Many thanks to Chris Storey for allowing me to post these great pics of the Southern Migrant Hawker Chris found last week in the slacks north of Sands Lake at Ainsdale.
A female, it shows the characteristic fine lines on its light green sides in the following pic.
What a beauty!
As the name suggests, a migrant from the continent, but sadly one that didn’t stick around.
Based on grid refs supplied, Chris encountered this first for Lancashire by a sheltered line of willows at the north east side of Slack 48 – a five minute walk north of Sands Lake, past the area some idiot has set fire to recently.
Thanks for sharing Chris – and again, well done!
Not much else to remark upon today, which was desk-bound busy, although a few Manxies were offshore in the heat haze wibbly wobbly after high tide at Ainsdale, and fresh Commas and Small Tortoiseshells have started putting in an appearance at Dempsey Towers.
Leading a “Tomorrow Tick” walk out to marvel at flowering Dune Helleborine at 12.30pm, er, tomorrow, if anyone fancies it.
Meet at Ainsdale Discovery Centre (PR8 2QB), no fee, walk lasts about one hour.
It’ll be absolutely Helleborine.
John Dempsey Birdblog 
Ever wondered what creatures lurk in the saltmarsh at RSPB Marshside? This summer holiday, it’s the perfect time to find out by joining the RSPB for a Saltmarsh Safari adventure.
Armed with sweep nets and magnifying glasses, budding wildlife explorers will be taken on a journey through the saltmarsh to enjoy close-up views of the amazing creatures and plants which make their home in this hostile landscape.
Nick Godden, RSPB Ribble Reserves Warden, said: “If crawling through the grass armed with a pooter to catch minibeasts, or sieving mud in search of worms sounds like fun, then this is the perfect activity for you.
“The safari is an ideal way for families and children to safely explore the intriguing wildlife in the saltmarsh, but of course, it’s not just for children – the event is also a great excuse for adults to find their inner child and enjoy a wild adventure.
“We never know quite what we might find, but prepare to be amazed at the variety of creatures which makes their home here.”
Running on Sunday 26 July, Wednesday 12 August and Monday 24 August, the Saltmarsh Safari starts at 11 am from the RSPB car park on Marine Drive. This event will cost £4 for RSPB members, £5 for non-members and £2 for all under-18s. Booking is essential for this event, please call the Ribble Discovery Centre on 01253 796292 to book your place.
More information about Marshside can be found on our website, rspb.org.uk/marshside.
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