Gathering together at the RSPB Edwinstowe car park, we welcomed a new lady member, Lesley, to the group. On a pleasant Spring morning 15 eager wildlifers set off to look for migrants and the emergence of insects.

A singing Blackcap greeted us as we entered the woods, and very soon Willow Warblers seemed to be everywhere, their sweet vocal chords telling us Spring was very much upon us. Chiff Chaffs added to the chorus but we failed to nail down a Redstart and had to be satisfied by wonderful views of a Mistle Thrush in full song at the top of a conifer. A female Green Woodpecker was not to be outdone and gave excellent views whilst feeding at the base of a tree.

Insects were few and far between. The Tapered Dronefly, Orange Tip and Green-Veined White were the major contributors.

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Venturing onto the common, several beetle species were seen on the path including rove beetle, Black Snail Beetle, Chequered Click Beetle and for the few, Green Tiger beetle. Ashy Mining Bee, Flavous Nomad Bee and Black Banded Spider Wasp were excellent finds. A Pill Millipede displayed its defensive qualities by rolling up into a tight ball.

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Strangely the common was relatively quiet, no singing Woodlark and just a few bursts of the Tree Pipit, distant views only at the top of a birch tree. A cuckoo called twice much to the delight of David, who had gone off to search in vain for the Oil Beetle. A Kestrel over the common was the only raptor seen during the day. As we headed for home a splendid pair of Stonechats obligingly perched on fence posts.

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This was a challenging walk for many, several members returning to the cars not managing the common. The so-called leader was last to return to the cars and only did so with significant  help from Barbara. Dehydration was diagnosed as the problem.

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Nevertheless an enjoyable outing attended by Rob & Margaret, David & Veronica, Barbara, Lesley, Liz, Chris, Richard, Phil, Brian, Wendy,  Trevor, Jack and Tony.

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Tony Wardell