On a pleasant, calm morning, after a kilometre walk through the woods, 12 eager enthusiasts arrived overlooking the lagoons of phase one. The journey provided our first records of the day, Green Woodpecker, Carrion Crow and Chiff Chaff all calling from hidden domains.

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The lagoon held Great-crested Grebe, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Gadwall, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Coot and Moorhen, all that you might expect from such a habitat. Both Little and Great White Egret were also present.  In addition we were lucky enough to have two sightings of a juvenile Arctic Tern as it fed up on its southward migration. An unknown event put up 100 plus Grey Lag Geese, amongst which were several Cormorant and a Bittern.

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It was cool and relatively few insects were about, apart from an abundance of Marsh Crane Fly. Just four butterfly species (Small White, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Common Blue) and 2 dragonfly species (Red Darter and Migrant Hawker) were recorded. A magnificent Garden Cross Spider and a Zebra Spider were “potted” for all to see.

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Lunch was taken at The Lord Nelson in Whinthorpe. This is an excellent venue, a recommendation for any future event.

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The afternoon was spent at a new venue for the group, Mons Pool, part of Besthorpe nature reserve. This is a 2 kilometre circular walk taking in one hide and two viewing screens. Unfortunately the water levels were high and little activity was recorded. However, on a day when we were specifically looking for snails, only one specimen was found. Careful examination later named this as a Copse Snail, Arianta arbustorum.

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Another good outing in some new surroundings enjoyed by Dave & Veronica, Glynne & Carol, Tim & Sarah, Rob & Margaret, Jack, Phil, David and Tony.

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Thanks to Rob & Margaret for manning and distributing the fruit from the mobile apple and pear store.

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Tony Wardell