Formby Civic Society is a registered Charity (No. 516789) -
Persistent cold winds from the west and northwest were an unwelcome feature of May this year. Although these reduced the variety of migrant birds and slowed the appearance of wild flowers and insects, our coastline still produced plenty of interest. Fortunately, occasional rain meant that what little surface water remained from the April drought was kept topped up. Therefore Natterjack tadpoles on Birkdale Green Beach survived throughout the month, though their growth rate was slower than normal.
Devil’s Hole at Ravenmeols remained dry throughout but, early in the month, I had a first sighting here of the rare coastal form of Groundsel, while masses of the stunning sky-
The following day, I was exploring the Cabin Hill frontal dunes where the vegetation is now completely recovered from the big fire two years ago. The retreating tide revealed thousands of waders massing on the shore, their migration to northern breeding grounds blocked by adverse winds. Six Whimbrel flew inland, their characteristic call reminiscent of a man whistling his dog, while the harsh cries of Sandwich Terns could be heard over the distant sound of the surf. A singing Grasshopper Warbler perched in full view only 20m away in a Hawthorn bush, giving my best ever views of this usually skulking songster. Nearby, a female Whinchat was another reminder of spring in the dunes. Once a breeder here, it only appears on passage these days.
Two visits to The Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Haskayne Cutting Nature Reserve a few miles inland were rewarded with a male Brimstone, a butterfly that seems to be increasing locally, as well as the more usual Orange Tips. Also doing well here is the Northern Marsh-
We also went to Crosby, Blundellsands and Hightown to monitor the Isle of Man Cabbage. This is one of the most important Sefton Coast plants, being largely confined to northwest England shores. It is also a British endemic, not found in any other country. The good news is that the Isle of Man Cabbage is flourishing. It likes bare sand and has benefitted from the disturbance caused by the 2011 sea-
On our way to Blundellsands, we spotted an impressive stand of fumitories lining the roadside opposite Little Crosby Church. Always a challenge to identify, these turned out to be mostly the regionally rare salmon-
A passing walker commented on the large number of “bugs” flying around. They were St Mark’s flies, named after St Mark’s day, 25th April, though these harmless black hairy flies with dangling legs often swarm well into May. Their larvae feed on rotting vegetation in the soil, the adults often nectaring on willow catkins.
There are not many records of Northern Dune Tiger Beetle south of the Alt, so on a suitably sunny day in mid-