Fungal sightings found here

31 December 2007 - All month passed by without anything of note and too busy sorting Christmas - oops

NOVEMBER

19 November 2007 - Mere Sands Wood, Cheshire - A quick shufty around this nice reserve resulted in the following birds being seen (it should have been more but too bloody cold to dawdle about) - Moorhen; Great Tit; Blue Tit; Tree Sparrow; Carrion Crow; Pheasant; Great Spotted Woodpecker; Chaffinch; Dunnock; Jackdaw; Greenfinch; Robin; Wren; Siskin; Teal; Mallard; Pintail; Shoveler; Gadwall; Cormorant; Black Headed Gull; Tufted Duck; Coot; Grey Heron; Wood Pigeon; Blackbird; Collared Dove; Long Tailed Tit; Coal Tit; Wigeon; Magpie; Little Grebe. Nothing outrageous but sometimes that's the way it goes.

9 November 2007 - Torkington Park, Cheshire - Whilst wandering from office to office at work I came across a rather curious looking ladybird. Colleagues asked what I was carrying about and I said it could be a Harlequin Ladybird. Due to recent press coverage all claimed to be experts and remonstrated how 'the end is nigh' and these blighters are invading and setting about devouring the human race. I shook my head, enquired if they were suffering from some moronic seizure and set about the ID process. It was a Harlequin and yes a potential threat - but not to humans just our beautiful native species. What can we do - its here and how we get rid of it I don't know but with people setting about all out war I think our native wonders have a little more to worry about than just their larger relatives.

OCTOBER

28 October 2007 - Moore NR, Cheshire - A late flying Snout moth and a fantastic Violet Ground Beetle were good finds during the fungal foray.

24 October 2007 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - A quick pop in to the visitor centre for some chips and a hotdog resulted in the sighting of a neat Mediterranean Gull - not a bad finish to a 4 day visit to Dorset.

24 October 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A quick birdwatching walk resulted in Goldcrest, House Sparrow, Great Black Backed Gull, Cormorant, Skylark, Magpie, Stonechat, Wheatear, Redwing, Meadow Pipit, Jackdaw, Feral Pigeon, Kestrel, Starling, Rock Pipit, Black Redstart, Linnet, Wren, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Little Owl and Carrion Crow. 2 Red Admiral and a Speckled Wood were also seen.

23 October 2007 - Radipole RSPB, Dorset - A Migrant Hawker was around the reedbeds near the shop.

23 October 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Best pick of the overnight Lighthouse traps were 1 Silver Y, 1 Pearly Underwing, 2 Turnip, 1 White Speck, 3 Rusty Dot Pearl and 1 Brick. 3 Red Admirals were in the area.

22 October 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - The moth traps at the Obs Lighthouse held 6 Angle Shades, 18 Square Spot Rustic, 1 Turnip, 8 Feathered Ranunculus, 27 Lunar Underwing, 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 8 Large Yellow Underwing, 2 Rusty Dot Pearl, 2 Shuttle Shaped Dart, 2 Beautiful Gothic, 1 Feathered Brindle, 1 Green Brindled Crescent, 2 L-album Wainscot, 3 Beaded Chestnut, 1 Dark Swordgrass, 1 Delicate, 1 Diamond Back Moth

22 October 2007 - Gore Heath, Dorset - A cracking Great Grey Shrike stood proud on a skeletal tree and gave some excellent shots and a Sika Deer showed a bit of curiosity then abruptly disappeared.

22 October 2007 - Portland, Dorset - 1 Red Admiral and a Little Owl were noteworthy.

21 October 2007 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - The Dark Bellied Brent Geese flock increased to 100 birds.

20 October 2007 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black Headed Gull, Herring Gull, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 9*Dark Bellied Brent Goose, Curlew, Carrion Crow, Sanderling, Linnet, Stonechat, Cormorant, Turnstone. A Red Admiral was a nice surprise.

20 October 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - 1 Light Emerald, 1 Mallow, 3 Feathered Ranunculus, 1 Feathered Brindle, 3 Black Rustic, 3 Beaded Chestnut, 1 Delicate, 1 Light Brown Apple Moth, 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 6 Angle Shades, 1 Blairs Shoulder Knot, 1 L-album Wainscot, 1 Square Spot Rustic, 1 Lunar Underwing, 1 Large Yellow Underwing, 1 Shuttle Shaped Dart, 1 Beautiful Gothic were all overnight catches in the Lighthouse traps.

17 October 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport - A Many Plumed Moth (Alucida hexadactyla) was located in the home.

12 October 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport - A very, very brief attempt at moth trapping in the back garden turned up 1 Tachystola acroxantha and 1 Light Brown Apple Moth - hey ho at least I tried.

10 October 2007 - Torkington Park, Cheshire - A Speckled Wood alighted on a Horse Chestnut leaf and radiated contentment on a warm autumnal day.

9 October 2007 - Torkington Park, Cheshire - A Peacock butterfly was disturbed from a slumber and flew off with surprising gusto. If only I could wake up that quickly in the mornings.

6 October 2007 - Dunham Massey, Cheshire - Speckled Wood and 3 Common Darters maintaining the indian summer.

1 October 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport - A high flying Red Admiral was still clinging on to the decent weather we have had of late.

SEPTEMBER

30 September 2007 - Ainsdale EN, Lancashire - A late flying Red Admiral and Common Darter were noteworthy and 1 young Smooth Newt was a nice find.

28 September 2007 - Torkington Park, Cheshire - A Chiffchaff calling seemed unusual enough to report - so I have.

8 September 2007 - Styal CP, Cheshire - A late and tattered Holly Blue butterfly was seen sipping a bramble flower.

AUGUST

16 August 2007 - Tatton Park, Cheshire - A wet and windy walk leading some Young Carers from work on a wildlife walk resulted in a resting Antler Moth, a tired looking Green Veined White, plenty of Red and Fallow Deer and a Mother of Pearl Moth. We all had a good time but the sun's smiling face would have helped proceedings.

12 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - The holiday ended with the Obs Warden showing us a stunning Beautiful Gothic moth - not a bad way to finish.

11 August 2007 - Stoborough Heath, Dorset - 2 Keeled Skimmer, 2 Gatekeeper, 5 Grayling, 1 July Belle, 1 Black Darter, 1 Emerald Damselfly, 1 Silver Y were all good to see at a wonderful heathland site but the 13 Marsh Gentians and 1 Smooth Snake took the prize of the day. Unfortunately I only saw the Smooth Snake so I was a bit fed up to say the least. I like my family to see what I see as sharing is a real pleasing thing to do. Hey ho - best be more careful next time and find a few more obliging slitherers.

11 August 2007 - Fontmell Down, Dorset - Autumn Gentian was good to see again but pride of place goes to one newly emerged Silver Spotted Skipper who sat quite patiently while I photographed him and gave us stunning views all round. A Long Winged Conehead was later confirmed as such.

11 August 2007 - Badbury Rings, Dorset - 8 Chalkhill Blue, 5 Common Blue, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 28 Meadow Brown, 3 Gatekeeper, 1 Common Carpet and 3 Brown Hawker Dragonflies were good finds at a nice area.

11 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Moth highs were Wormwood, Tawny Shears and Poplar Hawkmoth. 1 Slow Worm interrupted a football match I was involved in with my daughter, wife and friends. Nuff said!

10 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Thanks again to Martin Cade, the Bird Obs Warden, for letting us mooch through the traps and the previous night had been busier than of late but still lacked that famous Portland quality. However the resulting count was 4 Oak Eggar, 31 Large Yellow Underwing, 140 Shuttle Shaped Dart, 4 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 14 Light Brown Apple Moth, 5 Bright Line Brown Eye, 1 Wormwood, 1 Langmaid's Yellow Underwing, 1 Lackey, 1 Garden Tiger, 6 Square Spot Rustic, 5 Brown Line Bright Eye, 4 Lesser Broad Bordered Underwing, 2 White Point, 5 Clay, 2 Rosy Minor, 2 Knotgrass, 6 Silver Y, 1 Marbled Beauty, 1 Common Footman, 1 Bee Moth, 2 Flame Shoulder, 1 Grey/Dark Dagger sp, 2 Common Wainscot, 2 Turnip, 1 Yellowtail, 1 Scalloped Oak, 1 Dark Sword Grass, 1 Dark Arches, 2 Vines Rustic, 2 Ear sp, 1 Shark, 1 Magpie. 5 Wall Browns and a Grey Bush Cricket were extra good stuff.

10 August 2007 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - Spear Leaved Orache, Soapwort, 1 Silver Y, 1 Meadow Brown and 1 Red Admiral caught the eye.

10 August 2007 - Lorton Meadows, Dorset - 3 Red Admiral, 2 Meadow Brown, 4 Gatekeeper, 1 Large White, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Common Blue, 1 Migrant Hawker and 2 Common Darter were a poor showing on a quiet day.

9 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - The pick of the preceding nights moths were Straw Belle, Iron Prominent and Canary Shoulder Thorn.

9 August 2007 - Martin Down, Hampshire - 6 Common Blue, 3 Chalkhill Blue, 4 Gatekeeper, 8 Brimstone, 2 Dark Green Fritillary, 16 Meadow Brown, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Essex Skipper, 4 Six Spot Burnet, 1 Treble Lines, 1 Silver Y, 1 Garden Carpet and 1 Yellowshell seems adequate but anyone with knowledge of this reserve will realise it pales in comparison to when things are good. The weather this year has a lot to answer for.

Green Woodpecker was vocal and Autumn Gentian was a nice find.

8 August 2007 - Tadnoll/Winfrith Heath, Dorset - The second heathland site in a day with this one producing an abundance of Dwarf Gorse, Greater Burnet and some nice specimens of Oblong Leaved Sundew. 2 Gatekeeper, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Meadow Brown and a Small Purple Barred Moth were disappointingly sparse.

8 August 2007 - Higher Hyde Heath, Dorset - 1 Comma, 2 Brimstone, 10 Gatekeeper, 1 Small Skipper, 15 Grayling, 2 Ruddy Darter, 1 Emerald Damselfly, 6 Keeled Skimmer, 1 Southern Hawker, 2 Silver Y moths and loads of Bog Bush Crickets kept our eyes peeled at this very impressive site. 4 Sika Deer, 1 Sand Lizard, a superbly marked Grass Snake and 2 fleeting glimpses of 2 Smooth Snakes were exceptional additions.

7 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - A flower search resulted in Birds Foot Trefoil, Pyramidal Orchid, Red Clover, Red Bartsia, Black Medick, Restharrow, Common Centaury, Wild Carrot, Common Knapweed, Ribwort Plantain, Fleabane, Hop Trefoil, Dwarf Thistle, Greater Knapweed, Teasel, Honeysuckle, Common Ragwort, Meadow Vetchling, Prickly Sow Thistle, Agrimony, Ladies Bedstraw, White Clover, Yellow-Wort, Common Vetch, Spear Thistle, Eyebright, Spotted Medick, Pale Flax, Field Bindweed, Slender Tare, Devil's Bit Scabious, Daisy, Rock Samphire, Golden Samphire, Buckshorn Plantain and Autumn Ladies Tresses.

2 Common Blues and a Lulworth Skipper joined me in the search.

7 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Another mooch through the moth traps produced 3 Four Spotted, 1 Porters Rustic, 1 Bulrush Wainscot, 5 Oak Eggar, 2 Jersey Tiger, 2 Silver Y, 1 Rosy Minor, 2 Dark Arches, 3 White Point, 1 Lesser Broad Bordered Underwing, 7 Clay, 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character, 31 Shuttle Shaped Dart, 3 Garden Tiger, 6 Square Spot Rustic, 1 Willow Beauty, 2 Riband Wave (unbanded), 2 Brimstone, 1 Turnip, 7 Large Yellow Underwing, 7 Bright Eye Brown Line, 1 Dusky Sallow, 1 Sharp Angled Peacock, 2 Convolvulus Hawkmoth, 3 Spectacle, 1 Browntail, 3 Bright Line Brown Eye, 7 Light Brown Apple and 3 Synaphe punctalis.

6 August 2007 - Portland, Dorset - Another trip to a cracking spot produced 42 Slow Worm, 3 Common Lizard, 1 Chalk Carpet, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Small Skipper and 2 Chalkhill Blue.

6 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - The moth count was as follows - 2 Jersey Tiger, 29 Shuttle Shaped Dart, 1 Agapeta zoegana, 1 Brimstone, 3 Dark Arches, 3 Light Brown Apple, 1 Barred Straw, 1 White Point, 6 Clay, 1 Oak Eggar, 1 Square Spot Rustic, 3 Brown Line Bright Eye, 2 Lackey, 1 Brussels Lace, 2 Large Yellow Underwing, 1 Bright Line Brown Eye, 1 Least Yellow Underwing, 1 Straw Underwing, 1 Drinker, 1 Saltern Ear, 1 Willow Beauty, 1 Dark Spinach, 1 Palpita vitrealis, 1 Endotricha flammealis, 1 Dark Sword Grass, 1 Knotgrass and 4 Garden Tiger.

5 August 2007 - Arne RSPB, Dorset - Sika Deer were abundant as per usual with 4 Gatekeeper, 1 Grayling, and 1 Red Admiral offering a pathetic butterfly showing. 3 Silver Y, 1 Large Yellow Underwing and 1 Oak Eggar were all that the moth count produced and the Odonata list was made up of 1 Blue Tailed Damselfly, 10 Common Darter, 1 Four Spotted Chaser, 10 Small Red Damselfly, 15 Emerald Damselfly and 2 Emperor Dragonfly. Dorset Heath added a nice splash of colour to a very warm day indeed.

5 August 2007 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - A bird watching visit to this scenic spot produced Little Egret, Starling, Swallow, Carrion Crow, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Cormorant, Herring Gull, Pied Wagtail, Great Black Backed Gull, Black Headed Gull, Dunlin, Collared Dove, Oystercatcher and Turnstone.

5 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - Highs of the moth trap were 1 Wormwood and 1 Knotgrass, other than that it was a quiet night all round.

4 August 2007 - Upton CP, Dorset - 1 Holly Blue, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Speckled Wood and an abundance of Spiked Water Milfoil.

On the bird front it was pretty quiet with a small list comprising of Black Headed Gull, Redshank, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, Canada Goose, Greenfinch, Wood Pigeon, Black Tailed Godwit, Goldfinch, Robin, Buzzard, Magpie, Mallard and Moorhen.

4 August 2007 - Fontmell Down, Dorset - 2 Brimstone, 3 Green Veined White, 4 Red Admiral, 24 Gatekeeper, 5 Meadow Brown, 3 Marbled White, 7 Small Skipper, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Large White, 2 Common Blue, 2 Peacock, 2 Dark Green Fritillary, 5 Chalkhill Blue, 1 Small Heath, 1 Small Copper, 1 Silver Washed Fritillary, 2 Chalk Carpet, 1 Common Carpet, 1 Silver Y and 3 Five Spot Burnet were enough to keep us busy but were less than expected at a fabulous reserve.

The flower highlights were Clustered Bellflower, Hemp Agrimony, Devils Bit Scabious and Betony.

4 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - The bird obs moth trap picks were Convolvulus Hawkmoth, Least Carpet, Brussels Lace, Lackey, Bordered Sallow, Yellow Tail, Spectacle, Ruby Tiger, Rusty Dot Pearl, Rosy Minor, Garden Tiger and Dusky Sallow.

3 August 2007 - Broadcroft Quarry, Dorset - A trip to Portland wouldn't be complete without the opening day visit to this classic spot. 2 Wall Brown, 5 Small Skipper, 1 Marbled White, 3 Common Blue, 2 Meadow Brown, 4 Chalkhill Blue, 1 Silver Y, 3 Chalk Carpet, 1 Lulworth Skipper, 1 Peacock and 1 Oncocera semirubella moth were a good lepidopteran start. 1 Adder, 2 Common Lizard and 30 Slow Worm were just ideal for the reptile enthusiast within us.

3 August 2007 - Portland Bill, Dorset - The opening days search of a 9 day holiday provided 6 Silver Y, 1 Chalkhill Blue, 5 Common Blue, 2 Red Admiral, 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Skipper, 3 Gatekeeper, 2 Five Spot Burnet and 1 Yellowshell moth.

Dwarf Thistle, Prickly Sow Thistle, Agrimony and Pale Flax were all year ticks.

2 August 2007 - Anderton NR, Northwich - Butterfly counts were as follows - 11 Speckled Wood, 5 Green Veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 23 Gatekeeper, 18 Peacock, 2 Comma, 1 Large White, 4 Meadow Brown, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small White. Odanata numbers were drastically down with 1 Emperor, 4 Common Darter, 23 Blue Tailed Damselfly, 4 Brown Hawker and 4 Black Tailed Skimmer the lowly figures.

JULY

29 July 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - 1 Holly Blue in the garden was a welcome visitor after so much dreary weather.

28 July 2007 - Formby, Lancashire - 3 Common Blue, 14 Gatekeeper, 5 Peacock, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Grayling, 1 Comma, 4 Meadow Brown, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Five Spot Burnet and 1 Shaded Broad Bar were all on the wing.

The floral highlights were 34 flowering spikes of Dune Helleborine plus dune lovers such as Houndstongue and Musk Mallow.

28 July 2007 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - The flora aspect of this reserve is always good at this time of year with Fleabane, Fringed Water Lily, Yellow Bartsia, Large Flowered Evening Primrose, Yellow Loosestrife, Purple Loosestrife and 2 spikes of Green Flowered Helleborine all on show.

Butterflies on the wing were 6 Meadow Brown, 3 Speckled Wood, 6 Gatekeeper, 2 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral and a Silver Y moth thrown in.

1 Southern Hawker with loads of Blue Tailed Damselflies and Common Darters provided other interest.

23 July 2007 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - The butterfly walk was undertaken with the sun shining and a good crowd present and produced varying numbers of Red Admiral, Small Skipper, Small White, Green Veined White, Large White, Gatekeeper, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Large Skipper and a first for the park being a Ringlet. Well spotted by Jim Smith.

Large Yellow Underwing, Straw Dot and Shaded Broad Bar added moth interest with a Ruby Tailed Wasp and Southern Hawker being highs on the insect front.

22 July 2007 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - The organised moth even produced dry conditions and 22 species. These were 2 Large Yellow Underwing, 3 Snout, 1 Coxcomb Prominent, 1 Small Fan Footed Wave, 1 Swallow Prominent, 1 Peppered Moth, 1 Light Emerald, 1 Clouded Border, 1 Dun-bar, 1Brimstone, 1 Willow Beauty, 1 Double Square Spot, 1 Large Emerald, 1 Agapeta hamana, 1 Small Phoenix, 1 Dark Arches, 1 Scalloped Oak, 1 Uncertain, 1 Straw Dot, 1 Flame Carpet, 1 Common White Wave, 1 Lesser Broad Bordered Underwing and 2 Dotted Clay.

19 July 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Stockport - 6 Large Yellow Underwing, 5 Light Brown Apple Moth, 19 Marbled Beauty, 6 Riband Wave (non banded), 1 Riband Wave (banded), 1 Brimstone, 1 Codling Moth, 1 Phlyctaenia coronata, 1 Scalloped Oak, 3 Bee Moth, 2 Lesser Yellow Underwing, 1 Gold Triangle, 1 Garden Carpet, 1 Twenty Plume Moth, 1 Fan Foot, and 1 Clay all out of a 2 hour trap on a coolish evening. Despite the appalling weather the moths are trying their best.

18 July 2007 - Alexander Park, Stockport - Holly Blue making a brief sortie between the showers.

14 July 2007 - Wastwater, Cumbria - 1 Flame, 2 Flame Shoulder, 1 Large Yellow Underwing, 2 Purple Clay, 1 Straw Dot, 1 Yellow Shell, 1 Antler Moth, 1 Buff Tip, 2 Dark Arches, 1 Triple Spotted Clay and 1 Small Fan Footed Wave were a poor haul from a brief mothing session.

14 July 2007 - Meathop Moss, Cumbria - 1 Manchester Treble Bar, 1 Shaded Broad Bar, 1 Emperor Moth larvae and 3 Large Heath. Bog Asphodel was abundant throughout the boggy areas.

8 July 2007 - Bentley Wood, Hampshire - 45 Ringlets, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Gatekeeper, 1 Common Blue, 1 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 3 Purple Hairstreak, 15 Silver Washed Fritillary, 1 Dark Green Fritillary, 1 Meadow Brown, 3 Large Skipper, 4 White Admiral, 1 Large White, 3 Small Skipper, 2 Marbled White and 2 White Letter Hairstreak all contributed to a good lepidopteran day. Sadly no Purple Emperor but that's how it goes sometimes and you should still enjoy what you do see - which we certainly do. Sunny weather too which always helps.

Narrow Leaved Helleborine was well spotted by my good lady after we were given some excellent advice from a local enthusiast.

A couple of Hornets were showing well and making the most of a warm day.

7 July 2007 - Howardian NR, Cardiff - 8 Speckled Wood, 3 Large White, 1 Peacock, 7 Meadow Brown, 1 Green Veined White, 1 Comma, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Skipper and 1 Large Skipper were all fantastically wonderful to see after some outrageous weather. These defiant little gems don't realise how they can lift ones spirits.

Bee Orchid was nice to see and the shield bug Coreus marginatus put in an appearance.

JUNE

10 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - 1 early Silver Studded Blue, 1 Marbled White and 1 Mother Shipton gave great views and rounded off a good ten days in the Dorset area.

10 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - 1 Dwarf Cream Wave and 1 Homoeosoma sinuella were trap picks.

9 June 2007 - Langford Heath, Somerset - Male and female Beautiful Demoiselle, 1 Large Skipper, 3 Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, 1 Clouded Border and 1 Red Admiral plus Heath Spotted Orchid and Pignut. Crab spider Misumena vatia and the beetle Malachis bipunctalis were other noteworthy spots.

9 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - Small China Mark and Kent Black Arches were today's moth stars.

9 June 2007 - Collard Hill, Somerset - 8 Marbled White, 3 Large Blue, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Meadow Brown, 3 Small Heath, 1 Small White, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Common Blue, 1 Yellow Shell and 2 Agapeta hamana gave good lepidopteran interest with Greater Butterfly Orchid, Twayblade and Pyramidal Orchid quite abundant near the local Youth Hostel.

8 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - 2 Four Spotted, 1 Dioryctria abietella, 1 Cypress Carpet, 1 Satin Wave, 1 Lychnis, 1 Chinese Character and 1 Figure of 80 were highs from the obs trap with a couple over zealous mothers who had trapped at Cheyne Weares the night before showing us Ruddy Carpet, Portland Ribbon Wave, Pale Mottled Willow, Shaded Pug, Mottled Rustic, Cynaeda dentalis, Pyrausta cingulata, Eucosma hohenwartiana and Dolicarthria punctalis were excellent spots and much welcomed.

7 June 2007 - Radipole RSPB, Dorset - A short trip to see a Squacco Heron paid dividends with the little beauty flying into good view and showing his stunning plumage to all. Great plumes by the way and if I wasn't balding by the day I may have had a dabble at growing some myself. Figwort and a solitary Southern Marsh Orchid were of note.

7 June 2007 - Portland, Tout Quarry, Dorset - Vipers Bugloss, Wild Clary, Spotted Medick, Tall Rocket and Wild Madder were all in good bloom.

7 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - 2 Light Brocade, 1 Riband Wave, 3 Heart and Club, 3 Vines Rustic, 1 Agapeta hamana and 6 White Point were moth trap highs at the bird obs.

6 June 2007 - Needles to Compton Bay, Isle of White - A great walk along a very scenic area with 2 Red Admiral, 55 Painted Lady, 1 Small Blue, 11 Common Blue, 1 Small Blue, 6 Glanville Fritillary, 5 Meadow Brown, 1 Small Heath, 1 Silver Y, 2 Burnet Companion, 1 Ruddy Darter and 1 Broad Bodied Chaser being more than enough to keep us occupied.

Botanically Yellow Horned Poppy, Pyramidal Orchid, Bee Orchid, Ox-Tongue Broomrape and Hoary Stock were more than appreciated.

5 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - 11 Slow Worms, 3 Agapeta zoegana, 3 Yellow Shell and 1 Devil's Coach-horse kept the little un' occupied with Grass Vetchling, White Campion and Fennel adding botanical interest.

5 June 2007 - Radipole RSPB, Dorset - Flitting Cetti's Warblers were the obvious high with an abundance of Lackey Larva thrown in and the odd Peacock Larva too.

5 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - The traps at the bird obs had plenty of variety but few migrants. 1 Pale Tussock, 3 Shark, 1 Poplar Hawkmoth and 8 Cream Spot Tigers were a pleasure.

4 June 2007 - Bourne Valley, Dorset - 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Shuttle Shaped Dart and 2 Emperor Moth larva were interesting with a stunning Golden Ringed Dragonfly allowing views to within inches as it perched within the heather. 4 Common Lizards and Dodder were nice spots.

4 June 2007 - New Forest, Hampshire - A singing Wood Warbler flitting around in what was basically a quiet area near the Reptilarian.

4 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - The bird obs moth trap had 1 Bordered Straw, 1 Campion and 1 Shark amongst many other commoner moths.

3 June 2007 - Cerne Abbas Hill, Dorset - 15 Woundwort Shieldbugs, 87 Marsh Fritillary, 1 Small Blue, 1 Burnet Companion, 1 Dingy Skipper, 1 Grizzled Skipper and 3 Red Headed Cardinal Beetles were great to see at this stunning site.

3 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - The bird obs moth traps were quiet on the migrant front with the highs overall being 2 Delicate, 1 Herald, 4 Small Elephant Hawkmoth, 1 L-album Wainscot and 2 Drinker moths.

2 June 2007 - Alners Gorse, Dorset - A moth evening with the Dorset Group produced not as much as expected but 1 Grass Emerald, 1 Marbled White Spot, 2 Small Dotted Buff and 3 Sharp Angled Peacock were personal highs.

2 June 2007 - Hod Hill, Dorset - Stinking Iris was the only noteworthy specimen from a brief visit.

2 June 2007 - Martin Down, Hampshire - The lepidoptera front was far from brimming but had a good level of diversity to please the most ardent seeker. The total finds were 1 Small Copper, 5 Common Heath, 2 Brimstone, 3 Yellow Shell, 3 Cinnabar Moth, 1 Marsh Fritillary, 6 Adonis Blue, 2 Grizzled Skipper, 1 Common Blue, 2 Small Heath, 2 Small Blue, 1 Dingy Skipper. 1 Large Skipper and 1 Silver Y.

Burnt Orchid, Common Broomrape, Hoary Plantain, Dropwort and Musk Thistle boosted the botany list.

A long horn beetle, namely Agapathea villoviridescens was a good new find.

2 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - An early morning stroll produced Rock Pipit, Stonechat and Kittiwake. Bee Orchid, Pink Oxalis and 2 Slow Worms were nice extras.

1 June 2007 - Chesil Beach, Dorset - Carrot Broomrape, Buckshorn Plantain and Yellow Rattle were in abundance.

1 June 2007 - Portland, Dorset - 4 Slow worms, Sloe Bug, the woodlouse spider Dysdera crocata, 2 Dingy Skipper, 1 Small Blue, 4 Small Heath and 1 Rusty Dot Pearl where good to see. On the botany front Blue Eyed Grass, Ivy Broomrape, Sainfoin, Grass Vetchling and Whistling Jack all provided interest.

MAY

26 May 2007 - Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire - 4 Comma larva were seen feeding on unknown garden plant whilst waiting for the recovery truck to pick up our broken car. Well is better than sulking.

25 May 2007 - Davenport, Stockport, Cheshire - On my way to work I found a solitary Russula betularum beneath a Silver Birch and a nice cluster of Coprinus atramentarius growing from the base of a wall just highlighting the quirky growing nature of fungi.

23 May 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - The moth trap was a little better tonight with 1 Brimstone, 5 Common Marbled Carpets, 2 Many-Plumed Moths, 2 Marbled Minor sp, 1 Shuttle-Shaped Dart, 1 Bee Moth and plenty of Light Brown Apple Moths.

19 May 2007 - Bowlees, C. Durham, Yorkshire - Globeflower, Alpine Bistort, Good King Henry, Water Avens and Wood Cranesbill provided botanical interest while on the ornithological front Spotted Flycatcher, a Dipper feeding two young, female Goosander with 10 chicks and Common Sandpiper were of note.

19 May 2007 - Cow Green Reservoir, Yorkshire - 8 specimens of Moonwort were found - a real rarity this one as well as several Spring Gentians. The weather was appalling but this little delights warm the soul. Golden Plover with chicks and Spring Sandwort were also good finds as well as a nearly flowering Mountain Everlasting. Birds-Eye Primrose was in full flower too.

18 May 2007 - Errwood Reservoir, Derbyshire - 2 male Pied Flycatchers were showing well with a Tree Pipit singing high up in the tree tops. An elusive Cuckoo was vocal and remained unseen but a dozing juvenile Tawny Owl was very obliging and let us approach to within feet.

9 May 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - Just hatched a Cabbage Moth from a pupa located in the back garden. Fresh as a daisy.

7 May 2007 - Warton Crag, Cumbria - Brown Silver Lines, a few Anthophila fabriciana moths (Nettle Tap), Roe Deer, Sanicle, loads of Early Purple Orchids, a Little Owl and nesting Peregrines provided excellent interest at a site that is seriously overlooked.

7 May 2007 - Leighton Moss, Cumbria - A male Marsh Harrier was in fine fettle and showing well over the reedbeds. Deadly Nightshade was located nearby with its sinister looking flowers in great condition.

7 May 2007 - Meathop Moss, Cumbria - Pot Bellied Emerald Beetles, an 11-Spot Ladybird, 1 Large Red Damselfly and a Grey Pine Carpet were great with a few Common Heaths and Adela reaumuralla moths thrown in for good measure. A Woodcock was flushed only feet away but pride of place must go to...Green Hairstreak. 1 little chap decided to have a go and brave the poor weather and settle down on the boardwalks trying to absorb as much heat as possible. At last we caught up with a common but elusive species and additions to the Butterfly Gallery will be forthcoming. Hoorah.

6 May 2007 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - An abundance of spring flowers were seen during the public walk with a Clouded Silver Moth and Leopard Slugs providing creepy crawly interest on a very sparse day on the insect front. 2 Badgers feeding out in the open was a wonderful high with one little chap staying out for at least 20 minutes and showing very well indeed. Pied Flycatchers were back in the usual nest box and made me realise how far into the year we already are.

5 May 2007 - Gait Barrows, Cumbria - 5 Pearl Bordered Fritillaries, 2 Duke of Burgundy Fritillaries, 1 Four Spotted Chaser, 4 Adela reaumurella, 1 Anania funebris pyralid moth, 4 Speckled Yellow Moths, 1 Cryptocephalus bipunctatus beetle and 1 Green Woodpecker provided excellent interest on a nice stroll around this great reserve.

5 May 2007 - Meathop Moss, Cumbria - 16 Common Heaths and 1 Peacock were the only lepidopteran highlights despite rumours of a good colony of Green Hairstreaks being seen earlier in the week. Mmmmm! Bog Rosemary, Cranberry, Round Leaved Sundew and Crosswort were nice and the bird highlights consisted of Blackcap, Tree Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 calling Cuckoos.

4 May 2007 - Werneth Low, Cheshire - A tootle around in the afternoon with top butterfly enthusiast Jim Smith in search of our bogey species (Green hairstreak would you believe) resulted in no luck whatsoever despite 30 being seen there 2 days earlier. Aaaagh. However we did see Green Shieldbug, Adela reaumurella and Common Heath.

APRIL

29 April 2007 - Frodsham Marsh, Cheshire - Whinchat, Black Tern, Little Stint and Grasshopper Warbler were notable with Raven, Ringed Plover, Wheatear and a singing but elusive Lesser Whitethroat other notables from a brief 2 hour visit. Greater Celandine and the large numbers of Orange Tip butterfly were good to see.

28 April 2007 - Werneth Low, Cheshire - 3 Large Red Damselflies and an abundance of Speckled Woods were the only noteworthy sightings.

19 April 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - A pupa I had been looking after for approx 3 weeks hatched and turned out to be a cracking Angle Shades moth. The pinks, greens and blues are really subtle.

18 April 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - Freshly emerged Angle Shades in the back garden just unfurling its wings - very nice. White Shouldered House moth hanging around a lighted window too - the moths are slowly coming folks.

15 April 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - 1st Holly Blue of the year fluttering away on urgent wings

12 April 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - The nights trap had a Many Plumed Moth and 1 pretty Esperia sulphurella.

10 April 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - Bee Moth and Common Quaker in garden trap as well as the plume moth Amblyptilia acanthadactyla.

9 April 2007 - Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire - A nice bird list was had (43 species) with Red Legged Partridge and Corn Bunting seen at nearby Curlew Lane. Reticularia lycoperdon was an addition to the year's myxomycete list.

9 April 2007 - Formby Sand Dunes, Lancashire - Siberian Chiffchaff was showing well - down to 10 feet in fact. Nice little brown job that looked a little bewildered by all the attention.

7 April 2007 - Potts Corner, Cumbria - 8 female and 6 male Belted Beauty's were a gob smacking surprise for the aforementioned Pauline. She had a 25 year ambition to see these cracking moths and within 40 seconds of leaving the car I'd found one for her. Great stuff.

7 April 2007 - Gait Barrows, Cumbria - 16 Brimstones, several Peacocks and Commas plus a Small Tortoiseshell were a hint of approaching summer. Wood Anemones were reaching for the sun and Ground Ivy was well in flower.

7 April 2007 - Trough of Bowland, Yorkshire - A nice trip through (thanks Pauline) with Red Legged Partridge, Sand Martins, Brown Hares and Fieldfares being nice spots.

6 April 2007 - Crosby Marina, Lancashire - Very busy with day trippers and fair weather folk (bah) but 8 Little Gulls were wonderful. The slate grey underwings are a joy.

6 April 2007 - Formby Sand Dunes, Lancashire - Gorse Shieldbug was a nice find. Busy little blighter.

6 April 2007 - Marshside, Lancashire - Green Alkanet and White Dead Nettle in flower. The birds were plentiful with Green Winged Teal, Barnacle Goose, Avocets aplenty, stunning Black Tailed Godwits and Little Stint to name a few. Well worth the walk around the reserve on a nice day.

6 April 2007 - Warton Bank, Lancashire - A nice sunny morning for Easter Friday and some good birds were seen from a decent spot. Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Linnet and Black Tailed Godwit all added to the diversity of a decent day list.

2 April 2007 - Penrhos CP, Anglesey- 10 Pale Bellied Brent Geese, Raven, Stonechat and our first Chiffchaff of the year provided good ornithological interest with a Drinker caterpillar and Peacock butterfly ones for the Lepidopterist enthusiasts. Sea Slaters seemed unusually abundant beneath coastal rocks and 3 Speedwells were in flower these being Common Field, Ivy Leaved and Wood.

17 March 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - The back garden revealed a healthy colony of Rosy Woodlice completing the big 5 ticked this year. That's Shiny, Striped, Rough and Pygmy all in one small garden. Wonderful creatures they are too.

15 March 2007 - Cheadle Heath, Cheshire - First Light Brown Apple Moth of the year - obviously lured out with all the nice weather

14 March 2007 - Torkington Park, Stockport, Cheshire - An Early Grey Moth at rest on outside wall.

11 March 2007 - Etherow CP, Cheshire - Eyed Ladybird was a nice spot and Butterbur, Coltsfoot and Hairy Bittercress were in bloom.

6 March 2007 - Stockport - Blackthorn in flower - early or average you decide - very nice to see though.

4 March 2007 - Adswood, Stockport, Cheshire - First viewing of Coltsfoot this year at Adswood recycling centre.

3 March 2007- Stockport, Cheshire - Oh I found a Varied Carpet Beetle in my bathroom which is an annual event these days.

FEBRUARY

24 February 2007 - Leighton Moss area, Cumbria - The reserve is at its finest at the moment with loads of birdlife to spot over the next 3 months. Marsh Tit, Kingfisher and loads of waterfowl were seen plus some nice fungal specimens in the form of Common Earthstar and Scarlet Elf Cup. Jenny Browns' Point had plenty going on with Knot, Curlew and Redshank in sheer abundance.

JANUARY

22 January 2007 - Marbury Country Park, Cheshire - Kingfisher and Water Rail seem almost 'gimmes' here at the moment with an excellent selection of woodland and water birds on show.