17th April 2025 - Heaton Mersey Orchard and Meadow, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking home after a stressful week, 4 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and 2 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) were all that I saw as I wearily wandered forth.

Further along and besides the river Pendulous Sedge was now flowering and the Common Sycamore Aphid (Drepanosiphum platanoidis) was appearing on its usual host.

16th April 2025 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A different route to work with the weather cold, grey and windy.  Goldcrest (*2); Chiffchaff (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*3); Blackbird (*1); Great Tit (*1) and Willow Warbler (*1) was the lot along a short stretch.

15th April 2025 - Heaton Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Trudging to work with a coffee in hand.  The short back alley I use as a short cut was now giving rise to the following blooms:- Thale Cress; Daisy; Cow Parsley; Garlic Mustard; Green Alkanet; Herb Robert; Spanish Bluebell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Goosegrass and Creeping Buttercup.  I also saw Wood Pigeon (*5); Collared Dove (*1); Blackbird (*1) and Bullfinch (*1).  On the homeward journey I added:-  Hedge Mustard; Hawthorn; Fringecups and Wavy Bittercress as well as Ring Necked Parakeet (*3); Dunnock (*1) and a few Shiny and Rough Woodlice.

14th April 2025 - Daisy Nook CP, G. Manchester - A scan at the hospital and then a shortish walk before food at a nearby garden centre. Clouds and wind with the odd splash of sun was the order of the day. Insects recorded were:- 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 6 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 4 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lateralis) and 2 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Bird species seen were:- Chaffinch (*2); Magpie (*3); Mallard (*27); Moorhen (*4); Chiffchaff (*1); Canada Goose (*24); Mute Swan (*1); Coot (*5); Dunnock (*1); Grey Wagtail (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Great Tit (*1); Robin (*1); Grey Heron (*2); Carrion Crow (*1); Swallow (*4); Blackbird (*1); Collared Dove (*1); Wren (*1); Mistle Thrush (*1) and a few Wood Pigeon plus Greenfinch; Blackcap; Pheasant; Willow Warbler and Nuthatch on call.

The few blooms added included:- Dandelion agg; Butterbur; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Wavy Bittercress; Daisy; Common Field Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Red Campion; Bush Vetch; Ramsons; Lesser Celandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Garlic Mustard; Marsh Marigold; Creeping Buttercup; Herb Robert; Bird Cherry; Spanish Bluebell; False Yellow Archangel and Shining Crane's-Bill.

Also added were the Moss (Grimmia pulvinata) and the Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) plus a few Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus).

13th April 2025 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - We were headed home but called off to visit the Mother-in-Laws grave, we got sad so went to the Tibetan Kitchen and indulged in a coffee and some fine alfesco food. We had a short walk to burn up a few calories and saw:- 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 3 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 2 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare) and a Square Spot Rustic Moth (Xestia xanthographa) larva were all seen whilst letting the food digest.

Fringecups; Cuckooflower and Common Cornsalad were in bloom and we also added Meadow Foxtail.

13th April 2025 - Chorlton Ees NR, G. Manchester - Chores to do, so an early morn walk. Cloudy with the occasional sunny splash, the insects recorded were:- 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Hoverfly (Baccha elongata); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lateralis); 1 * Hoverfly (Cheilosia pagana) and 4 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

A few blooms listed were:- Hawthorn; Cuckooflower and Garlic Mustard.

No binoculars and not really looking for birds but we did see:- 1 * Blackcap; 2 * Song Thrush; 1 * Chiffchaff; 1 * Willow Warbler; 1 * Robin; 1 * Goldfinch and 1 * Goldcrest.

I also added 49 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and the Gall (Phyllocoptes eupadi).

12th April 2025 - Madeley Pool, Staffordshire - We were going to watch Madeley White Star FC but when 2 minutes away from the ground we noted an area to explore. We nipped into a cafe and got a brew and some grub, the lass who served us was Madeley White Stars wife (what are the chances). We found a bench, consumed and then had a stroll. A small area but we saw a few insects:- 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 3 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

Birdlife consisted of a small Rookery; 2 * Blackbird; 2 * Jackdaw; 3 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Long Tailed Tit; 1 * Greenfinch; 2 * Blue Tit; 2 * Mallard; 3 * Moorhen; 11 * Canada Goose and a few Wood Pigeon.

Blooms noted were:- Black Medick; Lilac; Groundsel; Cow Parsley; Ramsons; Butterbur; Lesser Celandine; Slender Speedwell; Red Dead Nettle; White Dead Nettle; Creeping Buttercup; Shining Crane's-Bill and Daisy.

12th April 2025 - Queens Park, Crewe, Cheshire - It was nearly a year since we last visited this park, today we had another stroll prior to some Non-League action. Insects seen were:- 43 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 2 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 5 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Large White (Pieris brassicae); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 10 * Nomad Bee (Nomada marshamella); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Peacock (Aglais io).

Bird species listed were:- Little Owl; Pied Wagtail; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Goldfinch; Great Tit; Jay; Moorhen; Coot; Mute Swan; Robin; Mallard; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Canada Goose; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Feral Pigeon; Blackbird and Carrion Crow plus Chiffchaff; Goldcrest and Nuthatch on call.

The only flowers in bloom were:- Lesser Celandine; Groundsel; Green Alkanet; Common Field Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Cuckooflower; Thale Cress; Red Dead Nettle; Colt's-Foot; Dandelion agg and Daisy. Hornbeam was also in flower and we saw a few cheeky Grey Squirrels.

11th April 2025 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk home, a few insects were seen:- 7 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Mint Moth (Pyrausta aurata); 4 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustularis); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 3 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 1 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

I also saw a Buzzard; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Blackbird and Cow Parsley in flower.

10th April 2025 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick pootle through in the sun. Insects seen were:- 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 8 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Germander; Ivy Leaved and Slender Speedwells were all in flower and I saw a Wren and a Song Thrush too.

9th April 2025 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Singles of Green Veined White (Pieris napi); Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and Bee Fly (Bombylius major) sent me home with a smile on my face.

In the nearby Orchard I saw:- 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

8th April 2025 - Didsbury, G. Manchester - A trip to the hospital to check the hernia, all is cemented in place and looking good. I strolled to work along a green corridor and saw the following birds:- Magpie (*2); Wood Pigeon (*4); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Wren (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Blackbird (*2); Chiffchaff (*1); Bullfinch (*1) and Dunnock (*1).

Insects listed were:- 4 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 3 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 7 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 3 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 3 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Melangyna cincta); 2 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 5 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 51 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

The only flowers recorded were:- Dandelion agg; Daisy; Slender Speedwell; Green Alkanet; False Yellow Archangel; Lesser Celandine; Hogweed; Cuckooflower; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Bluebell.

7th April 2025 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Up early, a coffee, a walk down the river, a sit and read and a pootle back after a break at a garden centre cafe. Insects recorded today were:- 4 * Common Shore Bug (Saldula saltatoria); 1 * Stilt-Fly (Neria cibaria); 30 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula lateralis); 1 * Ground Beetle (Bembidion tetracolum); 10 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 9 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 8 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Small White (Pireis rapae); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 20 * Ground Beetle (Paranchus albipes); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus); 3 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 30 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria) and 4 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni).

Birds seen without bins were:- Blackcap (*3); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Blackbird (*3); Chiffchaff (*2); Great Tit (*1); Blue Tit (*1); Wood Pigeon (*2); Kingfisher (*2); Mallard (*7); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Goosander (*2); Canada Goose (*37); Sand Martin (*7); Magpie (*5); Carrion Crow (*10); Grey Heron (*2); Dipper (*2); Chaffinch (*1); Goldcrest (*1); Wren (*1); Goldfinch (*1); House Sparrow (*1); Mistle Thrush (*1); Robin (*1);

Blooms observed were:- Ribwort Plantain; White Dead Nettle; Spanish Bluebell; Red Campion; Ramsons; Garlic Mustard; Greater Celandine; American Wintercress; Rape; Herb Robert; Red Dead Nettle; Colt's-Foot and Hawthorn.

6th April 2025 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - An early morning walk with the lasses. There was a breeze and the sun was not at full power but I did note a few insects:- 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 5 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans).

Bird species recorded were:- Little Egret; Magpie; Chiffchaff; Bullfinch; Blue Tit; Canada Goose; Mallard; Great Tit; Moorhen; Wood Pigeon; Blackcap; Blackbird plus Greenfinch; Wren; Nuthatch and Goldcrest on call.

The only blooms noted were:- Sycamore; Butterbur; Lesser Celandine; Marsh Marigold; Thale Cress; Daisy and Ivy Leaved Speedwell.

We also saw a lone Grey Squirrel.

5th April 2025 - West Timperley NR, Timperley, G. Manchester - A pre-footy walk interruped by a walk to the local shops for a coffee. During the slow amble we listed the insects seen, these were:- 22 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 3 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 7 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) and 1 * Peacock (Aglais io).

Birds seen were:- Chiffchaff (*3); Great Tit (*2); Jay (*2); Blackbird (*3); Wood Pigeon (*6); Buzzard (*1); Mallard (*4); Canada Goose (*2); Robin (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*2); Bullfinch (*1); Blue Tit (*1); Gadwall (*2); Wren (*1); Coot (*1) and Moorhen (*2).

Blooms noted were:- Dandelion agg; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Bird Cherry; Daisy; Bluebell and Wavy Bittercress.

A Grey Squirrel was added too as well as 2 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) and 3 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus).

4th April 2025 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk after work before meeting the missus, I counted the following insects:- 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Sawfly ( Aglaostigma aucupariae); 8 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 11 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 3 * Peacock (Aglais io); 4 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 3 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 2 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Rufous Stilt Moth (Caloptilia rufipennella); 5 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni) and 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines).

A singing Blackcap; Chiffchaff and Wren were noted as well as a lone Carrion Crow.

2nd April 2025 - Norris Hill, Stockport, G. Manchester - A small area wandered through, I recorded:- Ground Ivy; Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg; False Yellow Arch Angel; Daisy; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Common Field Speedwell and Groundsel in flower plus a calling Chiffchaff; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 2 * Blackbird; 3 * Magpie and 2 * Long Tailed Tit.

The only insects noted were:- 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album) and 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva).

31st March 2025 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - A circular walk after getting a coffee. The throat and mouth are still burning, the guts are burning now and again, I am fed up with this darn carcass. The hernia post-op mither is slowly getting better - as per, it was a go-slow day.

Walking through this local park I recorded a few birds seen by my eyes rather than through binos. Chiffchaff (*2); Robin (*4); Magpie (*1); Wood Pigeon (*10); Blackbird (*1); Coot (*9); Wren (*2); Mallard (*13); Canada Goose (*2); Moorhen (*3); Great Tit (*7); Carrion Crow (*2); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Blue Tit (*1); Nuthatch (*1) and Grey Wagtail (*1).

I also added 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

30th March 2025 - Alexandra Park, Moss Side, G. Manchester - A coffee and a short walk with the missus to keep things flowing. Insects seen were:- 13 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 4 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Gooden's Nomad Bee (Nomada goodeniana) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

6 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); a few White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and Cuckooflower; Daisy; Lesser Celandine and Red Campion in flower were also added.

Bird species were made up of:- Long Tailed Tit; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Robin; Mute Swan; Moorhen; Coot; Wood Pigeon; Tufted Duck; Ring Necked Parakeet; Black Headed Gull; Canada Goose; Mallard and Feral Pigeon.

28th March 2025 - Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth, Dorset - A visit in the sun, we met a fine gent who joined us for a walk and an ice cream. 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) were noted along with Rocket Salad; Dandelion agg; Alexanders; Daisy; Lesser Celandine and Greater Periwinkle in flower and the birds:- Little Egret; Great Black Backed Gull; Wood Pigeon; Oystercatcher; Robin; Cormorant; Magpie and Red Breasted Merganser (*6).

A Brittle Starfish and a few Shore Crabs added extra interest.

28th March 2025 - Chesil Beach , Dorset - A trip with a few birders to see a local rarity just down the road (cheers Guy for the lift) and we soon were looking at a Dotterel. Word soon spread and people appeared, we soon buggered off but I did return later in the day to show the lasses. Also noted were:- Ringed Plover; Meadow Pipit; Wheatear; Starling; Pied Wagtail and a brace of Dark Bellied Brent Geese.

Chickweed; Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill and Ribwort Plantain were in flower.

28th March 2025 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Before the lasses rose I had a walk to the end of the island and a pootle round a few fields. The stand out birds were:- Purple Sandpiper (*6); Hooded Crow (*1); Wheatear (*3); Black Redstart (*1); Stonechat (*2) and Raven (*2).

Bulbous Buttercup was in flower.

27th March 2025 - Poole Park/Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset - Another visit to a lovely area, this time with a slight extension. Bird species seen were:- Mute Swan; Feral Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Canada Goose; Mallard; Mandarin; Feral Greylag Goose; Herring Gull; Magpie; Moorhen; Willow Warbler; Coot; Tufted Duck; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Cormorant; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Starling; Turnstone; Little Egret; Great Black Backed Gull; Oystercatcher plus 4 * Dark Bellied Brent Goose; 4 * Mediterranean Gull and 3 * Red Breasted Merganser.

Flowers in bloom were:- Colt's-Foot; Daisy; Gorse; Dandelion agg; Green Alkanet; Red Dead Nettle; Shepherd's Purse; Groundsel; Chickweed; Bulbous Buttercup and Sweet Violet.

Also added were 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * Peacock (Aglais io).

27th March 2025 - Longham Lakes, Bournemouth, Dorset - A flat walk is what is needed so we headed to an area we have visited before. Birds noted were:- Robin (*5); Shoveler (*15); Oystercatcher (*2); Cormorant (*5); Mallard (*6); Mute Swan (*2); Reed Bunting (*6); Cetti's Warbler (*1); Chaffinch (*2); Wigeon (*7); Chiffchaff (*4); Great Tit (*4); Egyptian Goose (*1); Blackbird (*3); Blue Tit (*2); Lesser Scaup (*1); Common Gull (*1); Dunnock (*1); Jackdaw (*1); Magpie (*1); plus decent numbers of:- Starling; Carrion Crow; Greylag Goose; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; Herring Gull and Lesser Black Backed Gull and Canada Goose with Greenfinch and Song Thrush on call.

Daisy; Lesser Celandine; Marsh Marigold; Ground Ivy; Cowslip; Dandelion agg; Red Dead Nettle and White Dead Nettle were in flower and we also saw a Peacock (Aglais io).

26th March 2025 - Lodmoor RSPB, Weymouth, Dorset - A fine breakfast, a walk and then a stroll around this quiet reserve. Bird species listed were:- Pied Wagtail; Greenfinch; Wood Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Little Egret; Mute Swan; Moorhen; Carrion Crow; Shoveler; Blackbird; Chiffchaff; Coot; Black Tailed Godwit; Mallard; Teal; Gadwall; Oystercatcher; Herring Gull; Canada Goose; Great Tit; Shelduck; Grey Heron; Wigeon; House Sparrow; Cormorant; Robin; Great White Egret plus 4 Common Snipe and 2 breeding plumage Mediterranean Gulls and Cetti's Warbler and Goldfinch on call.

1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula paludosa); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 5 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) were the few insect seen.

Winter Heliotrope; Alexanders; Ground Ivy; Daisy; Red Dead Nettle; Groundsel; Common Field Speedwell; Sweet Violet; Greater Periwinkle; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Gorse; Dandelion agg; Blackthorn; Cow Parsley and Colt's-Foot were in flower and we added a Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica) and a cute Rabbit.

26th March 2025 - Radipole Lake RSPB, Weymouth, Dorset - A walk in two short bursts, interrupted by a day at the shops and a walk to a nearby reserve. During the two pootles we saw:- Dunnock; Cetti's Warbler; Moorhen; Cormorant; Shelduck; Great Black Backed Gull; Herring Gull; Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Teal; Carrion Crow; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Greenfinch; Robin; Chiffchaff; Mute Swan; Canada Goose; Tufted Duck; Grey Heron; Marsh Harrier; Gadwall and Feral Pigeon.

Winter Heliotrope; Cow Parsley; Sweet Violet; Early Dog Violet; Red Dead Nettle and Lesser Celandine were in flower and we saw a few Common Carp plus 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

26th March 2025 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A walk with the missus from the Obs to the end of the island before starting the day. Wheatear; Black Redstart; Guillemot; Razorbill; Rock Pipit; Gannet; Oystercatcher; Raven and Stonechat were the few bird species recorded plus a chilled out close-up Grey Seal.

Back at the Obs and a Brambling was photographed in the warden's hand - nice.

25th March 2025 - Chiswell/Fortuneswell, Portland, Dorset - A meet up with some friends for some home-made food and a chat. We had a walk afterwards before returning for tea and cake and a look at the work of a fine artist (stand up Mr David Edwards). A reet good day it was. During the walk I noted a few bird species whilst nattering:- Wood Pigeon; Dunnock; Sparrowhawk; Herring Gull; Carrion Crow and Great Black Backed Gull.

Alexanders; Lesser Celandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Colt's-Foot and Red Valerian were in flower and we also saw a Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) plus Striped and Pill Woodlice and a few Garden Snails (Cornu aspersum).

A new species for us was Littoral Whiplash Rove Beetle (Paederus littoralis) - nice.

25th March 2025 - Portland Harbour Area, Dorset - A short walk with the lasses to keep the blood flowing. We were still taking it easy, ambling along and avoiding anything that involved me bending and carrying. A coffee in the sun started matters and the bird species seen were:- Starling (*2); Blackbird (*1); Goldfinch (*3); Linnet (*1); Robin (*1); Chiffchaff (*1); Wood Pigeon (*6); Carrion Crow (*7); Pied Wagtail (*3) and several Herring Gull.

Winter Heliotrope; Green Alkanet; Danish Scurvygrass; Common Field Speedwell; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Common Stork's-Bill; Gorse and Oxford Ragwort were all in flower.

2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) were the only insects noted.

Trioza centranthi was a new gall for the year.

24th March 2025 - Wareham Channel and Wareham Water Meadows, Dorset - A new area pootled at, slow and steady we went and we saw a good range of bird species:- Coot; Tufted Duck; Mute Swan; Stonechat; Wren; Pied Wagtail; Redshank; Marsh Harrier; White Wagtail; Reed Bunting; Common Snipe; Grey Heron; Teal; Black Tailed Godwit; Lapwing; Greylag Goose; Black Headed Gull; Raven; Cormorant; Mallard; Canada Goose; Buzzard; Nuthatch; Great Tit; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Pheasant; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; House Sparrow; Carrion Crow; Starling; Stock Dove; Chiffchaff; Willow Warbler; Dunnock; Egyptian Goose; Great Crested Grebe; Goldfinch; Shoveler; Chaffinch; plus 2 * Blue Headed Wagtail and 3 * Little Ringed Plover as well as Cetti's Warbler on call.

We also saw 3 * Roe Deer; 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) and Alexanders; Lesser Celandine; Red Dead Nettle; Greater Periwinkle; Daisy; Gorse; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Shepherd's Purse all in flower and Mistletoe growing up in the branches of a skeletal tree.

24th March 2025 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Up and I had a quick pootle up the top fields whilst the lasses slowly rose. I didn't see much but did note a few bird species:- Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Pheasant; Magpie; Herring Gull; Chiffchaff; Buzzard; Robin; Wood Pigeon and 3 * Kestrel; 30 * Redwing; 18 * Linnet; 3 * Stonechat and 1 * Common Snipe.

Borage was in flower and a Convolvulus Hawk-Moth had been hatch by the warden and a Pine Beauty caught in the moth traps.

23rd March 2025 - Portland Bill, Dorset - We arrived at the lighthouse late afternoon and had a walk before tea. It was a short slow pootle so as not to aggravate the hernia, birds noted were:- Little Owl (*1); Black Redstart (*3); Goldfinch (*10); Skylark (*1); Starling (*9); Oystercatcher (*1); Turnstone (*2); Stonechat (*2) Sand Martin (*1); Great Black Backed Gull (*1); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Stock Dove (*1); Chiffchaff (*6); Pied Wagtail (*1); Rock Pipit (*1); Blackcap (*1); Meadow Pipit (*1); Dark Bellied Brent Goose (*17); Great Tit (*1); Raven (*1); Blue Tit (*1); plus plenty of Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Herring Gull; and the odd Carrion Crow; Cormorant; Gannet and Jackdaw.

Alexanders was in spectacular flower and we also record Groundsel; Danish Scurvygrass and Wild Carrot in bloom too.

1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Grey Patched Mining Bee (Andrena nitida); 2 * Dotted Border (Agriopis marginaria); 2 * Blossom Underwing (Orthosia miniosa); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) were the few insects enjoyed.

19th March 2024 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A slow walk back from work, it took me ages. The few species sighted were:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 5 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 9 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major) and 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria).

3 Magpies, 2 Wood Pigeons plus Common Field Speedwell; Colt's-Foot and Ramsons in flower and that was it.

18th March 2025 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Having nipped home for an Arthur Bliss I decided to slowly pootle a little more. 7 Goosanders greeted me and I also saw a brace of Wrens and a Chiffchaff. The sun was glorious, I need my Vitamin D and I needed to see a few insects, which I did. 2 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Kidney Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus) and 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Ivy Leaved Speedwell was in flower - it is popping up everywhere, what a blessing.

18th March 2025 - Alexander Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Hospital visit (again) then the missus dropped me off so I could get a coffee and stroll home. Birds seen were:- Jackdaw (*2); Carrion Crow (*1); Blackbird (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*2); Coot (*4); Moorhen (*10); Black Headed Gull (*5); Robin (*1); Goldfinch (*2); Great Crested Grebe (*1) and good numbers of Canada Geese and Feral Pigeon.

I also saw 2 * Hoverfly (Syrphus torvus); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) plus Cherry Plum; Common Field Speedwell and Groundsel in flower.

I also spied the Common Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha).

16th March 2024 - River Mersey, Didsbury, G. Manchester - After a garden centre visit we drove home and just checked this area near the river. The floods had done untold damage and the vegetation was struggling. Common Field Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Colt's-Foot; Dandelion agg and Lesser Celandine were all that was in flower. Birds noted were:- Mallard (*3); Goosander (*2); Mandarin (*2); Magpie (*1); Wren (*1); Chaffinch (*1) and Robin (*1).

3 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and 2 * Dusky Slug (Arion subfuscus) were added too.

16th March 2025 - Alexandra Park, Oldham, G. Manchester - Again, a short walk that started with coffee and toast. I was sore today so we made sure we kept steps to a minimum. Bird species recorded were:- Tufted Duck; Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Nuthatch; Goldfinch; Blackbird; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Long Tailed Tit; Robin; Canada Goose; Wood Pigeon; Feral Pigeon; Coot; Moorhen; Grey Heron; Jackdaw; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Blue Tit and Black Headed Gull.

Field Wood Rush was now in flower and I recorded the Lichen (Ramalina farinacea).

15th March 2025 - Peel Park, Salford, G. Manchester - The daughter was having more tattoo work done, we dropped her off and had a short walk, a good breakfast and a brew. Slow and steady was the way, bird species recorded were:- Feral Pigeon; Mallard; Carrion Crow; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Little Grebe; Magpie; Jackdaw; Canada Goose; Blackbird; Mute Swan; Feral Greylag Goose; Grey Wagtail; Great Tit; Moorhen; Long Tailed Tit and Chaffinch.

 The only flowers sporting blooms were:- Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg; Meadow Buttercup; Daisy; Colt's-Foot and Ivy Leaved Speedwell.

We also saw a Grey Squirrel.

14th March 2025 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - A day of more rest finalised with a coffee and short tea-time walk at this small area. Bird species noted were:- Grey Heron; Blackbird; Goldfinch; Wood Pigeon; Wren; Magpie; Mallard; Ring Necked Parakeet; Carrion Crow; Blue Tit; Robin; Moorhen; Mandarin and Canada Goose.

Lesser Cleandine; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Lungwort; Ramsons; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage and Greater Periwinkle were in flower and we also added:- 3 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and 8 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus).

10th March 2025 -  Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - Still struggling to do much. The missus dropped me at this area so I could have a sit and a read. My mate Ant was there, photographing bees. We had a short walk and then I parked my ass and read for a few hours. Whilst pootling the following bugs were recorded:- 3 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 4 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Daffodil Dung Fly (Norellia spinipes); 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage and Marsh Marigold were in flower and Skunk Cabbage wasn't far off.

5 Stock Doves were added too.

9th March 2025 - Grappenhall Walled Gardens, Warrington, Cheshire - A short walk with the lasses, the key being to have a good alfresco breakfast in the sun (which we did) and get a few steps in on the road to recovery. Whilst on a short walk we noted:- 9 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 12 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata); 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 2 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 1 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus) and 1 * Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema sp).

Colt's-Foot was in flower and the few bird species recorded were:- Coot; Canada Goose; Moorhen; Wood Pigeon; Song Thrush; Long Tailed Tit; Blackbird plus Chiffchaff and Nuthatch on call.

8th March 2025 - Princes Park, Irlam, G. Manchester - Out with the missus, a cafe visit, a short walk, a read in the sun, I was fagged out when we arrived at the planned footy game. During our visit we noted Dandelion agg; Groundsel; Daisy and Lesser Celandine with Nuthatch; Long Tailed Tit; Coot; Moorhen; Mallard; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Chaffinch; Carrion Crow; Goldcrest; Robin; Great Tit; Black Headed Gull and the years first Chiffchaff all seen.

5 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 3 * Daffodil Dung Fly (Norellia spinipes) were the only insects seen.

21st February 2025 -  River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A day off work, kitchen tidied, some decorating done and then out to do some local seed-bombing. I found a mass of Wild Garlic and relocated a few bulbs to a new area, I hope they take as the area chosen was a veritable dead zone. 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) and 4 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale) were the only insects seen on a dull and windy day. Under few stones I noted a few Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) as well as 1 * Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); 5 * Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata); 1 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 3 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens) and 1 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum).

Sweet Violet was now in flower and I did see a lovely pair of Goosander.

16th Februray 2025 - Denzell Gardens and The Devisdale, Altrincham, Cheshire - A short walk before heading home to catch up with chores. We had been busy of late and the weather was still lacking any positivity. The few bird species recorded were:- Carrion Crow; Jay; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Blue Tit; Greenfinch; Magpie; Blackbird; Song Thrush and 20 Redwing.

2 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 3 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 35 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 2 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and a Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) were the only other species added as well as the Galls:- Andricus kollari and Andricus lignicola and the Liverwort (Lunularia cruciata).

I also found the first Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) of the year.

15th Februray 2025 - Ball Grove CP, Colne, Lancashire - Today we were visiting our 150th football ground, that was a target set and now achieved. Prior to the game we did some shopping, had a good breakfaast and a walk at an area we have visited a couple of times before. Birds were represented by:- Mallard (*43); Black Headed Gull (*27); Magpie (*1); Blackbird (*2); Moorhen (*4); Coot (*1): Dipper (*2); Blue Tit (*1); Goldcrest (*1); Great Tit (*6); Dunnock (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*6); Pheasant (*2); Robin (*2); Redwing (*20); Goldfinch (*1); Nuthatch (*1); Starling (*1); Jackdaw (*2) and Great Spotted Woodpecker (*1).

Also added to the small list were:- Wall Rue; the Mosses:- Bryum capillare; Grimmia pulvinata and Orthotrichum pulchellum plus the Lichens:- Ramalina fastigata; Cladonia pyxidata and Ramalina farinacea.

14th February 2025 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - A day off work, after a chat with the doctor I decided I am back on the head pills and am going for counselling. The recent chest x-ray was clear which is good news and I need to get the noggin sorted. A cycle in the sun was perishing, I enjoyed a coffee and ham and cheese butty and counted the following birds:- Starling (*1); Black Headed Gull (*18); Common Gull (*8); Greenfinch (*1); Siskin (*1); Goldfinch (*4); Coal Tit (*1); Great Tit (*3); Jay (*1); Robin (*4); Carrion Crow (*3); Blue Tit (*1); Mistle Thrush (*1); Blackbird (*1); Jackdaw (*14); Redwing (*20) plus fair numbers of Magpie; Feral Pigeon; Mallard and Ring Necked Parakeet as well as a few Mandarin Duck; Moorhen; Coot and Canada Goose as well as a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker

I spied 1 * Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata) and life under a few logs included 8 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 5 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 3 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 2 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 2 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 2 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Anchomenus dorsalis); 1 * Rove Beetle (Othius punctulatus); 1 * Rove Beetle (Quedius fuliginosus) and 1 * Great Blackclock Beetle (Pterostichus niger).

Hazel was in flower and there were plenty of Snowdrops and Crocus waiting to tempt many flies on a warmer day.

10th February 2025 - Stretford Marina, Stretford, G. Manchester - A final stop before the cycle home. At this small area I recorded:- Canada Goose (*10); Mallard (*9); Magpie (*6); Wood Pigeon (*4); Blue Tit (*1); House Sparrow (*5); Wren (*1); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Starling (*2); Jackdaw (*1) and Black Headed Gull (*3).

Shepherd's Purse was in flower.

10th February 2025 - Salford Quays, G. Manchester - A 22 mile round trip, the halfway point was at Pret-a-Manger where I had a coffee and a ham and cheese butty. The bird species on the quays were:- Mute Swan; Pied Wagtail; Cprmorant; Coot; Mallard; Canada Goose; Goosander; Moorhen; Wood Pigeon; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Black Headed Gull; Magpie; Feral Pigeon and Jackdaw.

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

8th February 2025 - Skippool Creek, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire - A nice pootle around an indoor market, a cafe visit and a walk before football. The bird species seen were:- Blackbird; Goldfinch; Curlew; Redshank; Carrion Crow; Herring Gull; Mallard; Teal; Great Black Backed Gull; Black Headed Gull; Lapwing; Wood Pigeon; Shelduck; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Magpie; Robin; Wren; Cormorant; Great Tit; Oystercatcher; Starling; Meadow Pipit; Black Tailed Godwit; Dunlin; Jackdaw; Feral Pigeon and Canada Goose.

Gorse was in flower and the regaular wall mosses added were:- Grimmia pulvinata; Tortula muralis and Bryum capillare.

6th February 2025 - Bramhall Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk with my mate Ant, we were too eager it seems, the buglife was almost absent due to a frost. We did see:- 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 9 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 7 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus) and 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax). 1 * Walnut Orb Weaver Spider (Nuctenea umbratica) and the Galls (Andricus kollari) and (Andricus lignicola) and that was it.

Birds recorded were:- Goldcrest (*4); Treecreeper (*2); Mute Swan (*1); Stock Dove (*1); Robin (*3); Great Tit (*2); Blackbird (*1); Buzzard (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Grey Wagtail (*1) plus plenty of Mallard; Moorhen and Magpie and a few Canada Goose; Coot; Wood Pigeon and Mandarin Duck. Also heard were 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers hammering away and Wren; Ring Necked Parakeet; Raven and Nuthatch on call.

3rd February 2025 - Wythenshawe CP, G. Manchester - 14.5 miles on the bike today, starting a good push and then a walk around this park. I didn't see much as I just wanted to keep moving. The only bird species spotted on this terse jaunt were:- Magpie; Carrion Crow; Goldcrest; Robin; Ring Necked Parakeet; Dunnock; Song Thrush; Nuthatch and Great Tit.

I also saw 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * Walnut Orb Weaver Spider (Nuctenea umbratica) plus a handful of fungi.

2nd February 2025 - Elton Reservoir, Bury, G. Manchester - A birding wander to keep the legs moving. The species seen were:- Kestrel (*1); Reed Bunting (*1); Goosander (*2): Pheasant (*3); Wren (*1); Goldfinch (*10); Greenfinch (*3); Blue Tit (*5); Blackbird (*2); Great Tit (*4); Coal Tit (*2); Carrion Crow (*2); Common Gull (*3); Goldeneye (*12); Tufted Duck (*12): Great Crested Grebe (*3); Scaup (*1); Mute Swan (*3); Canada Goose (*63); Teal (*12); Cormorant (*2); Jay (*1); Robin (*3); Long Tailed Tit (*3); Jackdaw (*18); Moorhen (*8); Grey Heron (*2) and a handful of Feral Pigeon; House Sparrow; Redwing; Fieldfare; Starling and Magpie plus plenty of Mallard; Coot; Black Headed Gull and Wood Pigeon.

We also saw 4 * Roe Deer.

1st February 2025 - Manor Park, Glossop, Derbyshire - Prior to another footy match and a new ground we had a short walk at this public park and did some shopping. Bird species seen were:- Blackbird (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Jackdaw (*6); Mallard (*100+); Robin (*2) plus good numbers of Canada Goose; Wood Pigeon and Magpie.

Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); the gall (Taxomyia taxi) and the Lichen (Ramalina farinacea) were the few other bits added as well as a few fungi.

30th January 2025 - Chorlton WP, G. Manchester - I am rough at the mo (what's new), I still managed to have a cycle and record a few birds:- Great Tit; Blue Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Wood Pigeon; Feral Pigeon; Collared Dove; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Canada Goose; Gadwall; Mallard; Tufted Duck; Goosander; Moorhen; Coot; Mute Swan; Great Crested Grebe; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; Robin; Pochard; Ring Necked Parakeet; Cormorant; Grey Heron; House Sparrow; Blackbird and Starling with Goldcrest; Jackdaw and Redwing on call.

Bryum capillare; Grimmia pulvinata and Tortula muralis were mosses all growing on a fence as was the Lichen (Physcia aipolia). The only species added were two galls:- Andricus lignicola and Andricus kollari.

29th January 2025 - Fog Lane Park, Benchill, G. Manchester - I finished work early, cycled to this park and had some victuals, a chat with a lovely group of folk and a walk in the sun. I didn't see much but the bird species recorded were:- Redwing; Goldfinch; Chaffinch; Bullfinch; Great Tit; Mallard; Feral Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Mandarin Duck; Moorhen; Coot; Canada Goose; Ring Necked Parakeet; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Robin; Long Tailed Tit and Magpie.

I had a look at life under logs and recorded:- 6 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 22 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and 4 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 4 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 4 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus) and 1 * Great Blackclock Beetle (Pterostichus niger).

I also spied today the Lichen (Ramalina farinacea) and the Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg).

27th January 2025 - Reddish Vale CP, Stockport, Cheshire - A catch up with my mate Ant and a chance to have a wander and wag the jaw. I fed the birds, spotted a few fungi and recorded a few bird species along the way. The avian interest was provided by:- Canada Goose; Mandarin Duck; Magpie; Blue Tit; Tufted Duck; Coot; Moorhen; Nuthatch; Carrion Crow; Jackdaw; Blackbird; Dunnock; Cormorant; Gadwall; Goosander; Black Headed Gull; Little Grebe; Mute Swan; Wood Pigeon; Feral Pigeon; Ring Necked Parakeet; Goldfinch; Great Tit; Buzzard; Sparrowhawk and Long Tailed Tit.

Hazel was in flower; we saw Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 2 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); 1 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and several Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus). Elegant Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum) was doing well along many broadleaved branches.

2 Galls added were:- Cecidophyes nudus and Andricus kollari.

26th January 2025 - Poynton Coppice/Middlewood Way, Stockport, Cheshire - A good circular walk in whipping wind. A coffee downed, a cake shared and despite a nagging cough we ploughed away and covered nearly 14, 000 steps. The birds were hunkering down but we did see the following species:- Mallard; Canada Goose; Wren; Great Tit; Carrion Crow; Bullfinch; Raven; Jackdaw; Blackbird; Buzzard; Redwing; Redpoll; House Sparrow; Goldfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Blue Tit and Goldcrest.

A few fungi were added and Elegant Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum) and the Lichens (Peltigera polydactylon) and (Parmelia subrudecta).

25th January 2025 - Chorlton Park, G. Manchester - A shopping trip, a fine Tibetan lunch from the cafe that never fails and then a short walk in the sun before footy and my next gig. The only birds recorded were:- Great Tit (*1); Redwing (*2); Wood Pigeon (*2); Magpie (*2); Robin (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*2) and Carrion Crow (*2).

I also spied 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

20th January 2025 - Gatley Carrs, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short trip today, the rain began to fall and I didn't hang about. Ramson leaves were just coming through and already someone was foraging them - no thought for the wildlife needs and no need whatsover to strip leafage when so young. Lesser Celandine was in flower and the only birds seen were:- Blue Tit (*2); Ring Necked Parakeet (*9); Magpie (*2); Wood Pigeon (*4): Blackbird (*3); Robin (*2); Carrion Crow (*1); Greenfinch (*1): Great Tit (*1); Dunnock (*1) and Wren (*2).

2 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 6 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 1 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and 2 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) were othere additions to a very terse trip.

19th January 2025 - Debdale Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - I am in the midst of gigging and so, the nature realm goes on the back foot somewhat. Late nights and ringing ears, with a virus playing silly buggers, getting out is not priority. We are still enjoying the odd jaunt though, bird species recorded today were:- Black Headed Gull; Blackbird; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Common Gull; Mallard; Coot; Moorhen; Herring Gull; Feral Pigeon; Mute Swan; Great Crested Grebe; Ring Necked Parakeet; Carrion Crow; Little Grebe; Tufted Duck; Kingfisher; Redwing; Cormorant; Wren and Blue Tit.

We also noted a Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) and 80 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata).

16th January 2025 - Hollyhedge Park, Wythenshawe, G. Manchester - After stuffing a brace of chicken breasts on a shopping precinct I headed onwards and nipped through yet another green area. I was getting a thirst on so didn't dawdle, the avian life noted was:- Redwing (*5); Magpie (*3); Blue Tit (*2); Wood Pigeon (*4); Great Tit (*2); Robin (*1); Blackbird (*4); Goldfinch (*1) and Chaffinch (*1).

16 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis) and 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) were the only other additions.

16th January 2025 - Painswick Park, Wythenshawe, G. Manchester - Out on the bike, the sun was out and so I had a pootle at a park I hadn't visited before. A small area, the birds recorded were:- Goldcrest (*2); Carrion Crow (*2); Magpie (*5); Goldfinch (*2); Lesser Black Backed Gull (*1); Mallard (*9); Canada Goose (*72); Moorhen (*13); Coot (*4); Blackbird (*2); Robin (*2); Black Headed Gull (*29); Wood Pigeon (*5); Great Tit (*1); Redwing (*6); Wren (*1); Starling (*4); Blue Tit (*2); Nuthatch (*1); Feral Pigeon (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*5); Coal Tit (*1) and a Song Thrush on call.

9 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis); a few Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and the lichens:- Xanthoria parietina and Physcia aipolia made for a decent trip in the sun.

12th January 2025 - Etherow CP, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk with the missus at a very old haunt. Bird species seen today were:- Robin; Canada Goose; Mallard; Moorhen; Jackdaw; Feral Pigeon; Dunnock; Wren; Tufted Duck; Starling; Wood Pigeon; Feral Greylag Goose; Blackbird; Blue Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Nuthatch; Cormorant; Grey Wagtail; Carrion Crow; Buzzard; Coot; Mute Swan; Jay; Great Tit; Coal Tit; Goosander; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Magpie; plus Fieldfare (*1); Redwing (*50+) and Mandarin Duck (*54).

We also added:- 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); Rough and Shiny Woodlouse; Elegant Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum); Hazel in flower and the Lichens:- Ramalina farinacea and Xanthoria parietina.

7th January 2025 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking home and the snow was everywhere, in the small area I noted:- Blackbird (*10); Carrion Crow (*4); Wood pigeon (*2); Blue Tit (*5); Coal Tit (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Great Tit (*1); House Sparrow (*1) and Song Thrush (*1).

I also added the Harvestman (Dicranopalpus ramosus agg).

6th January 2025 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - At the docs again, hernia on one side, inflamed duct on the other, back and chest playing up, Achilles tendon twanging, guts a bit off. A short stroll to a coffee shop, on the way there and back I saw a few fungi (104 species recorded for the year) and noted:- Yarrow in flower, the Galls (Andricus aries and Andricus lignicola); the Moss (Grimmia pulvinata); an Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata); 3 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 2 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus) and the following birds:- Blackbird (*2); Blue Tit (*3); Long Tailed Tit (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Wood Pigeon (*5); Robin (*1); Magpie (*3); Great Tit (*2); Mallard (*11); Black Headed Gull (*12); Coot (*4); Moorhen (*7) and Redwing (*8).

A Ground Beetle I named was duly confirmed as Leistus fulvibarbis.

4th January 2025 - Poise Brook, Stockport, G. Manchester - A few more fungi recorded and the following bird species:- Song Thrush (*1); Long Tailed Tit (*3); Nuthatch (*1); Goldcrest (*1); Blackbird (*4); Great Tit (*2); Blue Tit (*3); Magpie (*3); House Sparrow (*1); Wood Pigeon (*47); Carrion Crow (*1); Mallard (*14); Black Headed Gull (*79); Jackdaw (*2) and Canada Goose (*159).

Lesser Celandine was in flower, we saw the Galls:- Agathomyia wankowiczii and Andricus kollari. and the Lichens:- Xanthoria parietina and Cladonia coniocraea.

3rd January 2025 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - To work, freezing, home early - a coffee and a circular walk with 8 miles covered for the day. The river was turgid, it gives people something to photograph and talk about - I would much rather they fed the birds, recorded some wildlife and considered what the long term neglect is doing. Birds seen today were:- Goldcrest (*1); Wren (*1); Great Tit (*2); Magpie (*7); Blackbird (*6); Ring Necked Parakeet (*1); Pied Wagtail (*1); Wood Pigeon (*5); Grey Wagtail (*2); Long Tailed Tit (*4); Feral Pigeon (*6); Robin (*3); Common Gull (*1); Cormorant (*3); Grey Heron (*2); Moorhen (*1); Dunnock (*1); Mallard (*8); Goosander (*3); Song Thrush (*1) and hundreds of Black Headed Gulls and quite a few Carrion Crows.

I also added 6 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); 1 * Walnut Orb Weaver Spider (Nuctenea umbratica) plus Lesser Celandine in flower.

2nd January 2025 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A dinnertime stroll away from the desk.  Birds seen were:- Robin (*1); Magpie (*4); Ring Necked Parakeet (*5); Moorhen (*3); Canada Goose (*7)  and Carrion Crow (*2). The Moss (Grimmia pulvinata) was looking grand on a frost-kissed on a wall, a Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) was tucked up behind bark and a Grey Squirrel pinged about in the treetops.  A few fungi were extras and I soon scooted back to the office for a brew.

The Ground Beetle (Dromius quadrimaculatus) was later added.

1st January 2025 - Low Hall NR, Wigan, Lancashire - A morning walk with the missus and my brother. There had been flooding everywhere and this area had waters risen. We pootled on and recorded the following bird species:- Jackdaw (*10); Willow Tit (*1); Great Tit (*1); Coal Tit (*1); Nuthatch (*1); Wren (*1); Carrion Crow (*1); Mallard (*2); Coot (*2); Robin (*2); Wood Pigeon (*1); Black Headed Gull (*2); Mute Swan (*2) and Magpie (*1).

Lichens named were:- Physcia tenella; Xanthoria parietina; Evernia prunastri; Ramalina fastigata; Ramalina farinacea; Cladonia fimbriata and Graphis scripta.

Mosses listed were:- Schistidium crassipilum; Grimmia pulvinata; Orthotrichum pulchellum and Tortula muralis. I also added the liverwort (Metzgeria furcata) and Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium).

The only flower sporting blooms was Wood Avens.

Oddments added were:- White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); 31 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) and an old Ram's-Horn Gall (Andricus aries).

Also added were 2 * Walnut Orb Weaver Spider (Nuctenea umbratica) and singles of 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata) and Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata).

The Ground Beetle (Ocys harpaloides/tachysoides agg) was added after the event as it fell from a sample of moss and also added was (Plagiodera versicolora) after Michael Geiser provided an ID.