26th July 2024 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up and out on the bike, a cafe stop off for a coffee and then a short cycle and a mooch. I met up with a few carers and staff from work and then led walk 474 before a coffee and cake finish was had. Whilst on site we managed to avoid the rain and the following 44 insect species were recorded:- 1 * Bark Fly (Graphopsocus cruciatus); 1 * Reed Damsel Bug (Nabis lineatus); 1 * Lauxaniid Fly (Sapromyza sexpunctata); 1 * Fungus Gnat (Sciara sp); 1 * Mirid Bug (Polymerus nigrita); 2 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 3 * Common Flower bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1* Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella inanis); 10 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 2 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Paradromius linearis); 2 * Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Mirid Bug (Heterotoma planicornis); 2 * Leafhopper (Evacanthus interruptus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber) and 1 * Peacock larva (Aglais io).

38 flowers in bloom were:- Large Bindweed; Hogweed; Creeping Thistle; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Common Ragwort; Creeping Buttercup; Tufted Vetch; Pineappleweed; Common Knapweed; Wood Avens; Red Campion; Herb Robert; Great Willowherb; Rosebay Willowherb; Himalayan Balsam; Ground Elder; Garlic Mustard; Common Nettle; Meadowsweet; Purple Loosestrife; Comfrey agg; Wood Dock; Canadian Goldenrod; Spear Thistle; White Clover; Bramble agg; Meadow Buttercup; Dandelion agg; Bush Vetch; Green Alkanet; Goosegrass; Greater Plantain; Red Clover; Tansy; Musk Mallow; Tufted Vetch; Ribwort Plantain and Hairy Tare.

The 6 Galls discussed were:- Euura proxima; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes inangulis; Dasineura ulmaria; Dasineura pustulans and Dasineura urticae.

Also recorded were:- 2 * Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus); 1 * Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); 2 * Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and a baby Frog (Rana temporaria).

The only bird species recorded were;- Canada Goose; Mallard; Mandarin; Magpie; Wood Pigeon and Blackbird - I can't have eyes everywhere.

With a few fungi, the end tally was 106 species - not bad for a short, casual stroll.

25th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A slow walk home, a chat with two nice lasses and the only insects seen were:- 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 4 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 3 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis) and 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum).

Upright Hedge Parsley was looking tidy and Common Ragwort was providing a few feeding stations for some of the insects seen.

The only other species recorded was a young Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus).

24th July 2023 - Paddington Meadows, Warrington, Cheshire - A walk with a fine bunch of folk who really are a treat to catch back up with. We had brews, muffins and biscuits to start and then avoided any rain and finished with the same treats. The flower list was kept by my good lady, the end total was 88 species in bloom:- Hemp Agrimony; Bramble agg; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Pineappleweed; Herb Robert; Buddleia; Common Ragwort; Himalayan Balsam; Large Bindweed; Rosebay Willowherb; White Clover; Creeping Thistle; Great Willowherb; Common Poppy; Spear Thistle; Ribwort Plantain; Hedge Woundwort; Common Nettle; Purple Loosestrife; Tall Melilot; Wall Speedwell; White Melilot; Green Alkanet; Groundsel; Black Medick; Cow Parsley; Red Bartsia; Purple Toadflax; Tufted Vetch; Hogweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Creeping Buttercup; Goosegrass; Nipplewort; Red Campion; Red Clover; Weld; Curl Leaved Dock; Daisy; Tansy; Hairy Tare; Slender Tare; Common Knapweed; Marjoram; Hedge Bedstraw; Wild Carrot; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Common Figwort; Meadow Vetchling; Meadow Buttercup; Water Plantain; Lesser Spearwort; Common Knotgrass; Garlic Mustard; Wavy Bittercress; Claridge Druce’s Crane’s-Bill; Self-Heal; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Comfrey agg; Common Field Speedwell; Teasel; Perforate St John's-Wort; Mugwort; Goat's-Beard; White Campion; Common Mouse Ear; Unbranched Bur Reed; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Yellow Loosestrife; Yarrow; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Meadowsweet; Ox-Eye Daisy; White Dead Nettle; Greater Plantain; Dandelion agg; Hedge Mustard; Musk Mallow; Hedge Bindweed; Field Scabious; Water Figwort; Marsh Woundwort; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Cuckooflower; Agrimony; and Garden Privet; Large Flowered Evening Primrose and Canadian Fleabane just outside the site on the road where we parked our car.

12 other plants noted were:- Sycamore; Silver Birch; Bracken; Pendulous Sedge; Common Reedmace; Common Reed; Cock's-Foot Grass; Hawthorn and Elder in fruit; Ash; Horse Chestnut and Hazel.

The 17 Galls listed were:- Dasineura ulmaria; Dasineura pustulans; Euura proxima; Andricus lignicola; Neuroterus albipes; Rhopalomyia tanaceticola; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Wachtliella persicariae; Iteomyia major; Neuroterus anthracinus; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Andricus lignicola; Trioza remota; Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus quercuscalicis and Cynips divisa.

Insects were in poor form today, a sign of the tough year and the ongoing pressures created by people. We did record 82 species though, these were:- 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Marsh Damsel Bug (Nabis limbatus); 1 * Brassy Y Moth (Argyresthia goedartella); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper (Pseudochorthippus parallelus); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 1 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 2 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis); 3 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 2 * Mirid Bug (Pithanus maerkelii); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 2 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Weevil (Cionus tuberculosus); 1 * Weevil (Cionus tuberculosus); 1 * Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum); 2 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Essex Skipper (Thymelicus lineola); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Yarrow Plume (Gillmeria pallidactyla); 1 * Common Plume (Emmelina monodactyla); 1 * Bishop's Mitre (Aelia acuminata); 2 *Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 1 * Waisted Bee Grabber (Physocephala rufipes); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 1 * Snail Killing Fly (Coremacera marginata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 3 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 3 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 5 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 15 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 3 * Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 3 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug nymph (Kleidocerys resedae); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 5 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator); 3 * Small Red Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma viridulum); 1 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 3 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io) and a few gatherings of Cinnabar Moth larvae Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

The bird list that I kept was comprised of 10 species:- Magpie; Long Tailed Tit; Mallard; Grey Heron; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Collared Dove; Goldfinch; Moorhen and Carrion Crow.

5 oddments added were:- Shiny Woodlouse; Green Cellar Slug; Netted Slug; 1* Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg) and 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii).

With 16 fungal examples seen the end tally was 230 species. I think the cuppas at the end were well deserved.

23rd July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A busy day at work, the dinner break was spent reading a horror novel, 'Hell House' - very nice. I took a different route home but didn't dawdle, I saw signs of the developing larvae of the fly (Botanophila seneciella) - it was quite plentiful in the heads of Common Ragwort.

I also saw:- Mugwort; Tufted Vetch; Great Willowherb; Red Clover; Black Medick and Restharrow in flower.

The small smattering on insects recorded were:- 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 5 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Eriothrix rufomaculata) and 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

22nd July 2024 - Bruntwood Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early morning walk, a coffee and back home for 11am in time to do some tidying and see to the window man. Despite it being early and the clouds hanging low I saw a few insects:- 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 3 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 18 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 37 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Common Green Leafhopper (Cicadella viridis); 8 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 7 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 7 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis); 4 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 3 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae); 3 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Notch Horned Cleg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) and a few good gatherings of Horse Chestnut Leaf Miners (Cameraria ohridella).

The few Galls recorded today were:- Cynips longiventris; Mikiola fagi; Hartigiola annulipes; Neuroterus numismalis; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Trioza remota; Andricus quercuscalicis; Andricus kollari; Psyllopsis fraxinia agg and Eriophyes leiosoma.

I only pondered a few flowers today, these were:- Betony; Hogweed; Common Ragwort; Self-Heal; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yellow Rattle; Purple Loosestrife and Tufted Vetch.

21st July 2024 - Hatchmere, Cheshire - After some lunch we parked up, had a coffee and did a circular walk. Flowers in bloom were;- Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Gypsywort; Yellow Loosestrife; Hedge Woundwort; Meadowsweet; Purple Loosestrife; Hogweed; Greater Plantain; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Bittersweet; Broad Leaved Dock; Daisy; Common Ragwort; Bramble agg; Enchanter's Nightshade; Wood Avens; White Clover; Himalayan Balsam; Self-Heal; Fool's Water Cress; Silverweed; Common Valerian; Marsh Thistle; Wood Dock; Garlic Mustard; Great Willowherb; Nipplewort; Red Campion; Ribwort Plantain; Climbing Corydalis and Rosebay Willowherb.

We also saw the Galls (Dasineura ulmaria) and (Eriophyes inangulis); Pendulous Sedge and the following insects:- 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Leafhopper (Ulopa reticulata); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

21st July 2024 - Abbot's Moss, Cheshire - A walk with the missus and a catch up with local gent Paul 'Doc' Brewster. We had a right old natter and a decnt mooch. Insects were far from prolific but we did manage to record:- 10 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 14 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 5 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 2 * Emerald Damselfly (Vespula vulgaris); 5 * Bog Bush Cricket (Metrioptera brachyptera); 5 * Leafhopper (Ulopa reticulata); 4 * Black Darter (Sympetrum danae); 3 * Tachinid Fly (Linnaemya vulpina); 5 * Heather Bug (Kleidocerys ericae); 2 * Spiked Shieldbug (Picromerus bidens); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 3 * Common Groundhopper (Tetrix undulata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Common Blue Damselffly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus); 1 * Tree Damsel Bug (Himacerus apterus); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 2 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricula); 1 * Common Heath (Ematurga atomaria); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Dock Bug nymph (Coreus marginatus); 3 * Bishop's Mitre (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Diamond Back Moth (Plutella xylostella); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Mother of Pearl Moth (Pleuroptya ruralis); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata); 1 * Dingy Footman (Eilema griseola); 1 * Leafhopper (Populicerus populi agg); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Narrow Winged Pug (Eupithecia nanata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Globiceps fulvicollis); 1 * Marsh Damselbug (Nabis limbatus); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Leafhopper (Cixius nervosus) 3 * Beautiful Yellow Underwing larva (Anarta myrtilli) and 5 * Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

We also saw several stages and variations of the Four Spotted Orb Weaver (Araneus quadratus) and a couple of specimens of the Jumping Spider (Evarcha arcuata). The Harvestman (Platybunus triangularis); Several Common Lizards, a Leopard Slug, Shiny and Striped Woodlouse; White Lipped Banded Snail and several baby Common Frogs were also spied as well as a Raven and a Blackbird.

We identified Colarado Spruce too, although I bet the recording authorities won't accept it.

Galls listed were:- Hartigiola annulipes; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Aceria macrochela; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Dasineura pteridis; Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus kollari; Trioza remota; Jaapiella veronicae agg and Cynips divisa.

Flowers in bloom were recorded by my good lady, these were:- Nipplewort; Goosegrass; Great Willowherb; Herb Robert; Bramble agg; Rosebay Willowherb; Red Campion; Common Ragwort; White Clover; Pineappleweed; Greater Plantain; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Musk Mallow; Spear Thistle; Hogweed; Ribwort Plantain; Creeping Thistle; Broad Leaved Dock; Self-Heal; Wood Avens; Perforate St John's-Wort; Upright Hedge Parsley; Common Centaury; Gorse; Tormentil; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Lesser Trefoil; Common Stork's-Bill; Black Medick; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Greater Burdock; Curl Leaved Dock; Dandelion agg; Yarrow; Himalayan Balsam; Enchanter's Nightshade; Elder; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Honeysuckle; Foxglove; Bush Vetch; Ground Ivy; Silverweed and Hedge Mustard.

20th July 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A bit more moth as the Saturday was rammed with shopping and footy. Today's catch included:- 1 * Dark/Grey Dagger agg; 1 * Ancylis achatana; 9 * Box Moth; 6 * Swallow-Tailed Moth; 3 * Brimstone; 5 * Riband Wave f. remutata; 16 * Bird Cherry Ermine; 5 * Marbled Beauty; 2 * Carcina quercana; 3 * Clay; 3 * Bee Moth; 1 * Clouded Border; 1 * Fan-Foot; 3 * Common Rustic agg; 2 * Common Emerald; 3 * Mother of Pearl; 2 * Riband Wave; 2 * Common Plume; 1 * Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing; 1 * Light Brown Apple Moth; 1 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner; 2 * Dun-Bar; 1 * Crassa unitella; 1 * Dot Moth; 1 * The Uncertain; 1 * Acrobasis advenella; 3 * Dark Arches; 1 * Anania coronata; 1 * Apple Leaf Miner; 1 * Diamond Back Moth; 1 * Tachystola acroxantha; 1 * Early Thorn; 1 * Blastobasis adustella; 1 * Brown House Moth; 1 * Double Striped Pug; 1 * Bryotropha affinis and 1 * Water Veneer.

The trap also attracted:- 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 2 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 1 * Common Earwing (Forficula auricula); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

In the bathroom were:- 1 * Herald; 1 * Riband Wave f. remutata; 1 * Swallow-Tailed Moth and 1 * 20 Plume Moth.

17th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - Another busy day at work, I was allowed to finish early after a good stint (my boss is very decent). I spent a good hour in a meadow I pass by on my way home. It is a small patch of grass, 50 metres by 30 metres at most, it is worth checking and recording at these places and, if done on a gentle way, it helps ease the carcass of its aches, pains and niggles. Today I enjoyed the company of:- 3 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 14 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 7 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 15 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 3 * Hoary Bell (Eucosma cana); 7 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 3 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Green Leaf-Hopper (Cicadella viridis); 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi) and 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans).

A few flowers that I paused to admire were:- Pyramidal Orchid; Goat's-Rue; Yellow Loosestrife; Purple Loosestrife; Meadow Crane's-Bill and Musk Mallow.

Quaking Grass was also enjoyed.

15th July 2024 - Banky Meadow, Sale, G. Manchester - A good bike ride, a cuppa at the Riverside Cafe and then a meet-up with a few fine folk. I was disciplined today and only kept a tally on insects and a few other species rather than record everything. I am striving to change the approach as I want to venture into different areas and of course, not overstretch myself.

Good news came in the form of decent numbers of Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and Green Leaf-Hopper (Cicadella viridis). The insect list was made up of:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); 2 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 5 * Pale Straw Pearl (Udea lutealis); 5 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 2 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 2 * Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus discolor); 7 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Metrioptera roeselii); 3 * European Cinch Bug (Ischnodemus sabuleti); 4 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 1 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 5 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Spiked Shieldbug (Picromerus bidens); 2 * Weevil (Cionus tuberculosus); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 5 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Golden Bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle (Agapanthia villosoviridescens); 2 * Hoverfly (Eristalis nemorum); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria); 3 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis); 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 3 * 14 Spot ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Nettle Pollen Bug (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassidia rubiginosa); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Leafhopper (Evacanthus interruptus); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 5 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee agg (Bombus lucorum); 1 * Broad Damselbug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 1 * Fruit Fly (Anomoia purmunda) and 3 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus).

The only other species noted were:- 2 * Spider (Larionoides cornutus); 2 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii) and the Gall (Taphrina tosquinetii).

A few plants that I did ponder were:- Common Valerian; Water Figwort; Grass Vetchling; Hoary Willowherb; Perforate St John's-Wort; Slender Tare and Common Fleabane.

14th July 2024 - Risley Moss, Warrington, Cheshire - A quiet walk uner grey skies. I am winding down on the wildlife front for many reasons, the key at the moment though is to get walking and catch-up on many outstanding things. Insects today were lowly although we didn't really look:- 1 * Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa); 15 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Common Footman (Eilema lurideola); 1 * Straw Grass Moth (Agriphila straminella); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 1 * Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea) and 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis).

The couple of Galls seen were:- Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Chirosia betuleti and Dasineura pteridis.

Flowers in bloom were:- Ribwort Plantain; Red Campion; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Thale Cress; Dandelion agg; Wood Avens; Foxglove; Wood Dock; Rosebay Willowherb; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; Self-Heal; Hogweed; Spear Thistle; Common Nettle; Hedge Bindweed; Goosegrass; Herb Robert; Creeping Thistle; Bramble agg and Great Willowherb.

A few baby Frogs were seen too.

13th July 2024 - Didsbury, Stockport, G. Manchester - A 2 mile cycle, some jogging and then a walk around the perimeter of a sports field. The few insects seen were:- 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 11 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

A few flowers noted were:- White Clover; Red Clover; Large Bindweed; Curl Leaved Dock; Ribwort Plantain; Self-Heal; Bramble agg; Great Willowherb; Cow Parsley; Rosebay Willowherb and Meadow Crane's-Bill.

Galls picked out were:- Cynips divisa; Andricus foecundatrix; Mikiola fagi; Sphenella marginata and Euura pedunculi.

The only birds noted were:- Grey Heron; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow and Wood Pigeon.

11th July 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - I finished work early to get to the docs. The heart is jumping but the doc says it sounds OK, the blood pressure is not bad and all seems good - I reckon I am a victim of stress, what is new there then? Pootling back through this local park and I saw:- 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus).

Sphenella marginata and Taphrina tosquinetii were the only galls seen.

9th July 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking home and I had a check of a back alley I keep some records. Today the small area produced the following colourful blooms:- Feverfew; Hedge Woundwort; Spear Thistle; Bramble agg; Purple Toadflax; Wild Strawberry; Herb Robert; Sweet Chestnut; Greater Plantain; Creeping Buttercup; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Common Nettle; Shining Crane's-Bill; Wood Avens; Nipplewort; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Common Ragwort; Broad Leaved Dock; Enchanter's Nightshade; Goosegrass; Rosebay Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Welsh Poppy; Garlic Mustard and Green Alkanet.

Insects were represented by;- 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

The Gall (Mikiola fagi) was also seen.

8th July 2024 - Sale Water Park, G. Manchester - Up early, out on the bike, a mooch and a coffee and home for 1pm.  I only checked a few areas, some were void of life and riddled with dogs and people on phones, others were tucked away and still there was evidence of great disturbance.  The green land is under the cosh that is for sure.

Insects recorded today were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Tephritis neesii); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum festivum); 1 * Snipe-Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum bicinctum); 2 * Thick Headed Fly (Sicus ferrugineus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 3 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 5 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 10 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 4 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 8 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea); 8 * Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Mother of Pearl (Pleuroptya ruralis); 3 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 5 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 5 * Shaded Broad Bar (Scotopteryx chenopodiata); 2 * Hoverfly (Sphaerophoria scripta); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 11 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Hoverfly (Eristalinus sepulchralis); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Common Green Sheildbug nymph (Palomena prasina); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Forest Shieldbug (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * 14 Spot ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 3 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 3 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Timothy Tortrix (Aphelia paleana); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Metrioptera roeselii); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) plus an abundance of Common Blue Damselflies (Enallagma cyathigerum); a small gathering of Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae) and a Ruby Tailed Wasp (Chrysis agg).

The flower list was made up of:- Herb Robert; Ox-Eye Daisy; Hedge Bedstraw; Common Ragwort; White Clover; Spear Thistle; Tall Melilot; Wild Carrot; Hogweed; Great Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Meadow Vetchling; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Ground Elder; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Rosebay Willowherb; Bush Vetch; Common Knapweed; Tufted Vetch; Self-Heal; Hoary Willowherb; Ribwort Plantain; Meadow Buttercup; Red Clover; Perforate St John's Wort; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Black Medick; Broad leaved Dock; Daisy; Lesser Stitchwort; Hedge Woundwort; Slender Tare; Buddleia; Fox and Cubs; Wood Sage; Greater Plantain; Garlic Mustard; Wood Avens; Hedge Mustard; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Pineappleweed; Nipplewort; Enchanter's Nightshade; Himalayan Balsam; Common Figwort; Creeping Buttercup; Gypsywort; Wood Dock; Elder; Goosegrass; Greater Burnet; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Meadowsweet; Skullcap; Broad Leaved Dock and Marsh Woundwort.

The few birds I noted were:- Mute Swan; Reed Bunting; Common Tern; Magpie; Jay and a couple of Ravens.

The only Galls listed were Eriophyes inangulis and Dasineura kiefferiana.

7th July 2024 - Idle Valley NR, Nottinghamshire - Our 3rd visit to one of our favourite sites. The weather was mixed with one downpour putting the dampers on any serious bug huntng. We had a nice time nonetheless and only got the binoculars out once, whilst in the cafe having a brew and some victuals. It weren't a bad do at all.

The flower lists comprised of:- Ribwort Plantain; Cow Parsley; Large Bindweed; Hedge Mustard; Daisy; Scarlet Pimpernel; Enchanter's Nightshade; Green Alkanet; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Yarrow; Creeping Cinquefoil; Black Horehound; Honeysuckle; Tufted Vetch; Wood Dock; Hedge Bindweed; Red Bartsia; Sweet Chestnut; Garlic Mustard; Lesser Stitchwort; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Lesser Trefoil; Teasel; Meadow Buttercup; Hop Trefoil; Goat's-Beard; Pineappleweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Parsley Piert; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Brooklime; Biting Stonecrop; Wild Privet; Wood Sage; Herb Robert; Marjoram; New Zealand Pygmyweed; Common Field Speedwell; Monkeyflower; Common Vetch; Common Fleabane; Spear Thistle; Crosswort; Greater Plantain; Yellow-Rattle; Red Clover; Gypsywort; Buddleia; Dandelion agg; White Dead Nettle; Lesser Burdock; Wood Avens; Marsh Thistle; Ragged Robin; Common Centaury; Yellow-Wort; Field Pepperwort; Hare's-Foot Clover; Small Flowered Crane's-Bill; Curl Leaved Dock; Common Knapweed; Ox-Eye Daisy; Germander Speedwell; Common Poppy; Hogweed; Red Campion; Rosebay Willowherb; Perforate St John's-Wort; Large Flowered Evening Primrose; Weld; Common Mouse Ear; Common Cudweed; Marsh Cudweed; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Common Knotgrass; Redshank; Hairy Tare; Creeping Buttercup; Upright Hedge Parsley; Field Pansy; White Campion; Marsh Woundwort; Meadowsweet; Elder; Water Figwort; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Hoary Willowherb; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Prickly Sow Thistle; Goosegrass; Hemlock; Silverweed; Meadow Vetchling; Back Medick; Southern Marsh Orchid; Self-Heal; White Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Nettle; Common Ragwort; Creeping Thistle; Great Willowherb and Bramble agg.

The gall list comprised of:- Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Dasineura urticae; Euura proxima; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Aceria macrochela; Andricus kollari; Andricus foecundatrix; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Eriophyes inangulis; Acalitus brevitarsus; Sphenella marginata; Diplolepis rosae; Dasineura kiefferiana; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Dasineura marginemtorquens and Cynips divisa.

Insects were made up of:- 1 * Opomyzid Fly (Opomyza petrei); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 2 * Marbled Bell Moth (Eucosma campoliliana); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper nymph (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Tephritis formosa); 5 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Mirid Bug (Notostira elongata); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * Four Barred Major Soldier Fly (Oxycera rara); 1 * Mirid Bug (Campyloneura virgula); 1 * Tiger Crane Fly (Nephrotoma scurra); 1 * Thick Headed Fly (Sicus ferrugineus); 5 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Roeseliana roeselii); 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma cornicina); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 7 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 7 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 5 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Mirid Bug (Pithanus maerkelii); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 2 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 7 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 3 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 2 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 5 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 2 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 4 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 2 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum festivum); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 3 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Blood-Vein (Timandra comae); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Chorthippus parallelus); 1 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) and 3 * Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

The few bird species listed were:- Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Goldfinch; Reed Warbler; Carrion Crow; Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Moorhen; Jackdaw; Skylark; Chiffchaff; Mallard; Blackbird; Kestrel; Swift and Dunnock.

The extras added were:- 2 * Rabbit; White Lipped Banded Snail; Garden Snail; Greater Reedmace; Cock's-Foot Grass; Amber Snail; Brown Lipped Snail and Shiny Woodlouse.

6th July 2024 - Daneshill Lakes, Torhill, Nottinghamshire - A new area and after a garden centre visit for some food and coffee we had another warm brew and made tracks. The insect list comprised of:- 1 * Kite-Tailed Robberfly (Machimus atricapillus); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 1 * Opomyzid Fly (Opomyza florum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Bracken Bug (Monalocoris filicis); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird larvae (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 5 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 10 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 10 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 5 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima); 7 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 10 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 3 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Snout (Hypena proboscidalis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Drone-Fy (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 2 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 2 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Weevil (Cionus tuberculosus) and a few Cinnabar Moth larvae (Tyria jacobaeae).

Also added were:- 2 * Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); 2 * Harvestman (Leiobunum rotundum); White Lipped Banded Snail and Pendulous Sedge.

Galls listed were:- Diplolepis nervosa; Dasineura kiefferiana; Dasineura urticae; Neuroterus quercusbaccarum; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Diplolepis eglanteriae/nervosa agg; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Andricus aries; Taphrina alni; Andricus foecundatrix and Eriophyes inangulis.

The flower list was made up of:- Agrimony; Hogweed; Herb Robert; Hedge Woundwort; Bramble agg; Great Willowherb; Buddleia; Creeping Buttercup; Common Figwort; Rosebay Willowherb; Foxglove; Marsh Thistle; Perforate St John's-Wort; Bittersweet; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Red Campion; Wood Avens; Enchanter's Nightshade; Ribwort Plantain; Daisy; Upright Hedge Parsley; Common Ragwort; Self-Heal; Elder; Spear Thistle; Yellow-Rattle; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Curl Leaved Dock; Rosebay Willowherb; Meadow Vetchling; Wood Dock; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Common Centaury; White Clover; Lesser Trefoil; Hemlock; Meadowsweet; Creeping Cinquefoil; Skullcap; Lesser Burdock; Common Mallow; New Zealand Pygmyweed; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Tufted Vetch; Common Toadflax; Nipplewort; Wild Strawberry; Marsh Woundwort; Scarlet Pimpernel; Canadian Fleabane; Hoary Willowherb; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill and Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil.

We also added:- Swallow; Tufted Duck; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; House Martin; Mallard; Moorhen; Carrion Crow; Dunnock; Coot; Feral Greylag Goose; Great Tit and Wren.

6th July 2024 - Conisbrough Castle, Doncaster, N. Yorkshire - We set off early and had a lovely sun-soaked pootle around this fine ruin. Of course I kept an eye on the blooms, these included:- Germander Speedwell; Daisy; Broad Leaved Willowherb; White Clover; Common Nettle; Oxford Ragwort; Ground Elder; Spear Thistle; Pineappleweed; Yarrow; Marjoram; Field Scabious; Ox-Eye Daisy; Goosegrass; Bramble agg; Pellitory of the Wall; Red Valerian; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Black Medick; Dandelion agg; Self-Heal; Wall Speedwell; Creeping Buttercup; Hogweed; Creeping Cinquefoil; Creeping Thistle; Elder; Greater Plantain; Cow Parsley; Nipplewort; White Dead Nettle; Great Willowherb; Common Ragwort and Rosebay Willowherb.

We also saw the Galls (Trioza centranthi) and (Psyllopsis fraxini agg) and the following insects:- 5 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 10 * Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 12 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) and 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).

Also added were:- Wood Pigeon; Goldfinch; Ash and Beech.

5th July 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - Work done, a cycle, a coffee and a short pootle before heading home. Insects seen were:- 4 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 4 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 3 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 3 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Smoky Wainscot (Mythimna impura); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper (Omocestus viridulus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 4 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysotoxum festivum); 20 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 10 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona laternaria).

Yellow Loosestrife was now in flower.

3rd July 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - Cycling home and a 30 minute check around the car park near Didsbury Road. It is looking like a lush area and the flowers in bloom were:- Wood Dock; Herb Robert; Meadowsweet; Creeping Buttercup; Creeping Thistle; Meadow Vetchling; Purple Loosestrife; Common Nettle; Himalayan Balsam; Dandelion agg; Lesser Trefoil; Ribwort Plantain; Great Willowherb; Bramble agg; White Clover; Wood Avens; Dotted Loosestrife; Groundsel; Hogweed; Common Ragwort; Hedge Woundwort; Meadow Buttercup; Red Campion; Buddleia; Large Bindweed; Ox-Eye Daisy; Fox and Cubs; Self-Heal; Figwort; Red Clover; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Knapweed; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Curl Leaved Dock; Broad Leaved Dock; Lady's Mantle agg; Creeping Cinquefoil; Black Medick; Hairy Tare; Common Centaury and Greater Plantain plus Teasel and Rosebay Willowherb on the cusp of flowering.

The few insects seen were:- 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

I also noted Pendulous Sedge and the Gall (Dasineura ulmaria).

1st July 2024 - Chester, Cheshire - After leading the morning walk we headed to a cafe we know, had lunch and a brdw, pootled around the shops in Chester and then counted some flowers growing alongside the river walk. The list comprised of:- Common Mallow; Perforate St John's-Wort; Black Horehound; Lesser Trefoil; Nipplewort; Green Alkanet; Hogweed; Fox and Cubs; Water Figwort; Dandelion agg; Spear Thistle; Buddleia; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Hedge Mustard; Red Clover; Oxford Ragwort; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Elder; Daisy; Common Knotrass; Groundsel; White Clover; Creeping Thistle; Meadowsweet; Monkey Flower; Himalayan Balsam; Shepherd's Purse; Common Ragwort; Marsh Woundwort; Great Willowherb; Large Bindweed; Greater Plantain; Enchanter's Nightshade; Creeping Cinquefoil; Black Medick; Yarrow; Curl Leaved Dock; Goosegrass; Hemlock; Wood Avens; Shining Crane's- Bill; Ground Elder and Canadian Fleabane.

We also saw:- Cormorant; Magpie; Swallow; Wood Pigeon; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Starling; Blackbird and House Martin plus 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum).

1st July 2024 - Caldy Valley Nature Park, Chester, Cheshire - A walk leading a fine group with the main focus being bugs and blooms. The weather was forecast rain and although the clouds hung low the first drops that fell were when we were just back at the car park - magic.

The flowers in bloom were:- Meadowsweet; Meadow Buttercup; Daisy; Great Willowherb; Creeping Thistle; Hogweed; Common Nettle; White Clover; Yarrow; Red Clover; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Meadow Vetchling; Tufted Vetch; Yarrow; Yellow-Rattle; Hairy Tare; Hedge Bedstraw; Wild Carrot; Silverweed; Red Campion; Hedge Woundwort; Garlic Mustard; Elder; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Nipplewort; Cow Parsley; Wood Avens; Herb Robert; Ground Elder; Bramble agg; Pineappleweed; Comfrey agg; Bush Vetch; Common Knapweed; Purple Loosestrife; Ribwort Plantain; Himalayan Balsam; Fool's Water Cress; Brooklime; 3 Cornered Leek and Enchanter's Nightshade.

Insects were represented by:- 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 2 * Mirid Bug (Dicyphus epilobii); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 3 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 2 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 3 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 10 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 2 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Notch Horned Cleg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) and 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis).

The few galls thrown in were:- Steneotarsonemus phragmitidis; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Euura proxima; Dasineura pustulans; Dasineura urticae; Dasineura ulmaria; Agathomyia wankowiczii; Aceria macrochela; Blennocampa phyllocolpa and Cecidophyes rouhollahi.

We also added the Harvestman (Opilio canestrinii); Cock's-Foot Grass; Pendulous Sedge; Common Horsetail; Hart's-Tongue Fern; Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and plenty of Amber Snails (Succinea putris).

The small bird list comprised of:- Grey Heron; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Moorhen and Mallard.

30th June 2024 - Alexandra Park, Oldham, G. Manchester - A walk with the lasses just to stretch the legs and clear the noggins. Coffee and cake, a short pootle and home. The weather was cloudy and cool, it was welcome to be fair.

The handful of galls recorded were:- Aceria tenella; Eriophyes tiliae; Aceria nervisequa; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes inangulis; Aceria macrochela; Acalitus stenaspis and Eriophyes leiosoma.

Flowers in bloom were:- Wall Lettuce; Common Ragwort; Common Field Speedwell; Self-Heal; White Clover; Yellow Flag Iris; Purple Loosestrife; Marsh Woundwort; Greater Willowherb; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Goosegrass; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Wood Avens; Ribwort Plantain; Large Bindweed; Bramble agg; Elder; Lesser Trefoil; Himalayan Balsam; Hedge Woundwort; Hogweed; Broad Leaved Dock; Creeping Thistle; Tufted Vetch; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Red Clover; Bush Vetch; Germander Speedwell; Nipplewort; Yellow Rattle; Ox-Eye Daisy; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Curl Leaved Dock; Thale Cress; Pineappleweed; Procumbent Pearlwort; Common Mouse Ear; Foxglove; Ground Elder; Greater Plantain; Shepherd's Purse and Groundsel.

The only insects noted were:- 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

The only birds added were:- Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Robin; Magpie; Coot; Moorhen; Feral Pigeon; Wood Pigeon and Grey Heron - there were more more my listing today was secondary.

29th June 2024 - Manor Park, Glossop, Derbyshire - A terse walk with the missus before a pootle around the local shops. Flowers in bloom were:- Herb Robert; Common Nettle; Wood Avens; Creeping Buttercup; Hogweed; Welsh Poppy; Bramble agg; Daisy; Groundsel; Hedge Woundwort; Shepherd's Purse; Nipplewort; Ground Elder; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Ribwort Plantain; Meadow Buttercup; White Clover; Self-Heal; Foxglove; Cow Parsley; Goosegrass; Marsh Thistle; Himalayan Balsam and Green Alkanet.

The few galls noted were:- Pseudomicrostroma juglandis; Dasineura urticae; Taxomyia taxi; Eriophyes tiliae; Eriophyes leiosoma; Eriophyes exilis; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Aceria erinea; Aceria nervisequa; Acalitus stenaspis; Trioza remota; Eriophyes inangulis; Acalitus brevitarsus and Eriophyes laevis.

Insects were few, the ones seen were:- 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe grossulariae); 4 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Tachinid Fly (Dexiosoma caninum); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae) and 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus).

The few birds recorded were:- Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Moorhen; Feral Pigeon; Jackdaw; Tufted Duck; Black Headed Gull; Mallard and Blackbird.

28th June 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short stretch of the Mersey was recorded at before the legs started whirring and I dashed for home. I saw a few insects:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Picture Winged Fly (Tephritis bardanae); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * (Apis mellifera); 1 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 1 * Southern Silver Stiletto Fly (Cliorismia rustica); 2 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

Also added were 7 Swifts, a few Black Headed Gulls and a Mandarin Duck. Greater Burnet and Hedge Bedstraw were now in flower.

28th June 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A blood test at the doctors, a soaking in the rain and then the good lady dropped me off at work. No phones, no computer connection so a quick tidy and a long walk to Didsbury. Breakfast and a coffee, a walk around this well-known area - my feet ended up sodden, the weather was iffy but I saw the following insects:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Deraeocoris ruber); 1 * Notch Horned Cleg (Haematopota pluvialis); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Little Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus asiliformis); 3 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 3 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 4 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Face Fly (Musca autumnalis); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Vine Weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 8 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 6 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 4 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 25 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 5 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 7 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Timothy Tortrix (Zelotherses paleana); 2 * Leafhopper (Evacanthus interruptus); 6 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 4 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona laternaria); 1 * Mirid Bug (Plagiognathus arbustorum); 1 * Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Click Beetle (Hemicrepidius hirtus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum).

The only flowers recorded were:- Purple Loosestrife; Brooklime; Wood Dock; Broad Leaved Dock; Curl Leaved Dock; Hoary Willowherb and Great Willowherb.

A couple of large Leopard Slugs (Limax maximus) were enjoyed along with 4 Jays.

25th June 2024 - Flint Castle, Flintshire - Another walk led, this being another for the Signpost adult carers. We pootled around the castle, had a walk along the coast and through the woods and done. Nothing too intense was had, it was just nice to get some good folk out and away from their stressful situations. The flowers I noted that were in bloom were:- Oxford Ragwort; Sea Milkwort; Buddleia; Bramble agg; White Clover; Red Clover; Ground Elder; Lesser Trefoil; Herb Robert; Nipplewort; Large Bindweed; Creeping Cinquefoil; Meadow Buttercup; Tufted Vetch; Sea Plantain; Thrift; Meadow Vetchling; Creeping Thistle; Foxglove; Sea Beet; Common Toadflax; Greater Sea Spurrey; Common Spotted Orchid; Bird's Foot Trefoil; Upright Hedge Parsley; Scarlet Pimpernel; Common Nettle; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Hop Trefoil and Hedge Woundwort.

Bird species picked out were:- House Martin; Swallow; Goldfinch; Wood Pigeon; Shelduck; Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Oystercatcher and Blackbird.

Again, the insects were not around, all I saw were:- 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris); 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) and 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus).

24th June 2024 - Bridgewater Canal, Stretford, G. Manchester - A cycle and after a 150 metre walk down the canal I had to turn back. I was out of gas, the virus was getting to me so a coffee was needed. During the short stretch I did a spot of half-arsed botanising, the blooms noted were:- Red Clover; Ox-Eye Daisy; Yarrow; Wood Avens; Red Campion; Hedge Bedstraw; Square Stalked St John's-Wort; Herb Robert; Ribwort Plantain; Daisy; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Cow Parsley; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Hogweed; Buddleia; Common Nettle; Goosegrass; Large Bindweed; Multi-Flowered Rose; Self-Heal; Common Comfrey; Creeping Buttercup; White Clover; Broad Leaved Dock; Dandelion agg; Bramble agg; Greater Celandine; Ground Elder; Pineappleweed; Rosebay Willowherb; Himalayan Balsam; Creeping Thistle; Lesser Trefoil; Common Ragwort; Spear Thistle; Common Knapweed; Southern Marsh Orchid and Wild Carrot.

The only insects seen were:- 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) and 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).

Also added were a few birds:- Swift; House Sparrow; Feral Pigeon and Carrion Crow.

23rd June 2023 - Appleton Meadows and Woodland/Grappleton Wall Gardens, Cheshire - I was leading walk 470 today, I was still under the weather and in the heat was not at full-steam but, a few folk turned up, we pootled on and during the walk proper we saw the following insects:- 1 * Great Blackclock Beetle (Pterostichus niger); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Four Barred Knapweed Gall Fly (Urophora quadrifasciata); 1 * Notch-Horned Clegg (Haematopota pluvialis); 1 * Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus); 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus vestalis); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 3 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Cinnamon Bug (Corizus hyoscyami); 2 * Welsh Chafer (Hoplia philanthus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Alder Spittle Bug nymph (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Common Green Grasshopper nymph (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 2 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 3 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 5 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 2 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 3 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigra) and a small gathering of Peacock larvae (Aglais io).

My flower list keeping was sketchy but I did note:- Red Clover; Dandelion agg; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Lesser Trefoil; Self-Heal; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Bramble agg; Herb Robert; Garlic Mustard; Red Campion; Foxglove; Hogweed; Grass Vetchling; Giant Hogweed; Nipplewort; Prickly Sow Thistle; Shepherd's Purse; Tufted Vetch; Common Field Speedwell; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Common Knapweed and Goosegrass.

The few galls pondered were:- Aceria nervisequa; Acalitus stenaspis; Eriophyes leiosoma; Aceria cephalonea; Biorhiza pallida; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Andricus kollari; Trioza remota and Eriophyes crataegi.

Other additions included:- White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum) and (Opilio canestrinii).

We also added Sweet Vernal Grass and Pendulous Sedge.

The only birds recorded were:- Common Buzzard; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Robin and Magpie.

After a trip to the local cafe, a good chat and wind down we pootled around a small art exhibition and then had a short wander around the gardens. To the days tally we added a few more insect species:- 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 1* Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle (Rutpela maculata); 1 * Cinnabar Moth (Tyria jacobaeae); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Red Eyed Damselfly (Erythromma najas); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator); 3 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 3 * Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) and 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata).

Elder; Dotted Loosestrife; Greater Celandine; Skullcap; Yellow Water Lily; Meadowsweet; Yellow Flag Iris; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Hemp Agrimony; Bird's Foot Trefoil and Groundsel were all in bloom with Procumbent Pearlwort now producing seeds.

Eriophyes inangulis, a Smooth Newt; Common Frog; Branched Bur Reed; Moorhen and Coot were the final things jotted down.

22nd June 2024 - Highfield CP, Levenshulme, G. Manchester - Full of the lurgy and aching all over, I had the first of two walks to lead this weekend and by heck it was hard getting up. 3 hours in the field with a fine bunch, a gentle pootle with nothing to intense indulged in. The insects were noticeable by their absence, it was shocking to see. We cracked on the though, the weather was kind and we saw:- 1 * Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenotus binotatus); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 4 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Garden Chafer (Phyllopertha horticola); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Hoverfly (Parhelophilus frutetorum); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Mirid Bug (Megaloceroea recticornis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) and 10 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi).

Galls added included:- Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Trioza remota; Andricus aries; Andricus lignicola; Andricus kollari and Eriophyes inangulis.

Flowers listed were:- Yellow-Rattle; Bee Orchid; Creeping Buttercup; Daisy; Common Nettle; Shepherd's Purse; Bramble agg; Hogweed; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Bush Vetch; Common Vetch; Black Medick; White Clover; Large Bindweed; Meadow Buttercup; Red Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Claridge Druce’s Crane’s-Bill; Garlic Mustard; Elder; Dandelion agg; Ox-Eye Daisy; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Red Campion; Silverweed; Meadow Vetchling and Goat's-Beard.

Oddments added were:- Cock's-Foot Grass (Dactylis glomerata); Crested Dog's Tail (Cynosurus cristatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and 2 Common Frogs (Rana temporaria).

The only birds I picked out were a Blackbird and a Magpie, it kinda says how I was struggling to concentrate.

21st June 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A cycle, a coffee, a sprawl on a bench and read which nearly saw me nod off. The ass was shaken and I strolled home and recorded a few insects:- 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio tringarius); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 4 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Muscid Fly (Graphomya maculata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 10 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 4 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 3 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 8 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 4 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Semaphore Fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus); 3 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) and 2 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata).

A few flowers noted in bloom were:- Brooklime; Pick-A-Back Plant; Himalayan Balsam and Enchanter's Nightshade.

The few galls listed were:- Dasineura urticae; Dasineura ulmaria and Dasineura pustulans.

17th June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - 4 moths in the bathroom, Tachystola acroxantha; Flame Carpet; Light Emerald and Small Magpie - a small mix in a year that has seen the lepidopterans get hammered.

Later in the day I did some gardening, I saw singles of:- Common Nettle Groundbug (Heterogaster urticae); Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) and 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

17th June 2024 - Chorlton Park, G. Manchester - A quick veer off course whilst heading home. A few sightings on a dreary day included:- Black Locust in flower; Whitebeam in fruit; Silver Birch with catkins; Horse Chestnut in fruit and Hogweed in lovely flower.

The few insects recorded were:- 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 5 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

Dasineura urticae; Andricus lignicola; Aceria fraxinivora and Eriophyes sorbi.

4 Starlings and 1 Blackbird completed the small list.

17th June 2024 - Longford Park, Stretford, G. Manchester - A good cycle, a casual pootle and a coffee. The flowers in bloom were:- Ox-Eye Daisy; Greater Plantain; Welsh Poppy; Prickly Sow Thistle; Foxglove; Hogweed; Ground Elder; Hedge Mustard; Red Dead Nettle; Garlic Mustard; Groundsel; Pineappleweed; Red Clover; Common Vetch; Meadowsweet; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Ribwort Plantain; Yellow Flag Iris; Common Figwort; Self-Heal; Daisy; Goosegrass; Green Alkanet; Common Valerian; Wood Avens; Elder; Purple Toadflax; Common Nettle; Creeping Buttercup; Broad Leaved Dock; White Clover; Meadow Buttercup; Black Medick; Bittersweet; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Bramble agg; Herb Robert and Nipplewort.

Galls listed were:- Acalitus stenaspis; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Euura pedunculi; Iteomyia capreae; Eriophyes exilis; Contarinia tiliarum; Hartigiola annulipes; Trioza remota; Mikiola fagi and Eriophyes leiosoma.

The small bird list was made up of:- Chaffinch; MIstle Thrush; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Ring Necked Parakeet; Carrion Crow and Blackbird.

Insects were not playing in the slightly chilled weather but I did record:- 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Black Snipe-Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 4 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

16th June 2024 - Strensham Services, Worcestershire - The second stop-off on the way home, a coffee and a stretch of the legs with a few records had. Galls listed were:- Dasineura fraxini; Psyllopsis fraxini; Aceria macrochela and Aceria myriadeum.

Birds noted were few:- Rook; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon and Goldfinch.

Flowers in bloom included:- Daisy; Bittersweet; Elder; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Chickweed; Groundsel; Lesser Trefoil; Ribwort Plantain; Wall Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Hedge Bindweed; Greater Periwinkle; Creeping Cinquefoil; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill and Knotted Hedge Parsley.

The few insect species noted were:- 2 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and a gathering of Parent Bug nymphs (Elasmucha grisea).

16th June 2024 - Cartgate Picnic Area/Services, Somerset - The last day of the trip down south, tra velling back and a stop off for a coffee and a snack. I wanted to do a bit more recorded and in a 30 minute mooch I saw the following blooms:- Daisy; Red Dead Nettle; Self-Heal; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; White Clover; Groundsel; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Common Nettle; Common Ragwort; White Dead Nettle; Red Campion; Creeping Cinquefoil; Yarrow; Ox-Eye Daisy; Cow Parsley; Hedge Woundwort; Elder; Marsh Thistle; Hemlock; Garlic Mustard; Creeping Buttercup; Wood Avens; Ribwort Plantain; Ground Ivy; Meadow Buttercup and Spear Thistle plus Procumbent Pearlwort in seed.

Also added were Field Maple; Ash; Herring Gull; Swift; Magpie and the Galls:- Psyllopsis fraxini; Eriophyes inangulis and Eriophyes sorbi.

15th June 2024 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A day on the island, the weather was up, down and settled. The few insects noted were:- 1 * Soft-Winged Flower Beetle (Psilothrix viridicoerulea); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricula); 3 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 2 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1* Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus discolor); 1 * Hoverfly (Scaeva pyrastri); 2 * Malachite Beetle (Cordylepherus viridis); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 2 * Down Shieldbug nymph (Canthophorus impressus); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Scarce Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura pumilio); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa);1 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Grey Bush Cricket nymph (Platycleis albopunctata); 1 * Fruit Fly (Urophora stylata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolobrata); Ox-Tongue Conch Moth (Neocochylis molliculana) and oodles of Shore Bristletails (Petrobius maritimus).

The birds noted were:- Raven; Herring Gull; Starling; Guillemot; Razorbill; Fulmar; Linnet; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; House Sparrow; Great Black Backed Gull; Manx Shearwater; Gannet; Goldfinch; Pied Wagtail; and Rock Pipit.

I pondered just a few flowers, these were:- Tall Melilot; Wild Privet; Lady's Bedstraw; Wild Clary; Squinancywort; Bastard Toadflax; Yellow Vetchling; Meadow Vetchling; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Greater Sea Spurrey and Rock Sea Lavender.

The only oddments added were the Spiders (Brigittea latens) and (Neoscona adianta).

14th June 2024 - Townsend NR, Dorset - A morn spent shopping and eating in Swanage and then a visit to a reserev we hadn't been to for many a year. As is the current state of play the insect numbers were poor. The species seen included:- 2 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Chorthippus parallelus); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 7 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Cordylepherus viridis); 1 * Great Green Bush Cricket nymph (Tettigonia viridissima); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Dark Bush Cricket nymph (Pholidoptera griseoaptera); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 5 * Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus); 3 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 5 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica) and 1 * Picture Winged Fly (Herina nigrina).

Flowers in bloom were:- White Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Daisy; Red Clover; Dandelion agg; Bulbous Buttercup; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Common Mouse Ear; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bramble agg; Greater Bird's Foot Trefoil; Germander Speedwell; Pyramidal Orchid; Common Vetch; Hedge Woundwort; Cow Parsley; Common Nettle; Stinking Iris; Salad Burnet; Herb Robert; Green Alkanet; Ox-Eye Daisy; Red Bartsia; Agrimony; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Scarlet Pimpernel; Wood Avens; Creeping Buttercup; Bee Orchid; Hoary Plantain; Common Spotted Orchid; Cowslip; Wall Speedwell; Parsley Piert; Goosegrass; Yellow-Wort; Horse-Shoe Vetch; Kidney Vetch; Pale Flax; Self-Heal; Mouse Ear Hawkweed; Meadow Buttercup; Hogweed; Field Madder and Field Bindweed.

The only other species added were;- Cock's-Foot Grass; Quaking Grass; Crested Dog's Tail; the Spider (Brigittea latens); Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus); White Garden Snail (Theba pisana); Pointed Snail (Cochlicella acuta); Pill Woodlice (Armadillidium vulgare); the Galls (Jaapiella veronicae) and (Diplolepis nervosa) and Jackdaw; Greenfinch and Chaffinch.

13th June 2024 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - The rain was due, we had a couple of hours at a fave area and then avoided the droplets by going for some grub at Portland Heights. The wind was blowing and so insects were few:- 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 7 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 1 * Yellow-Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata); 2 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) and 2 * Garden Tiger Moth larvae (Arctia caja).

We didn't carry our binoculars today but we did pick out:- Oystercatcher; Herring Gull; Little Egret; Kestrel; Skylark; Herring Gull; Carrion Crow and Linnet.

Blooms observed:- Red Valerian; Daisy; Sea Sandwort; Common Stork's-Bill; Scarlet Pimpernel; Wild Celery; Knotted Hedge Parsley; Pellitory of the Wall; Shrubby Sea Blite; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bittersweet; Common Mouse Ear; Grass Vetchling; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Wild Leek; Hairy Tare; Goosegrass; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Biting Stonecrop; Thrift; Field Bindweed; Yellow-Rattle; Pyramidal Orchid; Common Knapweed; Lady's Bedstraw; Groundsel; Curled Leaved Dock; Viper's Bugloss; Restharrow; Hogweed; Yellow-Wort; Bee Orchid; Sea Plantain; Red Clover; Yarrow; Wild Carrot; Hop Trefoil; Black Medick; Ox-Eye Daisy; Kidney Vetch; Tree Mallow; White Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Slender Thistle; Dandelion agg and Ribwort Plantain.

The only extras were:- 1 * Blenny; 2 * Beadlet Anemone; 4 * Shore Crab and many Sandhoppers (Talitrus saltator) plus several Modest Barnacles (Austrominius modestus).

12th June 2024 - Eype Cliffs, Bridport, Dorset - The second call off of the day after a late start. We had a short walk along the pebble beach, explored the waters and I had a mooch on the lower cliffs to see if I could see the cripplingly rare Cliff Tiger Beetle (Cylindera germanica). With a few tumbles and huffs and puffs I found one example - what a poppet.

The few other insects seen were:- 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph (Roeseliana roeselii). 2 * Black Tipped Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva) and 1 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina).

The few flowers noted were:- Kidney Vetch; Southern Marsh Orchid; Bladder Campion; Wild Carrot; Scarlet Pimpernel; Hop Trefoil; Trailing St John's-Wort; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hogweed; Thrift; Ribwort Plantain; Red Campion; Greater Sea Spurrey; Daisy and Dandelion agg.

Also added was a sun-bathing Adder - smashing it was too. The sightings were finalised with a Strawberry Anemone:- and Blackbird (*1); House Martin (*3) and Magpie (*3).

We found some clonking Common Prawns (Palaemon serratus) too.

12th June 2024 - Jellyfields and Bothenhampton Nature Reserve, Bridport, Dorset - After a morn eatng and wandering around Bridport Market we decided to do some wildlife recording at a new area. The insect list was made up of:- 1 * Face Fly (Musca autumnalis); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx vittata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Longhorn Beetle (Grammoptera ruficornis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 14 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 2 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni); 1 * Picture Winged Fly (Herina lugubris); 2 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabarata); 1 * Stripe Backed Snail-Killer (Limnia unguicornis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 3 * Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 47 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * 24 Spot Ladybird (Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida viridis); 1 * Denticulate Leatherbug (Coriomeris denticulatus); 1 * Flower Longhorn Beetle (Stenurella melanura); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Roesel's Bush Cricket (Roeseliana roeselii); 1 * Dark Bush Cricket nymph (Pholidoptera griseoaptera); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae); 3 * Malachite Beetle (Cordylepherus viridis); 1 * Woundwort Shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimus); 1 * Deer Tick (Ixodes sp); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 2 * Robber Fly (Leptogaster cylindrica); 1 * Yellow-Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata) and 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata).

Flowers in bloom were:- Hogweed; Creeping Buttercup; Herb Robert; Black Bryony; Cow Parsley; Stinking Iris; Common Nettle; Red Clover; White Clover; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Pyramidal Orchid; Whistling Jack; Comfrey agg; Field Bindweed; Angelica; Lambs-Ears; Meadow Buttercup; Hedge Mustard; Large Bindweed; Spotted Medick; Nipplewort; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Ground Ivy; White Dead Nettle; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Goosegrass; Elder; Meadow Vetchling; Prickly Sow Thistle and Creeping Cinquefoil.

Extras included:- Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) and Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum).

The only birds seen were:- Chiffchaff; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Wren; Great Tit; Raven; Goldfinch and Swallow.

As well as the above we added the Gall (Psyllopsis fraxini agg); Pendulous Sedge; a Spindle Tree in fruit and Hart's Tongue Fern.

11th June 2024 - Middlebere Heath, Dorset - The final walk of the day, we were looking for tiny flowers and it was hard work, especially as we were getting a trifle fagged. The small species list was:- Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Bird's-Foot; Lesser Trefoil; Hop Trefoil; Eyebright sp; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Heath Speedwell; Germander Speedwell; Knotted Clover; Wall Speedwell; Ribwort Plantain; Hare's-Foot Clover; White Clover; Rough Clover; Daisy; Common Stork's-Bill; Sheep's Sorrel; Lesser Stitchwort; Foxglove; Common Vetch; Red Clover; Heath Bedstraw and Common Nettle.

The only insects seen were:- 4 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Chorthippus parallelus); 1 * Broom Leaf Beetle (Gonioctena olivacea); 1 * Bracken Bug (Ditropis pteridis); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Leafhopper (Eupteryx urticae) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

We also added 2 Garden Snails (Cornu aspersum) and a Carrion Crow plus the Lichens:- Ramalina fastigiata and Xanthoria parietina.

11th June 2024 - Priory Meadow, Wareham, Dorset - A coffee, a town walk, a picnic - I saw a few species at this small area that we have visited before. 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Dark Bush Cricket nymph (Pholidoptera griseoaptera); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni) and 1 * Common Green Colonel Soldier Fly (Oplodontha viridula).

Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Hogweed; Bramble agg; Herb Robert; White Dead Nettle; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; Wood Avens; Common Mallow; Goosegrass; Spotted Medick; Hemlock Water Dropwort and Biting Stonecrop.

Black Headed Gull; Starling; Mallard; Mute Swan and Jackdaw were the only birds seen and Dasineura fraxini; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Dasineura urticae and Cecidophyes rouhollahi.

11th June 2024 - Hartland Moor, Dorset - A walk at a site we know well. It was ruddy hard work today. We recorded a few flowers:- Ribwort Plantain; Heath Speedwell; Daisy; White Clover; Bramble agg; Dandelion agg; Lesser Trefoil; Common Mouse Ear; Lesser Spearwort; Sheep's Sorrel; Tormentil; Silverweed; Creeping Buttercup; Germander Speedwell; Red Clover; Round Leaved Sundew; Oblong Leaved Sundew; Greater Stitchwort; Eyebright agg and Bog Pimpernel.

Insects were struggling, the only ones seen were:- 1 * Pine Shoot Moth (Rhyacionia buoliana); 2 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 1 * Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 3 * Broom Leaf Beetle (Calomicrus circumfusus); 1 * Leafhopper (Ulopa reticulata); 1 * Tawny Cockroach (Ectobius pallidus); 1 * Meadow Grasshopper nymph (Chorthippus parallelus); 3 * Heather Groung Bug (Kleidocerys ericae); 1 * Heath Damsel Bug (Nabis ericetorum); 5 * Silver Studded Blue (Plebejus argus); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus) and 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima).

Bird species seen:- Linnet; Stonechat; Magpie; Pheasant and Carrion Crow.

Also added Broad Bordered Orb Weaver (Neoscona adianta); 1 * Smooth Snake and 1 * Orb Weaver (Araneus angulatus) plus Heath Rush (Juncus squarrosus) and Reindeer Moss (Cladonia portentosa).

10th June 2024 - Stoborough Heath, Dorset - The final place of the day, a short jaunt with the cloud building and the wind rising. We saw 2 cracking Smooth Snakes, found a wonderful sprawl of Dodder and added a few flowers in bloom, these being:- Garlic Mustard; Trailing St John's-Wort; Rough Clover; Bog Asphodel; Heath Spotted Orchid; Foxglove; Sheep's Sorrel; Herb Robert and Daisy. Round Leaved Sundew was observed too.

The insects species seen were:- 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Black Tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum); 1 * Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius); 1 * Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) and 1 * Small Red Damselfly (Ceriagrion tenellum).

The only bird seen was a Jackdaw.

10th June 2024 - Poole Park, Poole, Dorset - A trip to a public park, a lovely walk. A few birds seen were:- Canada Goose; Tufted Duck; Herring Gull; Mute Swan; Feral Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Starling; Jackdaw; Mallard; Collared Dove; Robin; Magpie; Moorhen; Feral Greylag Goose and Carrion Crow.

Insects seen were:- 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 2 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricula); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum).

Flowers in bloom were:- Creeping Buttercup; Purple Loosestrife; Common Nettle; Meadow Buttercup; Daisy; Thrift; Pineappleweed; Hedge Mustard; Broad Leaved Dock; Comfrey agg; Herb Robert; Goosegrass; Large Bindweed; Lesser Trefoil; Bramble agg; Bittersweet; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Common Centaury; Hairy Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Wall Speedwell; Yellow-Flag; Hedge Woundwort; Wood Avens; Common Knapweed; Purple Loosestrife; Dandelion agg; Hemp Agrimony; Privet; Creeping Thistle; Foxglove; Hedge Woundwort; Nipplewort; Scarlet Pimpernel; Redshank; Creeping Cinquefoil; Tamarisk; Buck's-Horn Plantain; Lesser Sea Spurrey; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Hogweed; Meadow Vetchling; Shepherd's Purse and Procumbent Pearlwort.

The only Galls noted were:- Eriophyes inangulis; Eriophyes exilis; Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Cecidophyes rouhollahi.

I did note a nice Walnut Tree; Wall Barley and Pendulous Sedge. We also added some young Mullets and 30 * Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita). A Grey Squirrel was the final addition.

10th June 2024 - Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset - The first call off of the day, a walk on a sandy beach, a coffee and a gentle look at a few species. Herring Gull; Black Headed Gull; Carrion Crow and 2 Sandwich Terns were the few birds seen, with a few flowers thrown in being:- Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Dandelion agg; Sea Bindweed; Danish Scurvygrass; Lesser Trefoil; Sea Plantain; Buck's-Horn Plantain; Large Flowered evening Primrose agg; Hedge Bindweed; Tamarisk and Bird's-Foot Clover.

Several Beadlet Anemones were also picked out.

9th June 2024 - Portland Bill, Dorset - The first day of a short break and upon arrival at the LIghthouse we were fagged. a 1 hour stroll is all we could manage before we spent time chatting with some good friends.

Insects seen were:- 1 * Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus fuscus ); 3* Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 15 * Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina); 2 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus); 3 * Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Yellow-Shell Moth (Camptogramma bilineata).

The flower list was made up of:- Yellow-Wort; White Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Wild Privet; Ribwort Plantain; Pyramidal Orchid; Common Sorrel; Scarlet Pimpernel; Bristly Ox-Tongue; Eyebright agg; Red Bartsia; Agrimony; Daisy; Honeysuckle; Hogweed; Bittersweet; Meadow Vetchling; Hoary Plantain; Hop Trefoil; Bee Orchid; Hairy Tare; Lesser Trefoil; Wild Carrot; Common Broomrape; Stinking Iris; Bulbous Buttercup; Vipers Bugloss; Creeping Cinquefoil; Red Valerian and Curled Leaved Dock.

I also added Crested Dog's-Tail Grass, a Common Buzzard, 2 Goldfinches and a Carrion Crow.

9th June 2024 - Maunsel Lock, Bridgewater and Taunton Canal, Somerset - A day after another gig, we were all shattered but after a good drive and fine cafe visit we had a short pootle down the canal. The insects seen were:- 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 3 * Black Tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 7 * Dark Bush Cricket nymph (Pholidoptera griseoaptera); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 6 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 4 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 3 * Hoverfly (Eristalis nemorum); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 6 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * Speckled Bush Cricket nymph (Leptophyes punctatissima); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis) and 1 Oak Eggar larva (Lasiocampa quercus).

Flowers in bloom were:- Hemlock Water Dropwort; Goosegrass; Bittersweet; Meadow Buttercup; Ribwort Plantain; Dandelion agg; Creeping Cinquefoil; Bramble agg; Yellow Flag Iris; Daisy; Elder; Germander Speedwell; Hedge Woundwort; Herb Robert; Common Nettle; Bush Vetch; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hedgerow Crane's-Bill; Creeping Thistle; Black Bryony; Yellow Water Lily; Ground Ivy; White Clover; White Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell; Wild Privet; Common Mallow; Large Bindweed; Common Vetch; Broad Leaved Dock; Lesser Trefoil and Water Figwort.

The small bird list comprised of:- House Sparrow; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; Robin; Mallard; Carrion Crow and Moorhen.

A couple of Galls thrown in were:- Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Aceria campestricola; Dasineura ulmaria; Eriophyes exilis; Eriophyes tiliae; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Aceria fraxinivora and Taphrina pruni.

Also added was Wall Rue; White Lipped Banded Snail and an abundance of Mistletoe plus the leaf miner (Agromyza viciae).

8th June 2024 - Ladybarn Park, G. Manchester - A new area and a short walk had with the wind blowing and the skies uncertain. We avoided the rain and before going for a coffee we saw a few insects:- 9 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 54 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis).

Flowers in bloom were:- Bramble agg; Wood Avens; Herb Robert; Ground Elder; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Goosegrass; Hedge Mustard; Cow Parsley; Elder; Shepherd's Purse; Groundsel; Thale Cress; Procumbent Pearlwort; Ribwort Plantain; White Clover; Broad Leaved Dock; Cuckooflower; Red Campion; Dandelion agg; Broad Leaved Willowherb and Welsh Poppy.

Also added were:- Hornbeam; Common Alder; Silver Birch; Ash; Hazel; Silver Maple; Pendulous Sedge; Cock's-Foot Grass and Striped Woodlouse.

Galls noted were:- Eriophyes inangulis; Acalitus brevitarsus; Taphrina populina; Euura proxima; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Blennocampa phyllocolpa; Phytoptus avellanae; Trioza remota; Taphrina pruni Vasates quadripedes.

The only birds seen were:- Wood Pigeon; Magpie and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

7th June 2024 - Heaton Mersey Bowl, Stockport, G. Manchester - Whilst sipping a grand coffee I strolled homeward around the perimeter of this small area. I recorded:- 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 10 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 6 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Cuckooflower was still in flower.

6th June 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick check of a grassy meadow whilst cycling home. The small insect lists was:- 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius): 12 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Hoverfly (Anasimyia lineata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 4 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus) and 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa).

The flowers noted were:- Ribwort Plantain; Brambe agg; Comfrey agg; Goosegrass; Broad Leaved Dock; Salad Burnet; Common Vetch; Common Nettle; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Bush Vetch; Hogweed; Common Mouse; Yellow Flag Iris; Common Sorrel; Red Campion; Ox-Eye Daisy; Wood Avens and Red Clover.

I also saw a Greenfinch.

6th June 2024 - Alexandra Park, Moss Side, G. Manchester - A half day off work, 15 miles on the bike on top of the 3 miles in the morn helped to stretch out the back. After grabbing a coffee at this park I had a pootle - the flowers noted were:- Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Common Field Speedwell; Chickweed; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Shepherd's Purse; Bramble agg; Feverfew; Prickly Sow Thistle; Dandelion agg; Goosegrass; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Hedge Woundwort; Pineappleweed; Garlic Mustard; Common Mouse Ear; Ox-Eye Daisy; REd Campion; Herb Robert; Cow Parsley; Elder; Broad Leaved Dock; White Clover; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Cuckooflower; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Lesser Trefoil; Silverweed; Large Bindweed; Ribwort Plantain; Bush Vetch; Hedge Mustard; Groundsel; Green Alkanet and Ground Elder.

Insects recorded included:- 24 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 6 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 2 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 3 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee agg (Bombus lucorum); 3 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 6 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 18 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana) and 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

The small bird lists included the following species:- Magpie; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Coot; Feral Pigeon; Tufted Duck; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Black Headed Gull; Blackbird; Moorhen; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Grey Heron and Mistle Thrush.

The Galls seen were:- Eriophyes tiliae; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes laevis; Eriophyes inangulis; Contarinia tiliarum and Eriophyes leiosoma.

Cock's-Foot Grass; Grey Squirrel; Garlic Snail; Shiny and Striped Woodlice; Common Horsetail; Garden Snail; Large Yellow Slug and 3 Red Eared Terrapins.

5th June 2024 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick mooch on the way home after a busy day and with a twinging back. The insect life encountered was:- 1 * Common Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 2 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 2 * Sun Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Alder Spittle Bug (Aphrophora alni) and 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis).

Nearby were:- 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

5th June 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - And yet another nature walk with the kids from work. Somehow we avoided the rain and had a sunny time of it with a cafe visit to finish. We played games and nattered away and saw a few insects:- 5 * Strawberry Seed Beetle (Harpalus rufipes); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 3 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi) and 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum).

We found 2 Common Toads; 3 Common Frogs and 2 Smooth Newts plus a Leopard Slug.

3rd June 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - Less than 2 minutes from home, on the bike, is a coffee shop and a grassy area. I was up at the crack, out in dull weather and home for 10.30am. The insects recorded were:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Potato Capsid (Closterotomus norwegicus); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Chaetostomella cylindrica); 1 * Fruit Fly (Urophora stylata); 1 * Snail KIlling Fly (Coremacera marginata); 1 * Lauxaniid Fly (Sapromyza sexpunctata); 1 * Hoary Tortrix (Eucosma cana); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 9 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricula); 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Long Winged Conehead nymph (Conocephalus discolor); 10 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 5 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Green Oak Tortrix (Tortrix viridana); 1 * Clover Seed Moth (Grapholita compositella); 1 * Birch Catking Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Ox-Eye Daisy Fly (Tephritis neesii); 2 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 3 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis); 5 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 2 * White Line Pollen Moth (Micropterix aruncella); 1 * Common Damsel Bug (Nabis rugosus); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata).

The birds noted were:- Goldfinch; Greenfinch; Blackcap; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon; Starling; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Blackbird; Ring Necked Parakeet and Dunnock.

Galls picked out were:- Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Taphrina populina; Eriophyes leiosoma and Eriophyes sorbi.

Also added were:- Garden Snail; Brown Lipped Banded Snail; White Legged Snake Millipede; Shiny Woodlouse; Rough Woodlouse; Pendulous Sedge and Cock's-Foot Grass.

Blooms picked out were:- Scarlet Pimpernel; Hogweed; Broom; Herb Robert; Bramble agg; Common Nettle; Wood Avens; Ox-Eye Daisy; Goosegrass; Meadow Buttercup; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hedge Bedstraw; Large Bindweed; Dame's Violet; Common Vetch; Black Medick; Common Knapweed; Comfrey agg; Red Clover; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Lesser Trefoil; Creeping Cinquefoil Meadow Vetchling; Grass Vetchling; Common Mouse Ear; Silverweed; White Clover; Germander Speedwell; Red Campion; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Common Sorrel; Meadow Vetchling; Hop Trefoil; Elder; Rowan; Hairy Tare; Multi-Flowered Rose; Prickly Sow Thistle; Shepherd's Purse; Common Field Speedwell; Groundsel; Daisy and Cow Parsley.

2nd June 2024 - Gowy Meadows, Cheshire - After the mornings walk we had a Full-English alfresco breakfast and 2 coffees and then had a short pootle at this area (included the roadside) we have visited a few times before.

It was still a slutch-fest in parts and some of the grassy areas were barren but we did see a few insects:- 1 * Cereal Fly (Geomyza tripunctata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Ptychoptera contaminata); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 3 * Spear Thistle Lacebug (Tingis cardui); 1 * Creeping Thistle Lacebug (Tingis ampliata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Lygocoris rugicollis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis rustica); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigra); 2 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens); 1 * Hawthorn Weevil (Anthonomus pedicularius); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Weevil (Rhinoncus pericarpius); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 4 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris); 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 24 Spot Ladybird (Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Mirid Bug (Capsus ater); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Common Green Grashopper nymph (Omocestus viridulus); 2 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 4 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Woundwort Shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Cereal Fly (Opomyza germinationis agg) and a Common Quaker Moth larvae (Orthosia cerasi).

A few galls noted were:-Acalitus stenaspis; Aceria campestricola; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Taphrina pruni; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Eriophyes similis and Dasineura fraxini.

The flower list was made up of:- Cow Parsley; Herb Robert; Meadow Buttercup; Common Nettle; Goosegrass; Ground Elder; White Clover; Dandelion agg; Creeping Buttercup; Common Vetch; Hedge Woundwort; Red Campion; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Hogweed; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Bramble agg; Ribwort Plantain; Garlic Mustard; Common Mouse Ear; Lesser Trefoil; Lesser Stitchwort; Chickweed; Daisy; Bittersweet; Black Bryony; Hawthorn; Hedge Mustard; Wild Radish; Pineappleweed; Shepherd's Purse and Green Alkanet.

The only birds seen were:- Magpie; Swallow; Grey Heron; Carrion Crow; Jackdaw Mute Swan; Reed Bunting; Long Tailed Tit and Blackbird.

The other oddments added were:- Crested Dog's Tail; Striped Woodlouse; White Lipped Banded Snail and Amber Snail.

2nd June 2024 - Whitby Park, Ellesmere Park, Cheshire - I was leading a gentle 2 hour wak today for the Cheshire Wildlife Trust - a nice bunch of folk turned up as organised by the keen lass Rachel Nellist. A pre-pootle and a couple of hours in decent weather produced the following bloom list:- Groundsel; Chickweed; Dandelion agg; White Clover; Yellow Flag Iris; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Red Dead Nettle; Shepherd's Purse; Bramble agg; Cow Parsley; Cuckooflower; Herb Robert; Wood Avens; Elder; Goosegrass; Common Sorrel; Ribwort Plantain; Slender Speedwell; Thale Cress; Common Field Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Wavy Bittercress and Hedgerow Crane's-Bill.

The few insects pondered were:- 1 * Common Green Capsid (Lygocoris pabulinus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 3 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 4 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 4 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 8 * Yellow Banded Longhorn Moth (Nemophora degeerella); 1 * Acorn Weevil (Curculio glandium); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Parhelophilus frutetorum); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 2 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis) plus 1 * Common larvae (Polygonia c-album).

Galls sighted were:- Eriophyes leiosoma; Eriophyes tiliae; Aceria exilis; Trioza remota; Aceria campestricola; Cryptomyzus ribis and Taphrina populina.

Also added were:- Pedunculate Oak; Hornbeam; Whitebeam; Hawthorn; Common Lime; Silver Birch; Common Horsetail; Pendulous Sedge; Grey Squirrel; Garden Snail; Brown Lipped Banded Snail; Rough Woodlouse; Shiny Woodlouse; Striped Woodlouse; White Legged Snake Millipede; Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); Cock's-Foot Grass (Dactylis glomerata); Amber Snail (Succinea putris) and a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

The small bird list was made up of:- Dunnock; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Mallard; Moorhen; Magpie; Swift; Herring Gull; Swallow; Greenfinch and Lesser Black Backed Gull.

1st June 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - Heading home, a cut through the damp meadow at this local spot and I saw:- 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pallida); 2 * Long Legged Fly (Dolichopus wahlbergi); 1 * Mirid Bug (Leptopterna dolabrata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Picture Winged Fly (Rivellia syngenesiae); 1 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 2 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Water Ladybird (Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 2 * Weevil (Rhinoncus pericarpius); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Tortoise Bug (Eurygaster testudinaria); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 3 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilibris); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Reed Beetle (Plateumaris sericea); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fulvipennis) and 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella pellucens).

Marsh Thistle and Greater Spearwort were looking lovely.

1st June 2024 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up and out and all done a sipping coffee outside the Amerianique for 10.15 - not bad at all.

Insects recorded today were:- 2 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Closterotomus trivialis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 1 * Mirid Bug nymph (Heterotoma planicornis); 1 * Leafhopper (Oncopsis flavicollis); 1 * Tephrid Fly (Chaetostomella cylindrica); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 3 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 6 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Merodon equestris); 2 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota sylvarum); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 13 * Mirid Bug (Grypocoris stysi); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 6 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 3 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 8 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 2 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1* Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 5 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 5 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 5 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentatoma rufipes); 1 * Cinnamon Bug (Corizus hyoscyami); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis) and an abundance of Harlequin Ladybird (Harmona axyridis) and Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis).

Magpie; Wren; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Greenfinch; Canada Goose; Cormorant; Goldfinch and Jackdaw plus Blackcap and Chiffchaff on call.

Blooms noted were:- White Clover; Green Alkanet; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Hogweed; Elder; Meadow Buttercup; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Common Nettle; Bramble agg; Broad Leaved Dock; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Ground Elder; Red Campion; Bush Vetch; PIneappleweed; Dandelion agg; Comfrey agg; Meadow Crane's-Bill; Daisy; Lesser Trefoil; Yellow Flag Iris and Garlic Mustard.

I also added:- Cock's-Foot Grass; White Legged Snake Millipede; Strawberry Snail; Garden Snail; White Lipped Banded Snail; Amber Snail; Striped Woodlouse; Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and the Galls:- Eriophyes leiosoma; Euura proxima;Taphrina pruni; Psyllopsis fraxini and Eriophyes inangulis.

Lords and Ladies was now at the fruitings stage, as was Hawthorn - the year is tickling by.

1st June 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up to check the moth trap, 2 House Sparrows were sitting on the device, chomping away. The end result - 3 moths:- Marbled Minor agg; Green Oak Tortrix and Common Marbled Carpet.

Later in the day the garden held:- 1 * Hairy Yellow Faced Bee (Hylaeus hyalinatus); 1 * Harlequin Ladbird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) and the Hoverflies:- Syritta pipiens and Myathropa florea.

30th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - Adjacent to the orchard, where I checked yesterday, is a small meadow area that is usually worth a look whilst on my way home. Today I saw:- 1 * Clover Seed Moth (Grapholita compositella); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 4 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Soldier Fly (Chloromyia formosa); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 4 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 7 * Black Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 4 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Common Marble Moth (Celypha lacunana); 1 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Meadow Grass Moth (Crambus lathoniellus); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis flavilabris) and 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula fascipennis).

Lesser Stitchwort; Bird's-Foot Trefoil and Meadow Crane's-Bill were 3 flowers adored. Quaking Grass was doing well too.

29th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - After noted the Gall (Myzus ligustri) I walked on and had a pootled down a local back alleyway where I occasionally record. Today the following blooms were noted:- Common Nettle; Shining Crane's-Bill; Nipplewort; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Wild Strawberry; Wood Avens; Bramble agg; Goosegrass; Creeping Buttercup; Prickly Sow Thistle; Garlic Mustard; Ground Elder; Broad Leaved Dock; Elder; White Clover; Welsh Poppy; Ox-Eye Daisy; Cow Parsley; Green Alkanet Herb Robert and Common Ragwort in bud.

Insects noted were:- 17 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Common Roller Moth (Ancylis badiana); 2 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 4 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 4 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) and 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

I also noted the Gall (Psyllopsis fraxini agg) as well as a Magpie; Wood Pigeon and Blackbird.

27th May 2024 - Stamford Park, Stalybridge, Tameside - The climate continues to kickback, we three pootlers headed out, had a warm drink and cake in a garden centre and then a walk under the rainy skies and clouds.

Birds listed were:- Jackdaw; Wood Pigeon; Mallard; Moorhen; Feral Pigeon; Treecreeper; Robin; Starling; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Carrion Crow; Black Headed Gull; Canada Goose; Goldfinch; Dunnock and Magpie.

Blooms spotted included:- Bittersweet; Procumbent Pearlwort; Hogweed; Foxglove; Cow Parsley; Horse Chestnut; Meadow Buttercup; Ground Elder; Herb Robert; Goosegrass; Wood Avens; Common Nettle; Broad Leaved Willowherb; Groundsel; Broad Leaved Dock; Creeping Buttercup; Shepherd's Purse; Elder; Bramble agg; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Thale Cress; Pineappleweed; Cuckooflower; Ribwort Plantain; Ox-Eye Daisy; Many Flowered Rose; Red Campion; Common Knapweed; White Dead Nettle; Salad Burnet; Creeping Thistle; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Yarrow; Greater Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Comfrey agg and Common Vetch.

The few bugs braving the weather were:- 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 27 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 8 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Snipe-Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

The couple of galls noted were:- Eriophyes leiosoma; Eriophyes inangulis; Dasineura viciae; Eriophyes tiliae; Dasineura tiliae; Psyllopsis fraxini and Eriophyes laevis.

And also added was:- Grey Squirrel and Cock's-Foot Grass.

26th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - A few species in the garden later in the day were:- 3 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyarusta aurata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis) and a few Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci).

Meadow Buttercup and Bulbous Buttercup were in flower.

25th May 2024 - Parrs Wood Environmental Centre, Didsbury, G. Manchester - After todays walk we called in at a local event that was run by the fine folk at this very special place. Our mate Kit Walker was at the helm and doing a grand job. We had tea and cake and a wander and recorded:- 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Common Spruce Tortrix (Epinotia tedella); 2 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 21 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata); 1 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 3 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 9 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 3 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 2 * Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens); 1 * Green Lacewing (Chrysopa perla); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Juniper Shieldbug (Cyphostethus tristriatus); 1 * Straw Dot (Rivula sericealis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata) and 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum).

Flowers noted were:- Herb Robert; White Clover; Black Medick; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Shining Crane's-Bill; Thale Cress; Chickweed; Daisy; Wood Avens; Bramble agg; Foxglove; Common Field Speedwell; Ribwort Plantain; Hogweed; Green Alkanet; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Goosegrass; Cuckooflower; Common Mouse Ear; Common Vetch; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; White Water Lily; Creeping Buttercup; Yellow Flag Iris; Common Nettle; Red Valerian; Purple Toadflax; Common Valerian; Comfrey agg; Bush Vetch; Garlic Mustard; Lesser Trefoil and Purple Toothwort.

Galls noted were:- Mikiola fagi; Acalitus stenaspis; Euura pedunculi; Iteomyia capraea and Cryptomyzus ribis.

We also added:- Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber).

20th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - I am way behind on many fronts so today I stayed in. I did take a few breaks in the arden and noted:- 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * 2 Spotted Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 14 * Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Syritta pipiens); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata) and 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans).

Wild Flowers in bloom were:- Cow Parsley; Hogweed; Herb Robert; Greater Celandine; Garlic Mustard; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Red Campion; Foxglove; Ox-Eye Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Honesty; Creeping Buttercup; Germander Speedwell; Hairy Bittercress and Common Nettle.

A Blue Tit paid a visit to the back window sill and the cheeky House Sparrows still pootled in the vegetation and fed on the greenfly.

The overnight moth trap was poor and only gave rise to:- Tachystola acroxantha (*2); Common Marbled Carpet (*2); Brown House Moth (*1); Bright Line, Brown Eye (*1) and Cabbage Moth (*1).

19th May 2024 - Deep Dale NR, Derbyshire - A walk in spectacular sunshine with the missus. We never see many insects here but what we did see was:- 1 * Carrot Fly (Psila merdaria); 1 * Common Carpet (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Hoverfly (Rhingia campestris); 5 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Common Field Damselbug (Nabis rugosus); 1 * Broad Damselbug (Nabis flavomarginatus); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis opaca); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Hoverfly (Volucella bombylans); 1 * Yellow Sally Stone-Fly (Isoperla grammatica); 3 * Mirid Bug (Calocoris alpestris); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lunata); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 1 * Dock Weevil (Apion frumentarium); 1 * Raspberry Beetle (Byturus ochraceus); 2 * Crane-Fly (Cylindrotoma distinctissima); 4 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 16 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 5 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 2 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 2 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 3 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 4 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 14 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Pale Tortoise Beetle (Cassida flaveola); 31 * Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 2 * Giant Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 8 * Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 2 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Small Yellow Underwing (Panemeria tenebrata); 2 * Peacock (Aglais io); 12 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 3 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas); 2 * Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum).

Bird species seen were:- Common Buzzard; Redstart; Chaffinch; Jackdaw; Garden Warbler; Robin; Wren; Raven; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Skylark and Meadow Pipit with Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler heard.

Blooms listed were:- Spring Sandwort; Nodding Thistle; Cow Parsley; Creeping Buttercup; Germander Speedwell; Lady's Mantle agg; Greater Stitchwort; Crosswort; Daisy; Ground Elder; Meadow Buttercup; Red Campion; Elder; Herb Robert; Shining Crane's-Bill; Ribwort Plantain; Meadow Saxifrage; Bugle; Cuckooflower; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Hawthorn; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Lesser Trefoil; Mouse Ear Hawkweed; Field Madder; Common Sorrel; Bush Vetch; Rue Leaved Saxifrage; Horse Chestnut; Water Avens; Ramsons; Wavy Bittercress; Early Purple Orchid; Ground Ivy; Wild Strawberry; Lesser Celandine; Sanicle; Yellow Pimpernel; Lords and Ladies; Sweet Woodruff; Salad Burnet; Bulbous Buttercup; Spring Cinquefoil; Dandelion agg; Broad Leaved Dock; Brooklime; Fairy Flax; Cowslip; Bird's-Foot Trefoil; Common Milkwort; Tormentil; Pignut; Yellow Rattle; Sticky Mouse Ear; Common Mouse Ear; Kidney Vetch; Mountain Pansy; Rowan; Early Dog Violet; Garlic Mustard; Bramble agg; Goosegrass; Welsh Poppy and Toothwort and Dog's Mercury now gone to seed and Bird's-Nest Orchid on the cusp of full flower.

We also added:- Quaking Grass; White Lipped and Brown Lipped Banded Snails and the Galls (Eriophyes leiosoma) and (Eriophyes tiliae) as well as a Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus).

18th May 2024 - Golborne Sports FC, Wigan, G. Manchester - Arriving at the football and we had a laze in the sun and then watched a 5 goal cracker. Whilst in the area we recorded:- 1 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 4 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 16 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum) and 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus).

Flowers in bloom were:- Procumbent Pearlwort; White Clover; Cuckooflower; Daisy; Nipplewort; Creeping Buttercup; Wall Speedwell; Common Mouse Ear; Ribwort Plantain; Lesser Trefoil; Meadow Buttercup; Bush Vetch; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Bramble agg; Elder; Herb Robert; Yellow Oxalis; Dandelion agg; Common Nettle; Purple Toadflax; Goosegrass; Broad Leaved Dock and Common Vetch.

The few birds added were:- Starling; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Pied Wagtail and Blackbird.

18th May 2024 - Carr Mill Dam, St Helens, Merseyside - A pre-footy walk, with insects the main area of interest. We saw:- 1 * Sawfly (Pachyprotasis rapae); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Longhorn Beetle (Grammoptera ruficornis); 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma appendiculata); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Scorpion Fly (Panorpa germanica); 2 * Black Snipe-Fly (Chrysopilus cristatus); 23 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 5 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 6 * Brown Silver Line (Petrophora chlorosata); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 19 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae); 10 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 3 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 11 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 2 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 2 * Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha nigriventris); 2 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 6 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans); 9 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 2 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 2 * Hoverfly (Chrysogaster solstitialis); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 3 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 5 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 6 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Forest Shieldbug nymph (Pentaotoma rufipes).

Silver Birch, Common Lime; Beech; Ash and Hazel were pondered along with the following blooms:- Ribwort Plantain; Hemlock Water Dropwort; Red Campion; Creeping Buttercup; Cow Parsley; Wood Avens; Rhododendron; Yellow Flag Iris; Ground Elder; Pignut; Bluebell; Herb Robert; Cuckooflower; Common Sorrel; Black Medick; Common Mouse Ear; Common Nettle; Garlic Mustard; Shining Crane's-Bill; Elder; Brooklime; Common Field Speedwell; Ramsons; Hawthorn; Daisy; Prickly Sow Thistle; Dandelion agg; Goosegrass; Hogweed; Guelder Rose; White Clover; 3 Nerved Sandwort; Wood Speedwell; Yellow Pimpernel; Welsh Poppy; Broom; Marsh Marigold; Sycamore; Large BIttercress; Meadow Buttercup; Sweet Woodruff; Common Comfrey agg; Horse Chestnut; Common Vetch; Lesser Trefoil; Pineappleweed; Hedge Mustard; Shepherd's Purse; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Bramble agg and Thyme Leaved Speedwell.

Galls were few today:- Eriophyes leiosoma; Phytoptus avellanae; Aceria nervisequa; Eriophyes inangulis; Eriophyes laevis; Macrodiplosis pustularis; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Cecidophyes rouhollahi; Acalitus brevitarsus and Acalitus stenaspis.

The bird list comprised of:- Coot; Black Headed Gull; House Sparrow; Swallow; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Wren; Pied Wagtail; Jackdaw; House Martin; Blue Tit; Canada Goose; Nuthatch; Wood Pigeon; Great Crested Grebe; Starling; Moorhen; Song Thrush; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Carrion Crow and Mallard.

We also added:- Shiny Woodlouse; Striped Woodlouse; Grey Squirrel; Hart's Tongue Fern; Common Horsetail; Pendulous Sedge; Blunt Tailed Snake Millipede (Cylindroiulus punctatus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum);

15th May 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking homeward with a head full of worry. I kept my eyes peeled and saw:- 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 7 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 3 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum) and 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

I also saw a male Blackcap singing away and a lone Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) - and then the rains soon came.

14th May 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - I strolled to work in the rain with a coffee in my hand.  I broke down later in the day, life is twisting my mind at the mo.  I saw on the way a Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) feeding on some Fringe Cups, a Song Thrush singing his heart out and a Strawberry Small clinging on to some moist vegetation.  Horse Radish; Ground Elder; Welsh Poppy; Japanese Rose and Yellow Rattle were in flower and pondered - if only the bigger picture could be so simple.

Walking home I saw the Hoverfly (Cheilosia illustrata) - wow, these are such fine insects.

13th May 2024 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - The plan was to go for a short cycle today, I ended up at this non-too far location and getting back later than planned. 2 coffees, a lengthy read of a good vampire yarn and a mooch, tis' better than stopping in scratching the rear.

Without my trusty net the insects still noted today were:- 132 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 14 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 7 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 3 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Tree Bee (Bombus hypnorum); 1 * Tachnid Fly (Tachina fera); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 4 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 5 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 4 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 2 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus tarsalis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Hoverfly (Eumerus funeralis); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 3 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella); 1 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus urticae); 1 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 3 * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis trigramma); 1 * Raspberry Beetle (Byturus ochraceus) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

The few bird species seen were:- Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Mistle Thrush; Blue Tit; Carrion Crow; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Starling; Wood Pigeon; Jackdaw; Magpie; Mallard; Ring Necked Parakeet; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Canada Goose; Coot; Mandarin Duck; Feral Pigeon and a Treecreeper with its mate seen sat on the nest - lovely.

I also added:- Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Irish Green Slug (Limacus maculatus); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 2 * Brown Rat and the Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata).

Blooms listed were:- Whitebeam; Foxglove; Pignut; Slender Speedwell; Groundsel; Wavy Bittercress; Holly; Chickweed; Spindle; Salad Burnet; Shepherd's Purse; Lesser Trefoil; Wall Speedwell; Welsh Poppy; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Broad Leaved Dock; Cuckooflower; Elder; Laburnum; Common Mouse Ear; Wild Strawberry; Common Sorrel; Spanish Bluebell; Hawthorn; Common Field Speedwell; Common Nettle; Goosegrass; Red Campion; Hedge Mustard; Garlic Mustard; Meadow Buttercup; Hornbeam; Cow Parsley; Ribwort Plantain; Herb Robert; Bramble agg; Wood Avens; Bird Cherry; Creeping Buttercup; Dandelion agg and Daisy.

I also noted a few Galls:- Trioza remota; Dasineura fraxini; Psyllopsis fraxini agg; Eriophyes laevis; Aceria cephalonea; plus Common Horsetail; Pendulous Sedge and a fine Copper Beech.

12th May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Germander Speedwell was now blooming in the garden, Meadow Buttercup was in bud and I added:- 6 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae) and couple Girdled Snails (Hygromia cinctella).

A new Hoverfly was confirmed by Chris Sellen online (he is an helpful chap). The species was as I suggested - Eumerus funeralis - tis' always better to seek a second opinion.

12th May 2024 - Windy Bank Woods, Glazebury, Lancashire - A meet-up with my brother for the third time at this place. It seems as though certain areas had been discovered and disturbance was on the increase with little in the way of putting back. We cracked on and did 3 hours in clammy conditions.

The bird list comprised of the following:- Carrion Crow; Common Whitethroat; Magpie; Blackbird; Linnet; Jackdaw; Canada Goose; Wood Pigeon; Raven; Swallow; Mallard; Willow Warbler; Pheasant; Chaffinch; Moorhen; Goldfinch; Black Headed Gull; Grey Heron and Pied Wagtail plus Bullfinch; Greenfinch; Long Tailed Tit and Chiffchaff on call.

Blooms listed were:- Sycamore; Procumbent Pearlwort; Japanese Rose; Brooklime; Gorse; Bird Cherry; Horse Chestnut; Common Sorrel; Wavy Bittercress; Changing Forget-Me-Not; Lady's Mantle agg; Cuckooflower; Red Clover; Ribwort Plantain; Dame's Violet; Wood Avens; Dandelion agg; Spanish Bluebell; Goat's-Beard; Hogweed; Prickly Sow Thistle; Common Vetch; Common Mouse Ear; Black Medick; Groundsel; Wall Speedwell; Meadow Buttercup; Comfrey agg; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Shining Crane's-Bill; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Elder; Garlic Mustard; Red Campion; Green Alkanet; White Dead Nettle; Hawthorn; Claridge Druce’s Crane’s-Bill; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill; Common Nettle; Hedge Mustard and Cow Parsley.

Insects recorded were:- 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis scutellata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus clypeatus agg); 1 * Lace Bug (Tingis ampliata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis trigramma); 1 * Potato Leafhopper (Eupteryx aurata); 1 * Leafhopper (Oncopsis flavicollis); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis nigricans); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis decipiens); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 33 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 21 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis); 3 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 3 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Green Carpet Moth (Colostygia pectinataria); 2 * Silver Ground Carpet (Xanthorhoe montanata); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 9 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella); 3 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 2 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 5 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 2 * Mirid Bug (Harpocera thoracica); 1 * Mother Shipton (Euclidia mi); 2 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 9 * Cream Streaked Ladybird (Harmonia quadripunctata); 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma); 10 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Swollen Thighed Beetle (Oedemera nobilis); 1 * Bishop's Mitre Bug (Aelia acuminata); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus hybridus); 1 * Four Spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata); 1 * Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa); 3 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 1 * Deer Tick (Ixodes sp); 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Dead Nettle Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina fastuosa); 4 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 3 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 1 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Wasp Beetle (Clytus arietis); 4 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Brown Silver Line (Petrophora chlorosata); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Ox-Eye Daisy Fly (Tephritis neesii); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis livida) and 1 * Common Nettle Ground Bug (Heterogaster urticae).

We also added:- 1 * Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); Common Toad; Common Frog; Short Tailed Vole; Rough Woodlouse; White Lipped Banded Snail; Cock's-Foot Grass; Common Horsetail; Oak Marble Gall (Andricus kollari); Goosegrass Gall (Cecidophyes rouhollahi) and the Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).

11th May 2024 - Astley and Tyldesley FC, G. Manchester - Another new footy ground, a slush, 4 goals and a few sightings. The flowers in bloom were:- Cow Parsley; Meadow Buttercup; Dandelion agg; Ribwort Plantain; Hawthorn; Creeping Buttercup; Whitebeam; Cuckooflower; Red Campion; Daisy; Bird Cherry; Lesser Trefoil; Rowan; Herb Robert; Flowering Currant and White Dead Nettle.

1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and a few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) were the only insects seen and the few birds noted were:- Starling; Kestrel; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon and Black Headed Gull.

I also record Silver Birch, a White Lipped Banded Snail and the Gall (Macrodiplosis pustularis).

11th May 2024 - Blackleach CP, Walkden, G. Manchester - Prior to the day's footy we had a walk at this area we hadn't visited for a few years. It was a warm do, the insects were hiding but we did record:- 2 * Ground Bug (Cymus glandicolor); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 10 * Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum); 1 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 8 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 5 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 4 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 4 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 6 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 11 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 2 * Broad Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus rosarum); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 1 * Heather Beetle (Lochmaea suturalis); 2 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Red Headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa serraticornis) and a few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni).

Blooms noted were:- Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Cow Parsley; Colt's-Foot; Hawthorn; Garlic Mustard; Rowan; Red Campion; Daisy; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Wood Avens; Cuckooflower; Ribwort Plantain; Fringe Cups; Common Field Speedwell; Wood Speedwell; Holly; Comfrey agg; Marsh Marigold; Gorse; Japanese Rose; Cowslip; Broom; Common Mouse Ear; Sticky Mouse Ear; Elder; Sycamore; Bogbean; Welsh Poppy; Spanish Bluebell; Hedge Mustard; Bird Cherry; Laburnum; Bush Vetch; Common Bistort; Common Sorrel; Horse Chestnut; Pendulous Sedge; Water Avens; Greater Stitchwort; Bugle; Yellow Flag Iris; Ramsons; Common Vetch; Shepherd's Purse and Red Clover.

We took no binoculars today but we did see a few species of bird:- Common Tern; Magpie; Blackbird; Mallard; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Great Crested Grebe; Coot; Robin; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; Carrion Crow; Chaffinch; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Wren; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Swallow; House Sparrow; Swift and Goldfinch.

Other additions included: the Galls:- Eriophyes sorbi; Protomyces macrosporus; Eriophyes similis; Eriophyes tiliae and Phyllocoptes goniothorax plus Cock's-Foot Grass; Water Horsetail; Brown Lipped Banded Snail; White Legged Snake Millipede; Shiny Woodlouse; Striped Woodlouse and a few fungi.

10th May 2024 - Bramhall Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A hospital visit, a scan confirmed the hernia but I have pain on the other side. The doctor refused to scan the other side even though it was mere inches away, I need another appointment - what a useless system. From the hospital I had a decent walk and arrived at this area I know well. I merely wandered through and headed home, whilst there I recorded the following:-

Birds were not on the radar but I did see:- Raven; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Robin; Mallard; Mandarin, Canada Goose; Moorhen; Blue Tit and Wood Pigeon.

Blooms pondered were:- Cow Parsley; Germander Speedwell; Wood Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Meadow Buttercup; Creeping Buttercup; Ramsons; Chickweed; Dandelion agg; Fringe Cups; Common Bistort; Red Campion; Lesser Celandine; Garlic Mustard; Ribwort Plantain; Common Nettle; Wood Avens; Elder; Bluebell; Herb Robert; Wavy Bittercress; Rowan; Welsh Poppy; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Thale Cress; Greater Celandine; Common Sorrel; Yellow Flag Iris; Holly; Groundsel; Shepherd's Purse; Daisy; Common Mouse Ear; Large Bittercress; Marsh Marigold; Sycamore; Horse Chestnut; Pendulous Sedge; Pignut; Cuckooflower and Sweet Ciceley.

Insects picked out were:- 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 4 * Ramsons Hoverfly (Portevinia maculata); 3 * Figwort Weevil (Cionus scrophulariae); 1 * Cock's-Foot Moth (Glyphipterix simpliciella); 2 * Orange Tip (Anthocaris cardamines); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 7 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Hoverfly (Xylota segnis); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Malachite Beetle (Malachius bipustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 2 * Nettle Pollen Beetle (Brachypterus glaber); 8 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Snipe Fly (Rhagio scolopaceus); 1 * Narcissus Bulb Fly (Merodon equestris); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum): 4 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula maxima); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and the usual abundance of Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Other species added were:- Copper Beech; Common Horsetail; Wood Horsetail; Amber Snail (Succinea putris); a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

6th May 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport G. Manchester - Heading homeward, I checked a couple of ponds at this local area. It was a shame folks were letting their dogs do the usual damage, hey ho, they will regret this behaviour very soon. I went with the aim of seeing the years first Odonates and saw 3 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) and 1 * Blue Tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans). I also added:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Weevil (Rhinoncus pericarpius); 1 * Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 5 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Water Ladybird (Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 1 * Reed Beetle (Plateumaris sericea) and 2 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines).

I also saw Spindle in flower and a feeding Mistle Thrush.

5th May 2024 - Blacka Moor, Sheffield, W. Yorkshire - A walk with the missus at a location we had only visted once before, that time we didn't see as much as expected. Today was hard work but it is good just to be out there and trying, and we did get new species.

The few birds listed were:- Blackbird (*2); Chaffinch (*2); Willow Warbler (*1); Redstart (*1); Wood Pigeon (*1); Woodcock (*1); Curlew (*1); Blackcap (*2); Blue Tit (*1); Wren (*1); Song Thrush (*1); Meadow Pipit (*2) and Pied Flycatcher (*2).

Blooms were few but we did admire:- Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Dandelion agg; White Dead Nettle; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Daisy; Common Mouse Ear; 3 Nerved Sandwort; Wild Strawberry; Bluebell; Cow Parsley; Garlic Mustard; Herb Robert; Creeping Buttercup; Wood Speedwell; Wall Speedwell; Yellow Archangel; Greater Stitchwort; Barren Strawberry; Cowberry; Cotton Grass; Cuckooflower;

The few Galls seen were:- Eriophyes sorbi and Andricus lignicola.

The insects spied included:- 20+ * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pellucida); 2 * Click Beetle (Dalopius marginatus); 1 * Harvestman (Platybunus pinetorum); 2 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 1 * Ox-Eye Daisy Fly (Tephritis neesii); 1 * Burying Beetle (Silpha atrata); 2 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 4 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Bog Hoverfly (Sericomyia lappona); 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 2 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 2 * Larch Ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Heather Beetle (Lochmaea suturalis); 3 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 7 * Red And Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis); 3 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 4 * Leafhopper (Ulopa reticulata); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Large Longhorn Moth (Nematopogon swammerdamella); 2 * Green Longhorn Moth (Adela reaumurella); 1 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis); 1 * Murky Legged Black Legionnaire Fly (Beris chalybata); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Hoverfly (Rhingia campestris); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana); 1 * Crane Fly (Limonia phragmitidis) and a few Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni).

Also seen was a Common Lizard and up to 8 Red Deer, a couple of Pill Woodlice and a Shiny Woodlouse

4th May 2024 - St Michaels DHFC, Widnes, Cheshire - Another head tattoo, a good meal out and a short drive to a new ground. Whilst in attendance we saw:- 6 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 14 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 9 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 6 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea) and many Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni).

Flowers noted were:- Bramble agg; Dandelion agg; Hawthorn; Sycamore; Creeping Buttercup; Cuckooflower; Rowan, Daisy; Herb Robert; Oxford Ragwort; Slender Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Groundsel and Thale Cress.

Galls picked out included:- Eriophyes sorbi; Eriophyes laevis; Eriophyes tiliae; Euura pedunculi and Aceria macrochela.

We also added:- Greenfinch (*4); Wood Pigeon (*1); Pied Wagtail (*1); Magpie (*1) and Blackbird (*1) plus Silver Birch and White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

3rd May 2024 - St James Church, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A trip into Didsbury for a brew and some grub, a quick look around this small churchyard under grey clouds and we saw:- Fringe Cups; Daisy; Green Alkanet; Holly; Dandelion agg; Ribwort Plantain; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Lords and Ladies; Welsh Poppy; Herb Robert; Sycamore; Cow Parsley and Ivy Leaved Speedwell in flower plus a Robin, a Goldcrest, 5 * Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella); 1 * Box Tree Moth larvae (Cydalima perspectalis) and the Galls (Phyllocoptes goniothorax) and (Eriophyes leiosoma).

A main road nearby gave rise to:- 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 4 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and the Gall (Cecidophyes nudus).

2nd May 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Home and a strip, a cup of pop, a pootle in the garden (with clothes on of course) and I noted:- 6 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

In the bathroom I saw a Bee Moth; a White Shouldered House Moth; a 20 Plume Moth and the Micro Moth (Tachystola acroxantha).

2nd May 2024 - River Mersey, East Didsbury, G. Manchester - Walking on with the intention to get home and stretch. Note was made though of:- 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 23 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 9 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 4 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 3 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus).

A Swallow was whizzing in and out of a floodgate area - nests are being built methinks.

2nd May 2024 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - My resolve is being tested with this hernia and crook back, it really does niggle away at the temperament. I booked half a day off work, had a good 2 mile walk, a coffee and then did some mooching. Insects seen were few but I did record:- 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata); 1 * Pale Tortoise Beetle (Cassida flaveola); 1 * Crane Fly (Limonia phragmitidis); 1 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 17 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 22 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 21 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 15 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 7 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 8 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 6 * Buttercup Beetle (Hydrothassa marginella); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 4 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 9 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 5 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 2 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 4 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 4 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * (Baccha elongata); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 3 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album) and 2 * Sawfly (Aglaostigma aucupariae); 1 * Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); 1 * Raspberry Beetle (Byturus ochraceus); 1 * Weevil (Liophloeus tessulatus); 1 * Heather Beetle (Lochmaea suturalis) plus plenty of Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni).

2 Galls were noted, these being:- Eriophyes leiosoma and Protomyces macrosporus.

The only other things seen were numerous Amber Snails (Succinea putris); a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

1st May 2024 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - Nearly home and I saw:- 1 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Cuckooflower; Thyme Leaved Speedwell and Germander Speedwell were all adding a splash of color.

29th April 2024 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - Just outside Abney Hall there is a Pine Tree, I gave it a quick check and saw 1 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and a new species for me, the Harvestman (Platybunus pinetorum) - bonus.

29th April 2024 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - After a call in for a coffee in Cheadle Village and a read of a horror short story (very nasty) I made my way homeward. During my jaunt I had a chat with a local mate and a lovely couple who were interested in what I was looking at. During this short jaunt I recorded:- 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 7 * Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Hawthorn Leaf Beetle (Lochmaea crataegi); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae) and 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula).

Marsh Marigold and Cuckooflower were looking lovely too.

29th April 2024 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Continuing my walk and with the clouds building and the wind rising I did well to note:- 30 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 13 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia pagana); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 15 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempuncata) and 1 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus).

Common Vetch and Greater Celandine were 2 flowers pondered and Oak Apple Gall (Biorhiza pallida) was looking as good as ever.

A Mandarin Duck flew by, a Grey Wagtail skipped about

28th April 2024 - Countess of Chester CP, Cheshire - After a coffee and a pie in a quiet cafe we returned to an area we hadn't visited for quite a while. Some good work had been going on and matters were improving it seemed. Insects noted today were:- 1 * Ground Weevil (Barynotus obscurus); 1 * Caddisfly (Limnephilus sparsus); 1 * Sap Feeding Beetle (Epuraea aestiva); 1 * Common Damsel Bug (Nabis rugosus); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Trembling Wing Fly (Palloptera quinquemaculata); 1 * Thistle Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vernalis); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Soldier Beetle (Cantharis pellucida); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 16 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 2 * 16 Spot Ladybird (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 2 * 24 Spot Ladybird (Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia pagana); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 8 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Rhopalid Bug (Rhopalus subrufus); 1 * Woundwort Shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimus); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 3 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Saw-Fly (Aglaostigma fulvipes); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex); 10 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 6 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 3 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris sp); 7 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata) and 2 * European Cinch Bug nymphs (Ischnodemus sabuleti).

Flowers listed were:- Common Vetch; Herb Robert; Marsh Marigold; Creeping Buttercup; Cow Parsley; Hogweed; Hawthorn; Horse Chestnut; Rowan; Daisy; Meadow Buttercup; Cowslip; Ragged Robin; Dandelion agg; Sycamore; Colt's-Foot; Ribwort Plantain; Gorse; Germander Speedwell; Green Alkanet; Wood Avens; Cuckooflower; Geulder Rose; Lesser Celandine; Red Campion; Groundsel; Garlic Mustard; Hedge Mustard; Red Dead Nettle; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Common Field Speedwell; Spanish Bluebell and White Dead Nettle.

Birds spotted included:- Greenfinch; Starling; Great Tit; Chiffchaff; Wren; Magpie; Blackcap; Kestrel; Blackbird; Long Tailed Tit; Common Whitethroat; Linnet; Carrion Crow; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Dunnock and Robin.

Final additions were:- Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); Amber Snail (Succinea putris); Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); Common Horsetail; Hart's-Tongue Fern and the Gall (Andricus kollari).

28th April 2024 - Chester Zoo NR, Cheshire - After the previous days footy and giggery my legs and back needed a stretch. The first wander was in the chill with a look at this small but valuable nature reserve. The few birds seen were:- Cetti's Warbler; Swallow; Kestrel; Jackdaw; Mallard; Wood Pigeon; Common Whitethroat; Robin; Carrion Crow; Chiffchaff; Magpie; Goldfinch; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Pied Wagtail and a Moorhen with three young un's.

Insects recorded were:- 1 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata); 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Murky Legged Black Legionnaire Fly (Beris chalybata); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis livida); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma appendiculata); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 8 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 12 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 3 * Common Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 2 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) and 1 * Nettle Tap Moth (Anthophila fabriciana).

Blooms noted were:- Rowan; Red Campion; Hawthorn; Garlic Mustard; Spindle; Creeping Buttercup; Guelder Rose; Cowslip; Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Wood Avens and Greater Stitchwort.

Also added were a Rabbit; the Common Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha); Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); 1 * Amber Snail (Succinea putris); 1 * N Nursery web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and the Galls (Phytoptus avellanae) and (Biorhiza pallida).

27th April 2024 - Garswood United FC, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Lancashire - A new footy ground, 4 penalties, 8 goals, a sending off and free brews - nice. Prior to and after the match I recorded;- 1 * Adonis Ladybird (Hippodamia variegata); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula rufina) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Flowers in bloom included:- Daisy; Cut Leaved Crane's-Bill; Hogweed; Cuckooflower; Garlic Mustard; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Cow Parsley; Ribwort Plantain; Common Vetch; Groundsel; Pineappleweed; Common Mouse Ear; Creeping Buttercup; Colt's-Foot and Dandelion agg.

We also added:- Collared Dove; Blackbird; Goldfinch; 2 Common Toads and a White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis).

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

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.

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 * Harlequin 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).

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.

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.

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.

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 - 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.

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).

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 - 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.

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).

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).

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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.