Another wonderful day on the spotting front! Our trip to Idle Valley Nature Reserve on June 5th proved to be very fruitful, with a better than expected bird count of 47 species, and, thanks to our two new members , more diverse selection of subjects, with insects and plants more centre-stage than usual.

We also saw Rabbits, a Hare, lots of Banded Demoiselles and other damselflies, plus Painted Lady, Small White, Speckled Wood and Large Skipper butterflies, and several plant species including St John’s wort and some very dainty wild pansies.

Amongst other birds, we were delighted to have both a Bittern and a Hobby fly directly over us, a raft of Red-crested Pochards in the pool from the visitor centre, and an unexpected easily found pair of Black-necked Grebes. And, after a week of mixed weather, we had a fine, dry day – and, as usual, good company! You'll find some photos here.