29th April 2026 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - I pushed the bike through this park and had a nosey. Insects recorded were:- 19 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 4 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 4 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 3 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 3 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 2 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Longhorn Moth (Adela reaumurella); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album) and 1 * Large White (Pieris rapae).

Cecidophyes rouhollahi and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum (sexual stage) were the two galls added.

28th April 2026 - Heaton Mersey Orchard, Stockport, G. Manchester - A long day at work, home and a short mooch, I only saw:- 14 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Saw-Fly (Aglaostigma fulvipes); 2 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 4 * Tortoise Beetle (Cassida vibex) and 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Japanese Rose and Creeping Buttercup were in good flower.

27th April 2026 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - The bedroom carpet was being fitted and so I was stuck in. I spent the time tidying and doing some chores in the garden where I noted the following blooms:- Honesty; Germander Speedwell; Greater Celandine; Shining Crane's-Bill; Garlic Mustard; Herb Robert; Green Alkanet; Creeping Buttercup; White Clover; Dandelion agg; Red Campion and Welsh Poppy.

A Starling flew by and 6 * Lesser Black Back Gull and the insects noted were:- 1 * Blue Mason Bee (Osmia caerulescens); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum); 1 * Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustualtus); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria).

26th April 2025 - Astley, Chat and Little Woolden Moss, G. Manchester - As last year, we had planned to go one place and ended up here. Again it proved to be the correct the decision as we saw few people and recorded a decent list.

The 55 bird species seen were:- 3 * Yellow Wagtail; 1 * Wheatear; 2 * Oystercatcher; 2 * Curlew; 1 * Grasshopper Warbler (plus 2 on call); 2 * Grey Wagtail; 1 * White Wagtail; 3 * Little Egret; 5 * Sand Martin; 1 * Reed Warbler; 2 * Linnet plus Lesser Black Backed Gull; Robin; Long Tailed Tit; Great Tit; Goldcrest; Song Thrush; Grey Heron; Shoveler; Jackdaw; Buzzard; Stock Dove; Gadwall; Jay; Moorhen; Herring Gull; Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Reed Bunting; Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Canada Goose; Rook; Greenfinch; Blackcap; Wren; Chiffchaff; Blue Tit; Chaffinch; Feral Pigeon; Dunnock; Mistle Thrush; Pheasant; Carrion Crow; Wood Pigeon; Collared Dove; Magpie; Goldfinch; House Sparrow; Starling and good numbers of Willow Warbler; Common Whitethroat; Swallow; Lapwing and Pied Wagtail.

The 50 plants holding blooms were:- Wild Strawberry; Winter Cress; Field Pansy; Chickweed; Ribwort Plantain; Wall Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Goosegrass; Greater Periwinkle; Silver Birch; Common Beech; Hedge Mustard; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Creeping Buttercup; Marsh Marigold; Greater Celandine; Thale Cress; Gorse; Sticky Mouse Ear; Colt's-Foot; Bilberry; Pendulous Sedge; Red Campion; Green Alkanet; Rowan; Common Field Speedwell; Welsh Poppy; Rape; Flowering Currant; Honesty; Greater Celandine; Comfrey agg; Elder; Laburnum; Shepherd's Purse; Sycamore; Field Maple; Spanish Bluebell; Red Dead Nettle; Shining Crane's-Bill; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Hawthorn; White Dead Nettle; Cow Parsley; Groundsel; Horse Chestnut; Garlic Mustard; Bird Cherry and Herb Robert.

Insects were not playing ball today, the breeze was perhaps a little too much but we did record 39 species:- 1 * Birch Leaf Rolling Weevil (Deporaus betulae); 1 * Heather Beetle (Lochmaea suturalis); 1 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema calcarata); 1 * Common Carpet Moth (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Belted Click Beetle (Ampedus balteatus); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 3 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 11 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 9 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Pea Weevil (Sitona agg); 5 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 3 * Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta); 5 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 5 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 3 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 30 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 9 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthochoris nemorum agg); 6 * Green Tiger Beetle (Cicindela campestris); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 2 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Leucozona lucorum); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * Dagger Fly (Empis tessellata) and 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Rove Beetle (Tachyporus chrysomelinus agg) plus a Yellow-Tail Moth larva (Euproctis similis) and numerous St Mark's Flies (Bibio marci) and Birch Catkin Bugs (Kleidocerys resedae).

We saw 7 galls:- Acalitus calycophthirus; Andricus curvator; Phytoptus avellanae; Eriophyes sorbi; Phyllocoptes goniothorax; Cecidophyes rouhollahi and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum (sexual stage).

2 other additions were:- Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum) and Field Horsetail plus a couple of fungi making for an end total of 156 species. Tis' better than a kick up the arse.

25th April 2026 - High Rid Reservoir, Bolton, Lanchashire - A vist to my parents, a call in for an Italian Dinner and then a walk at this nearby area before my next gig. It was very quiet but the few birds recorded were:- Goldfinch; Blackcap; Magpie; Herring Gull; Pied Wagtail; Tufted Duck; Sand Martin; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Carrion Crow; Willow Warbler; Garden Warbler; Goldfinch; Common Whitethroat; Linnet; Black Necked Grebe; Cormorant; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Great Crested Grebe; Starling and Swallow.

The blooms noted were:- Cuckooflower; Dandelion agg; Thale Cress; Daisy; Marsh Marigold; Groundsel; Sticky Mouse Ear; Bluebell; Gorse; Cow Parsley; Lesser Celandine; Ribwort Plantain; Common Sorrel; Common Mouse Ear; Greater Stitchwort; Garlic Mustard; Creeping Buttercup; Meadow Buttercup; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Herb Robert; Hawthorn; Ramsons and Slender Speedwell.

The only insects recorded were:- several St Mark's Flies (Bibio marci); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 13 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Peacock (Aglais io); 2 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) and 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus).

We also added Wood Horsetail.

24th April 2026 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport, G. Manchester - I had a sprawl in the garden, did some drawing and enjoyed the sun. Whilst here I noted:- 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Beautiful Plume (Amblyptilia acanthadactyla) and a Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) ovipositing in the small pond.

Greater Celandine was now in flower.

24th April 2026 - Heaton Mersey Meadow and Pond Area, Stockport, G. Manchester - Heading home I spent 45 minutes in a sunny glade near the meadow area. During this short jaunt I soaked up the rays and noted:- 1 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata) and 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans).

Bush Vetch; Meadow Buttercup; Thyme Leaved Speedwell and Cuckooflower were in bloom and 4 * Starlings flew over.

24th April 2026 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - The final day of the working week, walking to work, pushing the bike and sipping a coffee, this small area held a few birds:- 1 * Collared Dove; 2 * Ring Necked Parakeet; 1 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Chiffchaff; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Blackbird; 1 * Song Thrush; 1 * Lesser Black Backed Gull and 1 * Wood Pigeon. I also added 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and Guelder Rose and Common Stork's-Bill in flower.

Coming home the same way and I added:- 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis) plus Black Medick; Colt's-Foot and Elder in flower.

23rd April 2026 - River Mersey, East Didsbury, G. Manchester - A short stretch of the river I don't visit as often as I should. Today the wind was blowing but I noted:- 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Hawthorn Leaf Beetle (Lochmaea crataegi); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 4 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 7 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines).

Butterbur; Dandelion agg; Meadow Buttercup; Cowslip; Cow Parsley; Spanish Bluebell; Bulbous Comfrey; Fringecups; Ramsons and Green Alkanet were the blooms noted.

23rd April 2026 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A half day at work, a cycle and a pootle. A strange affair with the bug list not as good as I would have predicted. I did record though:- 1 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 9 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 3 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 3 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 3 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Cinnamon Bug (Corizus hyoscyami); 2 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 2 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 5 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 4 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger); 2 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 4 * Buttercup Leaf Beetle (Prasocuris marginella); 1 * Pea Weevil (Sitona agg); 1 * European Cinch Bug (Ischnodemus sabuleti); 1 * Common Flower Bug (Anthocoris nemorum agg); 1 * Cereal Beetle (Oulema sp); 1 * Small White (Pieris rapae) and 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula oleracea).

Blooms noted were:- Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Daisy; Dandelion agg; Garlic Mustard; Ribwort Plantain; Welsh Poppy; Thale Cress; Cow Parsley; Herb Robert; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Green Alkanet; Fringecups; Red Campion; Lesser Celandine; Horse Chestnut; Cuckooflower; Pendulous Sedge; Marsh Marigold; White Dead Nettle; Ramsons; Cowslip; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Wavy Bittercress; Laburnum; Elder; Spanish Bluebell; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Large Bittercress; Hogweed; Wood Stitchwort; Ground Ivy; Wood Avens; Wood Speedwell; Rape; Barren Strawberry; Comfrey agg and Sticky Mouse Ear.

The only bird species seen were:- Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Robin; Goldcrest; Ring Necked Parakeet; Moorhen; Blackbird; Great Tit; Magpie; Mallard; Grey Heron and Swallow.

The only other additions were Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and a few Amber Snails (Succinea putris).

20th April 2026 - Bruntwood Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Fagged out so no netting today and just a stroll seeing what I could see. Birds listed were:- Wood Pigeon; Chiffchaff; Robin; Blackbird; Sparrowhawk; Ring Necked Parakeet; Willow Warbler; Carrion Crow; Blackcap; Nuthatch; Blue Tit; House Sparrow; Goldcrest; Song Thrush; Jay; Canada Goose; Moorhen; Mallard; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Great Spotted Woodpecker and Wren.

The insect list comprised of:- 1 * Larch Ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata); 49 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 10 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 10 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 6 * Cream Striped Ladybird (Harmonia quadripunctata); 1 * Cream Spotted Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 7 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); numerous Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni); 7 * Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 1 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 8 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 13 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 3 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 2 * Small White (Pieris rapae); 2 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Peacock (Agalis io); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci); 1 * Longhorn Moth (Adela reaumurella); 6 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) and 2 * Hairy Shieldbug (Dolycoris baccarum).

Flowers noted were those on:- Cuckooflower; Meadow Buttercup; Dandelion agg; Horse Chestnut; Sycamore; Lesser Celandine; Field Maple; Wavy Bittercress; Daisy; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Ribwort Plantain; Garlic Mustard; Cow Parsley; Groundsel; Beech; Spanish Bluebell and Pendulous Sedge.

Galls listed were:- Andricus kollari agg; Andricus lignicola; Phytoptus avellanae; Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Neuroterus quercusbaccarum (sexual stage).

And last of all were:- 2 * Humped Orbweb Spider (Gibbaranea gibbosa); Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and a Short Tailed Vole (Microtus agrestis).

19th April 2026 - Carrington Moss, Trafford, G. Manchester - After the previous nights gig we needed to be away from people and strolling gently along. The Moss is a place we know well but one which we have not visited for a couple of years. Today we pottered along and saw a few insects:- 1 * Weevil (Strophosoma melanogrammum); 1 * Ground Bug (Stygnocoris fuligineus); 169 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Nettle Weevil (Parethelcus pollinarius); 1 * Cinnamon Bug (Corizus hyoscyami); 32 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 2 * Rove Beetle (Stenus similis); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 10 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 3 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 5 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 6 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii); 7 * Common Nettle Bug (Liocoris tripustulatus); 3 * Hoverfly (Dasysyrphus albostriatus); 1 * Thistle Tortoise Beetle (Cassida rubiginosa); 7 * 14 Spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata); 1 * Slender Groundhopper (Tetrix subulata); 1 * 22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata); 1 * Pea Weevil (Sitona agg); 7 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Cereal Beetle (Oulema sp); 17 * Peacock (Aglais io); 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 4 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 2 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Common Carpet Moth (Epirrhoe alternata); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 1 * Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 4 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 2 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Rove Beetle (Tachyporus obtusus) plus oodles of St Mark's Flies (Bibio marci) and Birch Catkin Bugs (Kleidocerys resedae); 2 * Weevil (Phyllobius glaucus)1 * Celery Fly (Euleia heraclei); 1 * Ground Beetle (Demetrias atricapillus); 1 * Tiger Crane-Fly (Nephrotoma appendiculata); 2 * Mirid Bug (Stenodema laevigata) plus an Angle Shades Moth larva (Phlogophora meticulosa).

We also added:- 1 * Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 2 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); 1 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus) and Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum).

Bird wise was quite, the species seen were:- Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Canada Goose; Wood Pigeon; Chaffinch; carrion Crow; 2 * Common Whitethroat; Robin; 6 * Wheatear; 1 * Yellowhammer; 2 * Grey Partridge; 3 * Blackcap; Great Tit; Lapwing; Skylark; Magpie; Jackdaw; Buzzard; Pheasant; Coot; 2 * Lesser Black Backed Gull; 2 * Dunnock; 2 * Linnet; 1 * Great Spotted Woodpecker; Goldfinch and Blue Tit plus Raven; Greenfinch; Willow Warbler; Wren; Chiffchaff and Oystercatcher on call.

Blooms noted were:- Spanish Bluebell; Dandelion agg; Thale Cress; Red Campion; Common Field Speedwell; White Dead Nettle; Hawthorn; Comfrey agg; Garlic Mustard; Wavy Bittercress; Herb Robert; Ribwort Plantain; Welsh Poppy; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Rhododendron agg; Common Sorrel; Sycamore; Red Dead Nettle; Lesser Celandine; Rape; Common Mouse Ear; Groundsel; Sheperd's Purse; Wall Speedwell; Common Whitlowgrass; Rue Leaved Saxifrage; Sticky Mouse Ear; Honesty; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Hogweed; Silver Birch; Green Alkanet; Chickweed and Dove's-Foot Crane's-Bill.

The only other species listed were the galls:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Cecidophyes rouhollahi; the moss (Polytrichum commune) and Field Horsetail.

18th April 2026 - Stamford Park, Stalybridge, Tameside - Another coffee was needed before the 60th footy game of the season. We grabbed the brew and had a short walk were we saw a few bird species:- Feral Pigeon; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; Robin; Great Tit; Song Thrush; Moorhen; Mistle Thrush; Chiffchaff; Wren; Canada Goose; Coot; Mallard; Magpie and a couple of Treecreepers.

The small insect list comprised of:- 3 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

Plants with blooms were:- Shepherd's Purse; Marsh Marigold; Wood Anemone; Dandelion agg; Daisy; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Thyme Leaved Speedwell; Common Field Speedwell; Cherry Laurel; Colt's-Foot; Pendulous Sedge; Bluebell; Cuckooflower; Red Dead Nettle; White Dead Nettle; Red Campion; Chickweed; Common Mouse Ear; Sticky Mouse Ear; Salad Burnet; Goosegrass; Thale Cress and Herb Robert.

As per, several Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) were checking us out for food.

18th April 2026 - Hobson Moor Quarry, Stalybridge, Tameside - A second walk saw us explore the potential of a small but new area. The cold was increasing but we saw a few blooms:- Dandelion agg; Daisy; Ribwort Plantain; Bilberry; Hairy Bittercress; False Yellow Archangel; Broom; Bluebell and Garlic Mustard.

A Roe Deer was noted and the only bird species spied were:- Pied Wagtail; Pheasant; Dunnock; Wood Pigeon; Meadow Pipit; Magpie and Jackdaw.

A Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) and a Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) were the only insects braving the breeze.

18th April 2026 - Spout Green, Mottram in Longdale, Tameside - A cafe start where we watched Jackdaws plucking donkeys, lambs staggering around, a few Llamas pottering about and several goats, cows and peahens. A walk was done in sun and cloud, we avoided the rain and recorded a few birds:- 25 * Jackdaw; a few Magpie; 1 * Dunnock; 2 * Collared Dove; 4 * Lapwing; 1 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Canada Goose; 2 * Pheasant and 2 * Goldfinch.

Blooms listed were:- Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Cherry Laurel; Sticky Mouse Ear; Dandelion agg; Welsh Poppy; Honesty; Sycamore; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Bilberry; Bluebell; Green Alkanet; Groundsel; Lesser Celandine; Cow Parsley; Ramsons; Herb Robert; False Yellow Archangel; Thale Cress and Daisy.

The chill kept the insects down but we saw:- 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

We finally added 2 * Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) and the old Galls of:- Andricus kollari agg; Andricus lignicola and Andricus foecundatrix.

14th April 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short stretch of the river produced:- 28 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica).

Fringecups were now in flower.

14th April 2026 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Homeward after work, a cool day indeed but braving the weather were:- 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus scutatus s.l.); 1 * Lathbury's Nomad Bee (Nomada lathburiana); 2 * Dock Weevil (Apion frumentarium); 2 * Weevil (Phyllobius glaucus); 2 * Rosemary Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina americana); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci) and 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria).

A male Blackcap sat up and sang, 3 * Ring Necked Parakeet whizzed overhead, Hogweed was in glorious flower and the Gall (Cecidophyes nudus) was looking mighty fresh.

12th April 2026 - RSPB Middleton Lakes, Staffordshire - The weather was set to blow, the rain came just as we finished and found the nearby shops. The soup and coffee was ace and we even brought a mushroom rug. It had been a few years since we had been at this nature reserve and we had a nice stroll. Bird species seen were:- Tufted Duck; Buzzard; Carrion Crow; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Bittern; Goosander; Reed Bunting; Willow Warbler; Pheasant; Swallow; Black Tailed Godwit; Shoveler; Shelduck; Sedge Warbler; Yellow Wagtail; Cormorant; Little Ringed Plover; Skylark; Barnacle Goose; Lapwing; Avocet; Gadwall; Teal; Cetti's Warbler; Mute Swan; Chiffchaff; Moorhen; Great Crested Grebe; Canada Goose; Great Tit; Dunnock; Greylag Goose; Black Headed Gull; Magpie; Wren; Chaffinch; Coot; Rook; Blackcap; Ring Necked Parakeet; House Sparrow; Little Egret; Blue Tit; Robin; Mallard; Long Tailed Tit; Jackdaw; Goldfinch; Pied Wagtail; Grey Heron and Song Thrush.

Insects again were not playing in the breeze, the only ones recorded were:- 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 2 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Ground Beetle (Paranchus albipes); 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus scutatus); 11 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 1 * Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Nebria brevicollis) and 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major).

Blooms recorded were:- Dandelion agg; Cowslip; White Dead Nettle; Bluebell; Dog's Mercury; Ramsons; Lesser Celandine; Garlic Mustard; Ground Ivy; Wood Avens; Gorse; Hairy Bittercress; Groundsel; Sticky Mouse Ear; Cuckooflower; Colt's-Foot; Ribwort Plantain; Cow Parsley; Red Dead Nettle; Caper Spurge; Thale Cress; Field Pansy; Common Field Speedwell; Rape; Hawthorn; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Chickweed; Blackthorn; Broom; Common Whitlow Grass; Herb Robert; Sweet Woodruff; Greater Celandine; Moschatel; Common Mouse Ear; Field Maple and Red Campion.

Meadow Foxtail was not looking rather proud.

Extras thrown in to the mooch were:- 1 * Tree Slug (Lehmannia marginata); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); 1 * Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus); 1 * Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis); Several Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); 1 * White Lipped Snail (Cepaea hortensis); 2 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum) and the Lichen (Xanthoria parietina).

The only galls listed were:- Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Andricus kollari agg.

11th April 2026 - Alvecote Meadows, Warwickshire - A post footy walking after a blitzing downpour. We missed the rain but the temperatures were falling and it was getting on in the day. Birds recorded were:- 1 * Jackdaw; 1 * Greylag Goose; 1 * Robin; 1 * Little Egret; 2 * Black Headed Gull; 2 * Carrion Crow; 3 * House Martin; 3 * Sand Martin; 5 * Swallow; 4 * Teal; 26 * Gadwall; 19 * Tufted Duck; 2 * Coot; 14 * Mute Swan; 2 * Blue Tit; 7 * Great Crested Grebe; 1 * Pheasant; 6 * Mallard; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Wren and a Rookery with several birds.

Flowers recorded were:- Red Dead Nettle; Dandelion agg; White Dead Nettle; Garlic Mustard; Daisy; Green Alkanet; Herb Robert; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Shepherd's Purse; Common Mouse Ear; Germander Speedwell; Groundsel; Cuckooflower; Hawthorn; Lesser Celandine and Spanish Bluebell.

The only insects seen were:- 13 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

11th April 2026 - Sutton Park, Birmingham, West Midlands - A pre-footy walk at a place that was larger than we imagined. The weather was dry but a stiff cool breeze kept insect numbers low but we did record:- 1 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 10 * Birch Catkin Bug (Kleidocerys resedae); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Cream Streaked Ladybird (Harmonia quadripunctata); 2 * Birch Shieldbug (Elasmostethus interstinctus); 1 * Eyed Ladybird (Anatis ocellata); 2 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines); 5 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and a Buff Footman Larva *(Eilema depressa).

Birds were far from plentiful but noted were:- 4 * Great Tit; a few Wood Pigeon; 2 * Pied Wagtail; 1 * Carrion Crow; 9 * Robin; several Magpie; 2 * Song Thrush; 2 * Blackcap; 1 * Chiffchaff; 5 * Swallow; 5 * Mallard; 5 * Coot; 2 * Mute Swan; 8 * Canada Goose; 1 * Treecreeper; 1 * Jay; 1 * Jackdaw and 1 * Wren.

Blooms were appallingly low, the only ones recorded were:- Horse Chestnut; Holly; Common Whitlow Grass; Daisy; Lesser Celandine; Chickweed; Dandelion agg; White Dead Nettle; Field Wood Rush; Marsh Marigold and Wood Anemone.

Also added were:- 1 * Striped Millipede (Ommatoiulus sabulosus); 1 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and 12 * Rabbit.

It was nice to add a couple of spider species too, namely:- 2 * Humped Orbweb Spider (Gibbaranea gibbosa); 2 * Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica) and 1 * Eurasian Green Crab Spider (Diaea dorsata).

10th April 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short section of the river was walked whilst heading home, I recorded:- 5 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Hoverfly (Epistrophe eligans); 1 * Green Veined White (Pieris napi); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 2 * Orange Tailed Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 2 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Sun-Fly (Helophilus pendulus); 30 * Ashy Mining Bee (Andrena cineraria); 1 * Crane-Fly (Tipula vittata) and 1 * Hoverfly (Syrphus ribesii).

Field Horsetail was now through and green and Wood Speedwell was in flower.

6th April 2026 - Alexandra Park, Oldham, G. Manchester - Another footballing day so an early morning walk, home for dinner and out to see the latest ball-hoofing exercise. Birds noted were:- Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Song Thrush; Moorhen; Coot; Canada Goose; Blackbird; Mallard; Goosander; Feral Pigeon; Goldfinch; Wren; Blue Tit; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Chaffinch; Tufted Duck; Greenfinch; Carrion Crow; Chiffchaff; Coal Tit; Black Headed Gull; Wren; Ring Necked Parakeet; Blackbird and Mistle Thrush.

Still a little too cool for many insects but we did see:- 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 34 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 3 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Eyed Ladybird (Anatis ocellata); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 6 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Hawthorn Shieldbug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) and 1 * White Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lucorum agg).

The few blooms recorded were:- Dandelion agg; Thale Cress; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Colt's-Foot; Ramsons; Field Wood Rush; Meadow Buttercup; Shepherd's Purse; Groundsel; Red Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell; Chickweed and Lesser Celandine.

Also added were a couple of Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and a Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens).

5th April 2026 - Sale WP, G. Manchester - A walk with the lasses, to keep the blood flowing and the aging carcass moving. The weather was bilge and the water almost bare of bird life. We had a stretch though and recorded a few species with a nice flock of Sand Martin holding a few Swallows. Also see were:- Great Tit; Mute Swan; Coot; Moorhen; Canada Goose; Great Crested Grebe; Blue Tit; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Wren; Cormorant; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Jay; Goldfinch plus Blackcap and Chiffchaff on call.

The only blooms recorded were:- Wavy Bittercress; Red Dead Nettle; Thale Cress; Sweet Ciceley; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg; Herb Robert; Wild Cherry; Bird Cherry; White Dead Nettle; Hawthorn and Common Field Speedwell.

The only insects seen were:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare).

Phyllocoptes goniothorax and Andricus kollari agg were the only galls recorded.

We also added:- Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger).

4th April 2026 - Oakwell CP, Batley, W. Yorkshire - Time for a visit to this place we had only been to once before. The football game was pending so we didn't dawdle but we did see a few bird species:- Jay; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; Moorhen; Wren; Dunnock; Blackbird; Mallard; Goldfinch and Chaffinch.

Blooms noted were:- Marsh Marigold; False Yellow Archangel; Wood Anemone; Dandelion agg; Lesser Celandine; Bluebell; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Chickweed; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Green Alkanet; Thale Cress and Wavy Bittercress.

The few insects seen were:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 14 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 4 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum).

Other species added were the Lichen (Punctelia subrudecta); Green Celllar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and Leopard Slug (Limax maximus).

3rd April 2026 - Reddish Vale CP, Stockport, G. Manchester - Chores to do, shopping to do and the rain to beat. We managed all three plus a brisk walk at a place we hadn't visited this year. No binoculars as we just couldn't be arsed to carry them but we did see:- 3 * Blackbird; 2 * Song Thrush; 2 * Great Tit; 1 * Chiffchaff; 11 * Mallard; 1 * Dipper; 2 * Goldcrest; 1 * Chaffinch; 1 * Jay; 2 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Blue Tit; 2 * Magpie; 2 * Robin; 2 * Sand Martin; 2 * Long Tailed Tit; 2 * Wren; 1 * Collared Dove; 1 * Goosander; 7 * Mandarin Duck; 3 * Coot; 3 * Mute Swan; 2 * Tufted Duck; 3 * Moorhen; 4 * Gadwall; 1 * Dunnock; 2 * Blackcap; a flock of Feral Pigeon and plenty of Canada Geese.

Flowers in bloom were:- Spotted Dead Nettle; Dandelion agg; Lesser Celandine; False Yellow Archangel; Sycamore; Daisy; Garlic Mustard; Bluebell; Cow Parsley; Ramsons; Hawthorn; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Wood Anemone; Primrose; Butterbur; Common Field Speedwell; Red Campion; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Cowslip; Colt's-Foot; Marsh Marigold and Wood Avens.

The only other species added were:- 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Grey Patched Mining Bee (Andrena nitida); 1 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 3 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); 2 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 3 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); a Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the Gall (Phyllocoptes goniothorax).

1st April 2026 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - I needed a break from the work desk, it is extremely busy at the mo and like all services, it is all rather over-stressed.  A pootle on a local golf course switched off the mind and I saw the following blooms:- Dandelion agg; Groundsel;  Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Spanish Bluebell; Chickweed; Blackthorn; Lesser Celandine; Field Wood Rush; Daisy; Thale Cress; Common Mouse Ear; Bluebell; Wavy Bittercress; Green Alkanet and Hawthorn plus Cow Parsley and Yellow Flag Iris on the brink of flowering.

The drab grey day only produced a couple of insects:- 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

Birds seen were:- 1 * Wren; 4 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Wood Pigeon; 5 * Magpie; 2 * Ring Necked Parakeet; 1 * Coot; 2 * Mallard; 1 * Moorhen; 2 * Canada Goose and 1 * Nuthatch.

The only other species seen were a Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) and 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum).

31st March 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Last day of the month and only a few sightings after work:- 3 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 1 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * Parent Bug (Elasmucha grisea) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

A pair of Mallards and 5 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) and that was that.

30th March 2026 - East Didsbury, G. Manchester - A small area besides the river, a mere few hundred feet by 50 feet (if that) and then home. I had lots to do and the weather was shabby again. I was in another place where the fuckwits invade and disturb, leave their dogshit and beer cans and go home with heads empty and to their shallow existences. I had a mooch and noted:- 13 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 2 * Smooth Glass Snail (Aegopinella nitidula); 1 * Durham Slug (Arion flagellus); 1 * Dusky Slug (Arion subrufus); 1 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 1 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 2 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); 6 * Hairy Snail (Trochulus hispidus); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 2 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); 2 * Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); 35 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 3 * Harvestman (Rilaena triangularis); 5 * Flatworm (Kontikia ventrolineata).

A pair of Goosander were on the river with 3 Mallards and a Canada Goose whilst a Chiffchaff; Dunnock, Blackbird and a few Wood Pigeon were noted in the sparse trees.

The only insects recorded were:- 1 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 13 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum); 1 * Yellow Dung (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Ground Beetle (Ocys tachysoides); 1 * Ground Beetle (Nebria brevicollis); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax) and 17 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula).

Spanish Bluebell; White Dead Nettle; Rape; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Lesser Celandine and Ramsons were in flower.

27th March 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short stretch of the river and not much happening. 2 Blackbirds were joined by 2 * Tawny Mining Bee (Andrena fulva); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Another patch of False Yellow Archangel was admired.

25th March 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A pair of Goosander looked oblivious to the biting wind and looked quite dapper.  How do they do it?

23rd March 2026 - Chorlton Water Park, G. Manchester - A morning cycle and mooch that was relaxed and with the priority just to get the legs stretched. The weather was cool but I did see:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 459 * Pot Bellied Emerald Beetle (Gastrophysa viridula); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Grey Patched Mining Bee (Andrena nitida); 1 * Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum) and 3 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Blooms noted were;- Rape; Field Wood Rush; Butterbur and Common Dog Violet.

The only birds recorded were:- Grey Heron; Magpie; Chiffchaff; Canada Goose; Mallard; Carrion Crow; Cormorant; Starling; House Sparrow; Great Tit; Long Tailed Tit; Treecreeper; Wren; Dunnock; Ring Necked Parakeet; Blackbird and Mandarin Duck.

21st March 2026 - Church Ope, Portland, Dorset - A walk into Easton with the lasses, a breakfast, a mooch in the charity shops and then I headedd for a pootle whilst the lasses went back to the lighthouse before some Non-League football. Flowers recorded were:- Alexanders; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Herb Robert; Lesser Celandine; Shepherd's Purse; Common Whitlowgrass; Groundsel; Wall Speedwell; Ivy Leaved Toadflax; Bulbous Buttercup; Bulbous Comfrey and Common Field Speedwell.

Insect noted were:- 1 * Cereal Fly (Euleia heraclei); 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 5 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 1 * Hoverfly (Platycheirus albimanus); 1 * Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus); 1 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis); 2 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes); 1 * Hoverfly (Melanostoma scalare); 5 * Peacock (Aglais io); 2 * Hoverfly (Myathropa florea); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 6 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Chocolate Mining Bee (Andrena scotica) and 1 * Silver Y (Autographa gamma).

And the few birds listed were made up of:- 3 * Buzzard; 2 * Goldfinch; 1 * Magpie; 4 * Carrion Crow; 4 * Oystercatcher; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Chaffinch and 1 * Great Tit.

Also added were;- several Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); 12 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) and 8 * Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis).

20th March 2026 - Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset - We were tempted by more rockpooling so decided to return to this fine area. A coffee nabbed and the pools revealed:- 7 * Fragile Brittle Star (Ophiothrix fragilis); 49 * Cushion Star (Asterina gibbosa); 2 * Green Leaf Worm (Eulalia viridis); 6 * Blenny (Lipophrys pholis); 3 * Gem Anemone (Aulactinia verrucosa); 45 * Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus); 11 * Broad Clawed Porcelain Crab (Porcellana platycheles); a few Snakelocks Anemone (Anemonia viridis); numerous Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina); 16 * Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas); 33 * Cornish Sucker (Lepadogaster purpurea); 21 * Worm Pipefish (Nerophis lumbriciformis); 4 * Velvet Swimming Crab (Necora puber); Star Ascidian (Botryllus schlosseri); 2 * Hooded Shrimp (Athanas nitescens); 4 * Grey Sea Slug and eggs (Aeolidia papillosa); 2 * European Eel (Anguilla anguilla); a good spread of Flat Periwinkles (Littorina obtusata/fabalis); 2 * Hairy Crab (Pilumnus hirtellus); Breadcrumb Sponge (Halichondria panicea); 2 * Baltic isopod (Idotea balthica); lots of Common Limpet (Patella vulgata); 1 * Small Bristled Chiton (Acanthochitona crinita/discrepans agg); 1 * Isopod (Cymodoce truncata) and some more Rainbow Wrack (Cystoseira tamariscifolia).

Also seen were:- Blackbird; Pheasant; Oystercatcher; Carrion Crow; Mallard; House Sparrow and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 1 * Cereal Fly (Geomyza tripunctata) and 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

20th  March 2026 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Whilst the lasses got ready to go out I had a quick look at the top fields and recorded a few birds:- 6 * Dunnock; 1 * Skylark; 4 * Stonechat; 1 * Goldfinch; 3 * Stock Dove; a small flock of Starling; 1 * Pheasant; 5 * Wheatear; 1 * Willow Warbler; 1 * Linnet; 1 * Meadow Pipit; 1 * Cormorant flying over; a few Herring Gull; a few Wood Pigeon and a couple of Magpie plus 1 * Great Tit in the Obs Garden and also added was a Firecrest the warden had caught, it gave nice views in the hand.

Borage was in good flower.

19th March 2026 - Hengistbury Head, Dorset - The day ended with a good walk at a new area. The key to cover as much ground as possible to get a feel of the place. Bird species listed were:- Starling; Carrion Crow; Cormorant; Wood Pigeon; Skylark; Magpie; Mute Swan; Wigeon; Grey Heron; Black Headed Gull; Shelduck; Stonechat; Mallard; Long Tailed Tit; Jay; Goldfinch and Blackbird.

Flowers in bloom were:- Red Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Danish Scurvygrass; Thrift; Common Whitlowgrass; Shepherd's Purse; Daisy; Gorse; Alexanders and Greater Stitchwort.

The only insects seen were:- 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io) and 1 * Drone-Fly (Eristalis pertinax).

Also added was Dilated Scalewort (Frullania dilatata).

18th March 2026 - Church Ope, Portland, Dorset - The day was whizzing by and we had friends to meet. A quick call off at this area and back to the Obs we went. 5 * Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) were nice to see and we also added a Kestrel; Magpie; a couple of Robins and a Carrion Crow.

Insects were represented by:- 1 * Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus); 2 * Hoverfly (Meliscaeva auricollis); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 3 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) and 2 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

Flowers recorded were:- Alexanders; Dandelion agg; Common Field Speedwell; Red Dead Nettle; Ivy Leaved Toadflax and Daisy.

A nice patch of Sea Ivory (Ramalina siliquosa) was the only other addition.

18th March 2026 - Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth, Dorset - A year since our last pootle here and once again the sun was beaming. A few birds noted were:- 1 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Pale Bellied Brent Goose; 1 * Cormorant; 2 * Oystercatcher; 1 * Wren; 1 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Jackdaw and numerous Herring Hulls.

A small number if insects took to the wing, these being;- 1 * Cliff Mining Bee (Andrena thoracica); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax); 2 * Comma (Polygonia c-album); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 2 * Bee Fly (Bombylius major); 1 * Yellow Legged Mining Bee (Andrena flavipes); 3 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and 1 * Peacock (Aglais io).

A lovely walk on the beach was quite strange with one large area devoid of much life and then a small area of rockpools produncing a few results, these included:- some good patches of Red Ripple Bryozoan (Watersipora subatra) and Star Ascidian (Botryllus schlosseri); oodles of Sinistral Spiral Tubeworms (Spirorbis spirorbis) and Northern Rock Barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides); many Flat Periwinkles (Littorina obtusata/fabalis); 2 * European Sting Winkle (Ocenebra erinaceus); 1 * Blenny (Lipophrys pholis); 8 * Sea Spider (Nymphon gracile); 1 * Common Starfish (Asterias rubens); 1 * Green Sea Urchin (Psammechinus miliaris); 6 * Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus); 20 * Broad Clawed Porcelain Crab (Porcellana platycheles); 2 * Snakelocks Anemone (Anemonia viridis); 8 * Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina); 11 * Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas); 1 * Brittle Star Fish (Ophiothrix fragilis); 1 * Sea Slug (Elysia viridis); 1 * Sea Gherkin (Pawsonia saxicola) and plenty of Common Limpet (Patella vulgata) and Black Footed Limpet (Patella depressa).

The only blooms noted were:- Common Field Speedwell; Groundsel; Daisy; Thale Cress; Dandelion agg; Rocket Salad; Greater Periwinkle; Alexanders; Lesser Celandine and Ivy Leaved Toadflax.

We also added the Gall (Trioza centranthi).

17th March 2026 - Durlston CP to Dancing Ledge, Swanage, Dorset - A coffee, a qui ck look at an art exihibition and as the sun came out so did 16 Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis) in all sizes and all shades from green to brown. We eventually set off on a good walk with the aim to try and find some early flowering Early Spider Orchids.

Whilst wandering we noted the following birds:- 7 * Jackdaw; 3 * Great Tit; 2 * Robin; 1 * Blackbird; 2 * Cormorant; 4 * Stonechat; 2 * Fulmar; 4 * Razorbill; 1 * Herring Gull; 1 * Kestrel; 3 * Oystercatcher; 1 * Skylark; 3 * Peregrine Falcon; 3 * Magpie; 1 * Great Black Backed Gull; 1 * Black Redstart; 2 * Linnet; 1 * Pheasant; 1 * Goldfinch; and several Meadow Pipit and Wood Pigeon

Blooms noted were:- Daisy; Alexanders; Danish Scurvygrass; Dandelion agg; Common Whitlowgrass; Lesser Celandine; Shepherd's Purse; Common Field Speedwell; Early Dog Violet; Sticky Mouse Ear; Groundsel and 3 * Early Spider Orchid.

The only insects added were:- 1 * Crane-Fly (Limonia nubeculosa); 1 * Gorse Seed Weevil (Exapion ulicis); 1 * Gorse Shieldbug (Piezodorus lituratus); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 4 * Bloody Nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa); 2 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Oil Beetle(Meloe proscarabaeus); 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus madidus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

Also added were:- 3 * Roe Deer; 1 * Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis); Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum) and the Lichen (Ramalina fastigata) plus Dilated Scalewort (Frullania dilatata) growing on a bench.

17th March 2026 - Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset - A very brief low tide that wasn't as low as usual. We had a mooch anyway and saw:- several Flat Periwinkles (Littorina obtusata/fabalis); ; 3 * Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina); plenty of Common Limpet (Patella vulgata); 1 * Five Bearded Rockling (Ciliata mustela); 11 * Shore Crab (Carcinus maenas); 1 * Montague's Crab (Xantho hydrophilus); 1 * Four Horned Spider Crab (Pisa Tetraodon); 2 * Brittle Star Fish (Ophiothrix fragilis); 2 * Cushion Star (Asterina gibbosa); 1 * Green Leaf Worm (Eulalia viridis); 1 * Blenny (Lipophrys pholis) and some Rainbow Wrack (Cystoseira tamariscifolia).

Birds noted were:- 1 * Meadow Pipit; 19 * Oystercatcher; 3 * Wood Pigeon; 3 * Pheasant; 2 * Blackbird; 2 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Herring Gull; 1 * Pied Wagtail; 1 * Robin; 2 * Magpie; 3 * Stonechat; 2 * Little Egret; 1 * Peregrine Falcon; 1 * Dunnock and 1 * Rook.

Blooms recorded were:- Alexanders; Greater Periwinkle; Lesser Celandine; Groundsel; Dandelion agg; and Common Mouse Ear.

We also saw a Hebrew Character Moth.

16th March 2026 - Arne RSPB, Dorset - We have visted this area many times over the years but not at this time of year. We took a different route, had a coffee break and then covered the usual areas. It was fairly quiet but the following bird species were recorded:- Raven; Curlew; Shelduck; Canada Goose; Little Egret; Wigeon; Greenfinch; Jackdaw; Robin; Coal Tit; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Goldfinch; Siskin; Teal; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Wood Pigeon; Herring Gull; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Black Tailed Godwit; Red Breasted Merganser; Oystercatcher; Cormorant; Great Black Backed Gull and Pheasant.

Flowers in bloom were:- Little Mouse Ear; Dandelion agg; Gorse; Thale Cress; Common Field Speedwell; Greater Periwinkle; Dog's Mercury; Red Dead Nettle; Primrose and Ivy Leaved Speedwell.

Insect life was made up of:- 100's of Wood Ant (Formica rufa); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 5 * Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus); 8 * Common Darkling Beetle (Nalassus laevioctostriatus); 1 * Lesser Stag Beetle (Dorcus parallelipipedus); 1 * Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus problematicus); 2 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

Other additions were:- Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis); the Moss (Funaria hygrometrica); 5 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 1 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius); 2 * White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); 1 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); 1 * Brown Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea nemoralis); several White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); a few Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); 2 * Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare) and 2 * Ant Woodlouse (Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii).

We also added the Lichens:- Ramalina fastigata; Ramalina farinacea; Flavoparmelia caperata; Evernia prunastri and the Gall (Aceria fraxinivora).

16th March 2026 - Wareham Common, Dorset - A pootle around the charity shops, a good breakfast and a chat with an artist and then a look at an area we haven't explored before. We were pushed for time as the parking was limited but we did record:- 1 * Little Egret; 3 * Glossy Ibis; 13 * Herring Gull; 1 * Great Black Backed Gull; 8 * Black Headed Gull; 2 * Mute Swan; 2 * Canada Goose; 2 * Mallard; 5 * Coot; 2 * Blackbird; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Wren; 1 * House Sparrow; 3 * Goldfinch; 1 * Moorhen plus a couple of Jackdaws; Wood Pigeons and Chaffinch and Blackcap on call.

Daisy; Lesser Celandine; Alexanders; Gorse; Dandelion agg; Red Dead Nettle; Marsh Marigold; Chickweed and Thale Cress were in flower.

We also added a Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus); a Rabbit; 1 * Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis); 2 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis).

15th March 2026 - Hive Beach to West Bexington, Dorset - Up and out and a good walk in the whipping winds. We ended up abolutely caked in mud but the key today was to just get some steps in. Birds noted along the way were:- 3 * Pied Wagtail; 1 * Black Headed Gull; 1 * Herring Gull; 1 * Goldfinch; 3 * Greenfinch; 2 * Blackbird; 4 * Starling; 6 * Stonechat; 2 * House Sparrow; 1 * Cormorant; 5 * Skylark; 6 * Linnet; 1 * Wren; 1 * Raven; 2 * Shelduck; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Meadow Pipit; 1 * Reed Bunting; 1 * Robin; 4 * Mute Swan; 21 * Shoveler; 1 * Moorhen; 7 * Coot and a nice healthy flock of Teal.

Flowers sporting blooms were:- Daisy; Lesser Celandine; Dandelion agg; Danish Scurvygrass; Cowslip; Red Dead Nettle; Common Field Speedwell and Early Dog Violet.

We also saw a lone Rabbit, a few Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); 5 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 19 * Bloody Nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa) and 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrstris).

We also added the Gall (Diastrophus rubi) and a new Lichen for us, namely Ramalina lacera.

14th March 2026 - Willow and Wetlands Centre, Taunton, Somerset - Off for a break down to the lighthouse and we needed a break. A good lunch and short walk. A few insects were noted:- 13 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 2 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 5 * Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Peacock (Aglais io); 1 * Grey Patched Mining Bee (Andrena nitida); 1 * Box Bug (Gonocerus acuteangulatus) and 1 * Ground Beetle (Agonum marginatum).

Blooms noted were:- Groundsel; Ivy Leaved Speedwell; Dandelion agg; Sticky Mouse-Ear; Dog's Mercury; Lesser Celandine; Red Dead Nettle; Daisy and Common Field Speedwell. An Alder was dripping with catkins.

The only birds seen were a Blackbird and a Wood Pigeon.

12th March 2026 - Norris Hill, Stockport, G. Manchester - Walking to work in the wind, a sloping area and a Blackcap was singing but eluded my peepers.  Ground Ivy was now in flower, it seemed a little early but it was a nice surprise.

9th March 2026 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A cycle, a run round a football pitch 7 times, another cycle and a coffee and a short walk through this park before cycling home. 3 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 7 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 12 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 2 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis) and 2 * Amber Snail (Succinea putris) were noted under a few logs and on vegetation and Green alkanet; Daisy; Lesser Celandine; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Marsh Marigold and Dandelion agg were in flower.

Mistletoe was in its usual place and the only bird species I recorded were:- Bullfinch; Long Tailed Tit; Ring Necked Parakeet; Dunnock; Mallard; Robin; Song Thrush; Blue Tit; Blackbird; Magpie and Wood Pigeon plus 5 * Chiffchaff on call.

I had too much to do to hang about today but a few records is better than none.

8th March 2026 - Brockholes LWT, Lancashire - Some food and a warm drink and then a walk. We didn't make a concerted efforted but we saw a nice haul of fungal specimens and the following bird species:- Chiffchaff; Goldfinch; Goldeneye; Carrion Crow; Pheasant; Blackbird; Coot; Teal; Shoveler; Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Lapwing; Black Headed Gull; Mallard; Mute Swan; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Moorhen; Great Tit; Dunnock; Wren; Goldcrest; Wood Pigeon; Robin; Song Thrush; Gadwall; Grey Wagtail; Chaffinch; Blue Tit; Cormorant; Wigeon; Oystercatcher; Reed Bunting; Grey Heron; Cetti's Warbler; Great Crested Grebe; Long Tailed Tit; Buzzard; Coal Tit and Nuthatch.

Blooms noted were:- Hazel; Colt's-Foot; Gorse; Lesser Celandine; Wood Anemone; Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage; Daisy and Dog's Mercury. Field Wood Rush was now in flower too.

We also added:- 1 * Glossy Glass Snail (Oxychilus navarricus); 1 * Tree Slug (Lehmannia marginata); 1 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); 28 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 2 * White Lipped Banded Snail (Cepaea hortensis); 1 * Hairy Snail (Trochulus hispidus) as well as White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber); Common Toad (Bufo bufo); and a lone Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).

The few lichens added were:- Parmelia sulcata; Parmotrema perlatum; Punctelia subrudecta; Physcia adscendens; Xanthora parietina and Graphis scripta.

7th March 2026 - Chorlton Water Park, G. Manchester - A walk with the lasses before my next Non-League game and my latest gig. We took it easy, nattered away and made haste but Hazel; Cherry Plum; Ivy Leaved Speedwell and Spring Snowflake were in flower and we saw a few bird species too:- Feral Pigeon; Collared Dove; Wood Pigeon; Great Tit; Goldcrest; Grey Heron; Mallard; Black Headed Gull; Dunnock; Goosander; Pochard; Tufted Duck; Wren; Canada Goose; Mute Swan; Goldfinch and Chiffchaff.

The only insects on a dull day were a Yellow Dung Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria) and the Beetle (Asaphidion curtum).

We also admired a Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); a Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); a Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and some splendid buds on an Ash Tree.

5th March 2026 - Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - Homeward and a cut through this park as the clouds gathered. 5 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 3 * Clarke's Mining Bee (Andrena clarkella); 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum); 1 * Red Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 2 * Rosemary Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina americana) and 1 * Comma (Polygonia c-album) were all enjoyed.

Common Field Speedwell was putting up flowers here and there, 3 Girdled Snails (Hygromia cinctella) were seen as well as 7 * Goldfinch, 1 * Great Spotted Woodpecker and 1 * Blackbird.

4th March 2026 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A break from the work desk, sunny skies meant that I had a stroll around the streets and looked for the bug life, I duly recorded:- 1 * Hairy Footed Flower Bee (Anthophora plumipes);15 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 32 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 1 * Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris); 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 2 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 2 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Early Bumblebee (Bombus pratorum) and 4 * Rosemary Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina americana).

A nice patch of Thale Cress warmed the cockles.

3rd March 2026 - Heaton Moor, Stockport, G. Manchester - A quick walk to the shops, I saw:- 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 20 * Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus); 40 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera); 4 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 2 * Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax); 1 * Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana) and 3 * Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina).

3rd March 2026 - Gorsey Bank, Stockport, G. Manchester - A walk/cycle to work, contemplating the know-it-alls who do nowt.  Hey ho, a hopeless situation.  A few birds were seen, the years fist Chiffchaff flitting about and calling was mighty special. Also noted were:- 1 * Greenfinch; 2 * Canada Goose; 1 * Robin; 1 * Magpie; 2 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Song Thrush and 2 * Wood Pigeon.

On the way home I checked a Gorse bush and noted 1 * Buff Tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris); 1 * Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

1st March 2026 - Abbot's/Shemmy Moss/Whitegate Way, Cheshire - A gentle walk and a small haul of fungi along with a few bird species:- 4 * Blue Tit; 3 * Cormorant; 3 * Coot; 5 * Mallard; 1 * Buzzard; 1 * Jackdaw; 1 * Reed Bunting; 1 * Robin; 3 * Teal; 4 * Long Tailed Tit; 2 * Mute Swan; 12 * Canada Goose; 8 * Tufted Duck; 2 * Great Crested Grebe; 5 * Black Headed Gull; 4 * Blackbird; 1 * Carrion Crow; 1 * Magpie; 1 * Wren; 1 * Mistle Thrush; 1 * Starling and 2 * Greylag Goose.

Lichens added were:- Xanthoria parietina; Punctelia subrudecta; Cladonia fimbriata; Physcia adscendens and Evernia prunastri.

Gorse; Common Whitlow Grass; Lesser Celandine; Chickweed and Dandelion agg were in flower and we also added some Shiny Woodlice (Oniscus asellus); a Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica); 2 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 4 * Weevil (Andrion regensteinense) and 3 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata).

We also saw a couple of Palmate Newts (Lissotriton helveticus) and a couple of Smooth Newts (Lissotriton vulgaris) - little dinosaurs of the woodland methinks.

Also identified was a Wood Ant (Formica lemani).

23rd February 2026 - Longford Park, Stretford, G. Manchester - After an absolute belting breakfast bap and Latte in Sale, a cycle and a quick mooch through this park was had. I didn't hang about, the weather was getting dull but I did record:- 4 * Magpie; 1 * House Sparrow; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Robin; 1 * Ring Necked Parakeet; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Starling; 1 * Blackbird and 1 * Carrion Crow.

Red Dead Nettle and Chickweed were in flower.

23rd February 2026 - Bridgewater Canal, Stratford, G. Manchester - A cycle with the head down and Sale the target. Along a short stretch of canal I had a walk and record a few birds:- 1 * Wren; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Canada Goose; 1 * Mallard; 3 * Magpie; 1 * Goldcrest; 4 * Long Tailed Tit; 2 * Blackbird; 3 * House Sparrow; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 4 * Starling; 1 * Goldfinch and 5 * Feral Pigeon.

Pineappleweed was in flower.

9th February 2026 - Hough End Clough area, Chorlton, G. Manchester - A small but new area inspected, the few bird species seen were:- Carrion Crow; Greenfinch; Goldfinch; Grey Heron; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Robin; Mallard; Common Gull; Black Headed Gull; Blackbird and Great Tit.

Hazel; Gorse and Groundsel were in flower, a few Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni) were seen as well as Pendulous Sedge; White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); a few Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and the aging Galls:- Andricus lignicola; Andricus kollari agg and Andricus foecundatrix.

9th February 2026 - Alexandra Park, Moss Side, G. Manchester - A cycle and a short pootle. Birds seen were:- 2 * Lesser Black Backed Gull; 112 * Black Headed Gull; 4 * Common Gull; 2 * Wren; 17 * Tufted Duck; 20 * Mallard; 2 * Moorhen; 1 * Mute Swan; 2 * Coot; 2 * Robin; 1 * Song Thrush; 1 * Goosander; 3 * Dunnock; 2 * Siskin; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Cormorant plus a few Magpie; Redwing; Ring Necked Parakeet; Wood Pigeon; Carrion Crow; Canada Goose and Feral Pigeon.

1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 2 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 4 * Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) and several White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) were added too.

8th February 2026 - Spike Island, Widnes, Cheshire - A very mild day and after the previous nights busy gig a stroll was needed. Birds noted along the way were:- 1 * Common Gull; 112 * Shelduck; 60 * Mallard; 15 * Moorhen; 19 * Coot; 5 * Gadwall; 14 * Cormorant; 23 * Tufted Duck; 11 * Oystercatcher; 1 * Curlew; 6 * Long Tailed Tit; 1 * Kestrel; 11 * Redshank; 2 * Great Tit; 7 * Blackbird; 10 * Mute Swan; 3 * Grey Heron; 18 * Teal; 2 * Robin; 1 * Song Thrush; 1 * Wren; 3 * Little Grebe; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * House Sparrow; 2 * Greenfinch; 6 * Goldfinch; 3 * Blue Tit; 1 * Reed Bunting; 2 * Pied Wagtail; plus plenty of Canada Geese; Feral Pigeons; Black Headed Gulls and the odd Great Black Backed Gull; Lesser Black Backed Gull and Herring Gull plus a few Carrion Crows; Wood Pigeons and Magpies.

Blooms picked out included:- Dandelion agg; Gorse; Common Whitlow Grass; Canadian Fleabane; Hazel; Thale Cress; Common Field Speedwell Chickweed; Daisy; Shepherd's Purse and Red Dead Nettle. We also added Wall Rue.

We saw a couple of Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) plus Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); 1 * Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); 1 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); 1 * Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens) and 10 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus).

The only galls seen were old specimens of:- Andricus kollari agg and Diplolepis rosae.

7th February 2026 - Moss Bank Park, Bolton, Lancashire - A short pre-gig walk, we didn't see much but the few things we did see we recorded. The few birds seen were:- 1 * Song Thrush; 2 * Blackbird; 1 * Robin; 1 * Magpie; 1 * Treecreeper and a few Black Headed Gulls.

Winter Heliotrope was in flower and we also added 3 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); plenty of Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); a Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); a White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger); a few Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) and Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) and the Lichens:- Ramalina farinicae; Xanthoria parietina; Punctelia subrudecta; Hypotrachyna afrorevoluta and Evernia prunastri.

3 old Galls were added:- Andricus lignicola; Andricus kollari agg and Andricus foecundatrix.

It was nice to find 2 New Zealand Flatworms (Arthurdendyus triangulatus) too although they are an invasive and destructive species.

6th February 2026 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - Working week done, a cycle and a coffee and a nip through this park. More trees were being cut down, more fiddling without looking at micro habitat - I didn't hang about, the mere thought of this idiot vandalism depresses me. Alas the zombies on the phone won't notice.

A nice fungus was noted, a Smooth Newt and Wood Avens in flower plus:- 26 * Mallard; 3 * Black Headed Gull; 2 * Magpie; 1 * Canada Goose; 3 * Moorhen; 2 * Coot; 3 * Robin; 3 * Great Tit; 1 * Blackbird; 3 * Blue Tit and 1 * Coal Tit.

2nd February 2026 - Wythenshawe Park, Stockport, G. Manchester - A cycle, a walk around this park with a midway coffee. A cold day but insects recorded were:- 1 * Common Earwig (Forficula auricularia); 5 * Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis); 1 * 2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata); 1 * Ground Beetle (Platyderus depressus) and 1 * Ground Beetle (Leistus fulvibarbis).

Birds counted today were:- 19 * Magpie; 4 * Ring Necked Pararkeet; 4 * Robin; 4 * Wood Pigeon; 39 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Jackdaw; 2 * Blackbird; 2 * Goldcrest; 4 * Feral Pigeon; 1 * Nuthatch; 1 * Great Tit; 1 * Long Tailed Tit; 29 * Common Gull; 5 * Black Headed Gull; 25 * Siskin; 1 * Goldfinch; 2 * Blue Tit; 1 * Song Thrush; 2 * Mallard; 1 * Jay and 1 * Wren;

I also spied 5 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); a Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); a Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus); a Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); a Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum) and a Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica).

Groundsel; Daisy and Red Dead Nettle were the only blooms noted.

A few old galls added were:- Andricus foecundatrix; Andricus kollari agg; Andricus aries; Andricus inflator; Andricus lignicola and Taxomyia taxi.

1st February 2026 - Blackleach CP, Salford, G. Manchester - A new month but tired, demotivated and with lots to do. The rain was falling and we just had a terse walk before going for a coffee and to do the shopping. Birds were fed and those recorded were:- 1 * Great Spotted Woodpecker; 6 * Magpie; 2 * Carrion Crow; 3 * Wood Pigeon; 3 * Moorhen; 4 * Blue Tit; 2 * Great Tit; 3 * Blackbird; 3 * Robin; 4 * Dunnock; 27 * Black Headed Gull; 14 * Mute Swan; 5 * Gadwall; 2 * Goosander; 15 * Tufted Duck; 1 * Song Thrush; 3 * Collared Dove; 4 * Starling; 3 * Long Tailed Tit plus plenty of Canada Geese; Mallards and Coots.

Gorse was the only bloom seen and the Lichen (Physcia adscendens) was noted as well as a brace of Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) queens.

26th January 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - A cycle into town for some low-sugar chocolate and a coffee and then a walk down the Mersey on a quite day. Birds counted without using the bins were:- 23 * Mallard; 7 * Magpie; 4 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Goldcrest; 11 * Feral Pigeon; 3 * Grey Wagtail; 2 * Blue Tit; 2 * Kingfisher; 2 * Robin; 2 * Dipper; 1 * Wren; 11 * Long Tailed Tit; 3 * Moorhen; 3 * Goosander; 3 * Cormorant; 1 * Blackbird; 23 * Black Headed Gull; 2 * Great Tit; 7 * Carrion Crow; 47 * Canada Goose and 1 * Grey Heron.

Groundsel was in flower and I recorded the Mosses:- Grimmia pulvinata and Tortula muralis.

19th January 2026 - Ladybrook Cycleway, Stockport, G. Manchester - A few fungi on a very short mooch and 2 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); plenty of Landhoppers (Arcitalitrus dorrieni); 3 * Song Thrush; 1 * Dunnock; 5 * Ring Necked Pararkeet; 1 * Grey Heron; 3 * Robin; 3 * Blackbird; 1 * House Sparrow; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Blue Tit and 1 * Great Tit.

I also recorded Elegant Bristle Moss (Orthotrichum pulchellum) and Hart's Tongue Fern.

18th January 2026 - Hob Hey Woods, Frodsham, Cheshire - A meet-up with local patcher and top gent Mark O' Sullivan in weather best classed as 'bilge'. Fungi were the main focus but I did record:- Shiny; Rough and Striped Woodlouse and a few bird species, namely:- Reed Bunting; Magpie; Wood Pigeon; House Sparrow; Great Tit; Redwing and Blackbird.

Gorse and Dandelion agg were in flower and the Lichens seen included:- Physcia adscendens; Physcia aipolia; Xanthoria parietina; Parmotrema perlatum and Punctelia subrudecta. 2 old Galls noted were:- Andricus foecundatrix and Andricus lignicola.

Also added was the Springtail (Dicyrtomina ornata).

17th January 2026 - Davyhulme Park, Trafford, G. Manchester - A pre-footy potter after some lunch in a cafe. A small urban park but we did record:- 6 * Moorhen; 1 * Blackbird; 4 * Mallard; 2 * Magpie; 1 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Blue Tit and 1 * Wood Pigeon.

Groundsel and Daisy were in flower, we saw a Grey Squirrel and a few fungi too. It all counts.

13th January 2026 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - A short pootle after getting soaked on the bike. A few fungi and a few Lichens:- Xanthoria parietina; Physcia aipolia; Evernia prunastri and Physcia adscendens.

The only birds I recorded were:- 1 * Bullfinch; 3 * Robin; 4 * Great Tit; 2 * Blue Tit; 1 * Long Tailed Tit; 4 * Blackbird and 3 * Carrion Crow.

I also spied 4 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 1 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and 1 * Ground Beetle (Pterostichus niger).

9th January 2026 - Fletcher Moss, Didsbury, G. Manchester - A dreary time of year and due to many factors, the motivation has dipped. Whilst heading home I did note a Blue Tit; Great Tit; Jay, Magpie and Carrion Crow plus a few Robins; 2 * Ring Necked Parakeet; 8 * Long Tailed Tit and 10 * Goldfinch.

Lesser Celandine was in flower and under a few logs I noted:- 8 * Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus); 1 * Leopard Slug (Limax maximus); 3 * Netted Slug (Deroceras reticulatum); Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); a White Legged Snake Millipede (Tachypodoiulus niger) and a big fat Common Toad (Bufo bufo).

Also seen was the Ground Beetle (Pterostichus nigrita/rhaeticus agg) and the Rove Beetle (Ocypus brunnipes).

5th January 2026 - Abney Hall, Stockport, G. Manchester - After popping for some veg and a coffee I set off back home through this local area. A chat with a lovely lady feeding the birds, a short wander and I saw:- 2 * Chaffinch; 1 * Jay; 1 * Great Spotted Woodpecker; 2 * Carrion Crow; 2 * Wood Pigeon; 2 * Robin; 1 * Long Tailed Tit; 1 * Blue Tit; 2 * Great Tit; 2 * Blackbird; 1 * Nuthatch; 1 * Coal Tit; 1 * Song Thrush; 2 * Magpie; 2 * Dunnock; 6 * Mallard; 5 * Coot and 13 * Moorhen.

I also saw a Leopard Slug (Limax maximus) and 3 * Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis).

4th January 2026 - Greenway Bank, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire - A good circular walk, around the upper areas and The Serpentine we saw a few birds:- Jackdaw; Pied Wagtail; Black Headed Gull; Carrion Crow; Redwing; Treecreeper; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Coal Tit; Goldcrest; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Goldfinch; Blackbird; House Sparrow; Robin; Wood Pigeon; Nuthatch and 3 * Little Egret.

We also saw a 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) and the LIchen (Punctelia subrudecta).

Around Knypersley Reservoir we clocked up more bird species:- plenty of Coots; Black Headed Gulls; Cormorants and Mallards plus 30 * Tufted Duck; 7 * Coal Tit; 10 * Goosander; 1 * Treecreeper; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Wren; 1 * Marsh Tit and fair numbers of Blue Tit; Moorhen; Blackbird; Wood Pigeon; Robin as well as the odd Nuthatch; Canada Goose and Lesser Black Backed Gull. A couple of strange Muscovy Ducks were also in the mix.

3rd January 2026 - Hookgate NR, Market Drayton, Shropshire - No footy so a quick look at this area and then to the local charity shops were I picked up a great 'Pulp Fiction' collection of retro stories. In this tiny frosted area the few birds noted were:- 1 * Blackbird; 5 * Jackdaw; 1 * Wood Pigeon; 1 * Common Redpoll; 1 * Robin; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Dunnock; 1 * Wren and a few Mallard and Starling.

Gorse was in flower and a 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) was stupidly braving the cold.

3rd January 2026 - Telford Park, Shropshire - An early morning walk before some shopping and then finding out all local football matches were off. The snow had fallen, it was an icy affair, bird species noted were:- Buzzard; Blackbird; Robin; Magpie; Great Tit; Carrion Crow; Goldfinch; Feral Pigeon; Black Headed Gull; Coot; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Moorhen; Mallard; Redwing; Dunnock; Long Tailed Tit; Blue Tit; Song Thrush; Tufted Duck; Grey Heron; Jay; Goldcrest and Pied Wagtail.

The only other things noted were a few fungi, a Grey Squirrel and Hart's Tongue Fern.

2nd January 2026 - River Mersey, Stockport, G. Manchester - Heading homeward, a check of a few logs revealed:- Budapest Slug (Tandonia budapestensis); Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum); Tramp Slug (Deroceras invadens); Girdled Snail (Hygromia cinctella); Plaited Door Snail (Cochlodina laminata); Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) and a Variegated Centipede (Lithobius variegatus).

I also saw a 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); the Ground Beetle (Nebria brevicollis); the Harvestman (Paroligolophus agrestis); 2 * Magpie; 2 * Goosander; 3 * Carrion Crow; 82 * Black Headed Gull; 22 * Canada Goose; 1 * Blue Tit; 1 * Robin and Lesser Celandine and Hazel in flower.

2nd January 2026 - Chorlton Water Park, G. Manchester - A quick circle of the main body of water and home, it was too cold to dawdle. Birds recorded were:- 19 * Tufted Duck; 8 * Long Tailed Tit; 2 * Mute Swan; 3 * Goosander plus Cormorant; Mallard; Canada Goose; Coot; Black Headed Gull; Feral Pigeon; Magpie; Carrion Crow; Moorhen; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Blackbird; House Sparrow and Starling.

I see the feeding station is no longer used and the area left to go to pot - another area with folk showing little interest it seems.

The only other addition was Shepherd's Purse in flower.

1st January 2025 - Pennington Flash, Leigh, G. Manchester - A catch up with my brother at an area that isn't really a nature reserve any more. I mean, what reserve for wildlife sees it swamped with people who are not interested, dogs running wild and the water filled with boats. Around the cafe area was horribly busy, people dressed in their finery and as clean as you can imagine. Hey ho, we came off grubby after a good yomp and saw a few nice things.

Mini-beasts were few, it was mighty cool, but we did see:- 2 * 7 Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata); 1 * Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni); 1 * Leafhopper (Zygina flammigera); 1 * Ground Beetle (Ocys harpaloides/tachysoides agg); several Shiny Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus); Striped Woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum); Rough Woodlouse (Porcellio scaber) as well as the Harvestman (Nemastoma bimaculatum) and the Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica).

4 * Common Frog (Rana temporaria), a Garlic Snail (Oxychilus alliarius) and a Green Cellar Slug (Limacus maculatus) as well as several Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis).

Groundsel; Common Vetch; Wavy Bittercress; Gorse; Sweet Violet; White Dead Nettle and Daisy were the only flowers noted.

Old galls picked out included:- Andricus foecundatrix; Agathomyia wankowiczii; Andricus lignicola and Andricus kollari agg.

Bird species seen today were:- Buzzard; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Little Grebe; Little Egret; Grey Heron; Goosander; Lapwing; House Sparrow; Stock Dove; Wren; Treecreeper; Herring Gull; Common Gull; Great Crested Grebe; Great White Egret; Goldeneye; Great Black Backed Gull; Pheasant; Sparrowhawk; Pochard; Moorhen; Coot; Canada Goose; Black Headed Gull; Mute Swan; Wood Pigeon; Magpie; Cormorant; Tufted Duck; Long Tailed Tit; Song Thrush; Redwing; Blackbird; Nuthatch; Robin; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Bullfinch; Reed Bunting; Chaffinch; Teal; Siskin; Goldfinch; Shoveler; Gadwall; Mandarin Duck; Oystercatcher; Lesser Black Backed Gull; Grey Wagtail and Carrion Crow. We also had Jay on call.

Lichens seen were:- Physcia aipolia; Parmotrema perlatum; Physcia tenella; Lecidella elaeochroma and Xanthoria parietina.