Where to see....

 River Mimram valley Welwyn Garden City ,one of the few chalk streams

If anyone interested in seeing a not very common Butterfly then May is the time of year to head to Marbury Country Park, near Northwich, Cheshire for the Dingy Skipper (not misspelt). Like the glades near the shallow pools.

Not a single Dotterel seen at Pendle hill, but did see Golden Plover

Anybody holidaying on the Wirral at Wirral CP site and interested in birdlife could make a decent fist of it along the west coast, from Burton Wetlands (RSPB) all the way up to the rocks called Red Rocks at the tip of the west coast north of West Kirby.

For example in recent days there have been sightings of Black Terns, Cattle Egrets and Marsh Harriers at Burton, Whimbrels on the Dee estuary at Heswall (near the club site) and Spotted Crake in the small reedbed at Red Rocks. Plus Sandwich Terns etc.etc. Good estuary viewing for waders from the cliff near West Kirby or at Parkgate when a big tide.

Ps also noted very often are little egrets

Those people holidaying in the Northumberland area might like to have a stroll along the River Coquet near Warkworth and keep an eye out for Roseate Terns. They will work the river and breed on the island just offshore. Whilst the base of the bill is often red in breeding season, they can be seen with an all black bill which changes during summer to having red on it. They look a bit whiter than Common or Arctic Terns as well.

If staying at Sandringham then you can see Nightjars at Dersingham Bog. Park at the car park nearest the former  railway station and walk in a straight line to the viewing platform looking over the bog and wait until dusk.

Similarly if staying at Thetford site walk up past the reception and around to the top of the site where there are some open glades, liked by Nightjars.

Another place for Nightjars is the National Trust reserve at Dunnwich Heath, also good place for Dartford Warblers.

Today went to 'Severn Break its Neck bridge at Rhyd-y-Benwch, Hafren Forrest, saw 3 Dippers which I believe are resident.  Also meant to be Crossbills although we haven't seen any.

. We have lots of White Crested Egrets on the creek at the boatyard,Grey Herons too also a family of Oyster Catchers .

Is that your boatyard in this months magazine, Triky?