Snail; and the Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus).

The Lichen (Ramalina farinacea) was added to the day's sightings and the Mosses (Tortula muralis); (Mnium hornum); (Dicranoweisia cirrata) and (Orthotrichum pulchellum).

 

21st January 2024 - Marbury CP, Cheshire - A walk with the missus, a bit of birding, general pootling and a shaking of the head at the mindless disturbance, litter-dropping and eyes-wide shut roaming. We enjoyed ourselves, we saw a few birds, these were:- Raven; Blue Tit; Redwing; Robin; Great Tit; Coal Tit; Blackbird; Chaffinch; Wren; Kingfisher; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; Mallard; Nuthatch; Dunnock; Goosander; Shoveler; Cormorant; Moorhen; Shelduck; Canada Goose; Long Tailed Tit; Lapwing; Curlew; Common Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Jackdaw; Goldcrest; Jay; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; House Sparrow; Reed Bunting and Bullfinch.

We also saw the common 4 mosses on a stone bridge:- Orthotrichum anomalum; Grimmia pulvinata; Bryum capillare and Tortula muralis plus nnearby Fissidens bryoides; Fissidens taxifolius and Atrichum undulatum and braving the rising temperatire were 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

A Daisy was the only flower in bloom.

 

20th January 2024 - Sale WP, G. Manchester - A walk with the lasses after a morn shopping. We made good haste as I had an early evening gig to attend, I did note the following bird species:- Magpie; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Dunnock; Cormorant; Robin; Redwing; Blackbird; Coal Tit; Teal; Gadwall; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Coot; Great Crested Grebe; Goosander; Moorhen; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Tufted Duck; Long Tailed Tit and Common Gull.

 

18th January 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk home from work, a stop for a coffee and then to Abney Hall for a quick pootle. The birds were fed and I saw:- Goldcrest (*1); Blackbird (*4); Robin (*4); Nuthatch (*2); Wood Pigeon (*1); Magpie (*2); Dunnock (*3); Mistle Thrush (*1); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1) and Song Thrush (*1).

I also spied:- 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Harvestmen (Nemastoma bimaculatum); 1 * Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg); 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) and several Variegated Centipedes (Lithobius variegatus).

I also confirmed the Lichen (Physcia aipolia).

 

17th January 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - 2 Bullfinches, 2 Long Tailed Tits, 3 Ring Necked Parakeets and a Blackbird were all that was seen whilst wandering home.

 

16th January 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking to work in the dark on fresh snowy ground and I only saw a Blackbird. Walking home it was growing dark but I did see a Kingfisher.

 

15th January 2024 - Gorsey Bank/River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Out for a coffee with the usual walk taken. Birds were fed and those counted and recorded were:- Carrion Crow (*9); Robin (*6); Blackbird (*4); Cormorant (*8); Magpie (*17); Wood Pigeon (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*16); Goldcrest (*1); Mallard (*34); Blue Tit (*5); Grey Heron (*2); Pied Wagtail (*2); Great Tit (*4); Dunnock (*3); Moorhen (*3); Goldfinch (*1); Wren (*4); Goosander (*10); Mistle Thrush (*3); Jackdaw (*2); Black Headed Gull (*28); Ring Necked Parakeet (*5) and Common Gull (*1).

 

14th January 2024 - Pennington Flash, G. Manchester - A walk at a place that has changed over the years with people increasing, disturbance rising and wildlife suffering - so sad. We cracked on and saw the following bird species:- Dunnock; Carrion Crow; Jay; House Sparrow; Siskin; Wren; Grey Heron; Pheasant; Greylag Goose; Common Gull; Little Grebe; Great Crested Grebe; Gadwall; Little Egret; Goldcrest; Goldfinch; Redwing; Shoveler; Sparrowhawk; Coal Tit; Willow Tit; Blackbird; Muscovy Duck; Great Tit; Bullfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Reed Bunting; Chaffinch; Moorhen; Teal; Mallard; Oystercatcher; Lapwing; Goosander; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; Cormorant; Goldeneye; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Blue Tit; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Coot; Robin and Lesser Black Backed Gull.

We also saw:- Hazel; Cornelian Cherry; Sweet Violet and Gorse in flower along with a Large Yellow Slug (Limax flavus agg); Common Earwing (Forficula auricularia); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum).

We also saw the Gall (Agathomyia wankowiczii), a few Grey Squirrels and added the Lichens (Ramalina farinacea); (Physcia adscendens) and (Xanthora parietina).

The bryophyes listed were:- Grimmia pulvinata; Bryum capillare; Tortula muralis; Orthotrichum pulchellum and Metzgeria furcata.

Hart's-Tongue Fern was looking a trifle jaded - I know how it feels.

 

13th January 2024 - Manchester Cemetery, Chorlton, G. Manchester - A walk whilst the missus sorted some papaerwork. The few birds noted were:- Ring Necked Parakeet (*2); Robin (*2); Magpie (*1); Wood Pigeon (*3); Jackdaw (*1); Great Tit (*3); Blackbird (*3); Nuthatch (*1); Redwing (*7); Great Spotted Woodpecker (*2); Blue Tit (*1) and Carrion Crow (*6).

Daisy; Groundsel and Ivy Leaved Toadflax were in flower and a few Grey Squirrels were knocking about.

 

12th January 2024 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A dinner break at work, a short walk to feed the birds and I saw:- Carrion Crow (*4); Magpie (*8); Wren (*2); Mallard (*4); Wood Pigeon (*2); Canada Goose (*15); Blackbird (*2); Moorhen (*3); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Blue Tit (*1) and Great Spotted Woodpecker (*2).

 

 

12th January 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - The first moth of the year was seen, namely, The White Shouldered House Moth.

 

 

11th January 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Going to work in the dark and coming home when the sun is setting is not conducive to many sightings, today though I did spy 1 female Goosander on the River, a Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata) hiding from the cold and lo and behold, Lesser Celandine back in flower.

 

 

7th January 2024 - Wythenshawe CP, G. Manchester - A walk, a coffee and a look in the greenhouses with the lasses. During the walk we recorded a few fungi and noted the following bird species:- Carrion Crow; Blue Tit; Jackdaw; Magpie; Blackbird; Redwing; Robin; Nuthatch; Wood Pigeon; Long Tailed Tit; Ring Necked Parakeet; Moorhen and Dunnock.

The Liverwort (Metzgeria fruticulosa) was growing on a fallen Horse Chestnut log and the moss Grimmia pulvinata was found on an unidentified log.

Hairy Bittercress was in flower.

 

6th January 2024 - Brockholes NR, Preston, Lancashire - Up with the lark, out and a good walk in the sun before the afternoons footy action. 4 Roe Deer were seen on arrival whereupon we had a short walk, a coffee and did a full circuit. Along with 37 fungi we saw the following bird species:- Mallard; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Robin; Wigeon; Gadwall; Tufted Duck; Cormorant; Mute Swan; Black Headed Gull; Canada Goose; Goldeneye; Shoveler; Blue Tit; Wren; Great Tit; Wood Pigeon; Reed Bunting; Dunnock; Blackbird; Pied Wagtail; Grey Heron; Long Tailed Tit; Teal; Buzzard; Coal Tit; Nuthatch and a pair of loved up Goldcrests.

Two Liverworts noted were:- Orthotrichum pulchellum; Plagiomnium undulatum and Metzgeria furcata. We also saw a few Grey Squirrels.

 

5th January 2024 - Sett Valley Trail, New Mills, Derbyshire - More fungi hunting with a coffee at halfway and coffee and soup to finish - smashing. Birds seen along this stretch were:- Robin (*8); Blackbird (*2); Jackdaw (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*6); Magpie (*1); Great Tit (*7); Carrion Crow (*1); Nuthatch (*3); Treecreeper (*1); Goldcrest (*1); Blue Tit (*2); Song Thrush (*1); Coal Tit (*1); Dunnock (*1) and Magpie (*2).

I also noted the mosses:- Plagiomnium undulatum; Fissidens taxifolius; Funaria hygrometrica; Grimmia pulvinata and Bryum capillare.

I also found the Gall (Agathomyia wankowiczii), saw a couple of Grey Squirrels and added the Lichens (Ramalina farinacea) and (Evernia prunastri).

 

5th January 2024 - Torrs Riverside Park and Millennium Walkway, New Mills, Derbyshire - Out on the train and at part one of the walk for 8.30am. I had a short pootle before aiming for the second part that would be split by a coffee. At this first area I noted a few fungi and the following birds:- Carrion Crow (*1); Wren (*1); Robin (*1); Magpie (*3); Jackdaw (*1); Dipper (*2); Feral Pigeon (*7); Blue Tit (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1) and Blackbird (*1).

Hogweed was in flower and I also added Common Polypody agg, Wall Rue, the Lichen (Ramalina farinacea) and the mosses (Tortula muralis); (Atrichum undulatum) and (Orthotrichum pulchellum) and the Liverwort (Metzgeria consanguinea).

 

4th January 2024 - Ladybrook Interest Trail, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short jaunt befopre dropping the bike off for brake repairs. the few birds seen were:- Carrion Crow (*28); Magpie (*23); Grey Heron (*1); Blue Tit (*3); Robin (*6); Wood Pigeon (*2); Blackbird (*2); Great Tit (*5); Ring Necked Parakeet (*3); Song Thrush (*1); Goldfinch (*1) and Coal Tit (*1).

I also saw a few Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni).

 

3rd January 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - Just before arriving home I wandered through this small park and saw a Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Great Tit (*2); Robin (*1); Magpie (*2); Blackbird (*4) and Song Thrush (*1).

Along the nearby river was a fine patch of Catherine's Moss (Atrichum undulatum).

Outside a nearby house I found a Leafmine on Tansy (which was in flower) and with the kind help of an on-line expert duly confirmed Chromatomyia horticola.

 

3rd January 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - I had a second coffee of the day after a splish-splash cycle. I didn't hang around after slurping duties but I did see the Crescent Liverwort (Lunularia cruciata) and the Hart's Tongue Thyme Moss (Plagiomnium undulatum).

 

3rd January 2024 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - A coffee, a read and a chat and then a decision made to go from the cafe to Chorlton to see what I could see. Of course it was raining again but so what, stopping in is no good for anyone. I cycled, had a walk and came home filthy, bird species seen were:- Starling; Magpie; Great Tit; Feral Pigeon; Blue Tit; House Sparrow; Wood Pigeon; Coot; Tufted Duck; Mute Swan; Mallard; Canada Goose; Cormorant; Gadwall; Ring Necked Parakeet; Black Headed Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Goosander; Siskin; Robin; Long Tailed Tit; Pink Footed Goose; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Jay; Goldfinch; Moorhen; Common Gull and Chaffinch.

Pineappleweed and Hairy Bittercress were in flower.

 

2nd January 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - The rain was falling as I fed the birds and had a mooch. The few bird species seen were:- Carrion Crow (*3); Dunnock (*1); Nuthatch (*2); Robin (*3); Wood Pigeon (*3); Ring Necked Parakeet (*3); Magpie (*1); Mallard (*23); Goosander (*2); Grey Heron (*1); Moorhen (*4); Coot (*2); Black Headed Gull (*4); Mandarin Duck (*2); Song Thrush (*1); Goldfinch (*1); Blackbird (*8); Great Tit (*3) and Blue Tit (*5).

Dilated Scalewort (Frullania dilatata) and Forked Veilwort (Metzgeria furcata) were two Liverworts recorded as well as the following mosses on a brick wall:- Thickpoint Grimmia (Schistidium crassipilum); Grey Cushion Moss (Grimmia pulvinata); Wall Screw Moss (Tortula muralis); Capillary Thread Moss (Bryum capillare); Common Feather Moss (Kindbergia praelonga) and Anomalous Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum anomalum).

2 other mosses found on Oak were:- Wood Bristle Moss (Lewinskya affinis) and Elegant Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum).

Wood Avens was in flower.

 

2nd January 2024 - Gorsey Bank/River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up and out in shabby weather. I don't mind the rain though and with a brolly raised I marched on and hd a pootle. The weather was mighty swollen and the banks are being eroded by folk and their dogs, I best make the most of this walk before it is sectioned off. Birds seen were few due to the conditions but I did record:- Goldfinch (*1); Great Tit (*8); Magpie (*9); Blackbird (*5); Wood Pigeon (*8); Goosander (*1); Mallard (*26); Carrion Crow (*6); Wren (*1); Blue Tit (*4); Goldcrest (*2); Feral Pigeon (*5); Song Thrush (*2); Mistle Thrush (*2); Kingfisher (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*11); Dunnock (*2); Moorhen (*1); Black Headed Gull (*5); Common Gull (*2) and Grey Heron (*3).

Hazel was bearing an array of lovely catkins; Groundsel was in flower and 31 examples of the Gray Cross Spider (Larinioides sclopetarius) were seen too.

Hart's Tongue Fern; White Legged Snake Millipede and Garden Snail were also added along with the Lichens (Cladonia coniocraea) and (Physcia adscendens).

The Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum) was noted on Salix.

 

1st January 2024 - Astley/Chat Moss, G. Manchester - Up and out with 18, 000 steps nailed and a nice chat and a coffee in a cafe afterwards. Birds seen today were:- Lesser Redpoll (*10); Carrion Crow (*3); Wren (*2); Meadow Pipit (*4); Teal (*5); Mistle Thrush (*7); Mallard (*48); Canada Goose (*42); Reed Bunting (*4); Blue Tit (*1); Magpie (*14); Chaffinch (*2); Black Headed Gull (*39); Robin (*4); Pheasant (*6); Pied Wagtail (*9); Grey Partridge (*9); Greenfinch (*7); Redwing (*2); Common Buzzard (*2); Wood Pigeon (*9); Starling (*22); Long Tailed Tit (*23); Blackbird (*10); House Sparrow (*10); Cormorant (*1); Stock Dove (*2); Great Tit (*2); Goldfinch (*4); Jackdaw (*5); Song Thrush (*1); Nuthatch (*1); Lapwing (*12) and Fieldfare (*32).

Gorse; Common Field Speedwell; Red Dead Nettle; White Dead Nettle; Groundsel and Dandelion agg were in flower.

Mosses noted were:- Tortula muralis; Orthotrichum anomalum; Kindbergia praelonga; Polytrichum commune; Campylopus introflexus; and Grimmia pulvinata. I also spied a some Shiny and Rough Woodlice; a couple of Garlic Snails and the Lichens (Xanthoria parietina) and (Ramalina farinacea).

A few Grey Squirrels were added to the day's tally too - well, it is the new year.