25 June

In recent weeks you might have been hearing the male cuckoo calling in Baltrasna. He's most clearly heard in the early morning when there are fewer noises to compete with.

Our monthly expedition will take place on Saturday, 25 June at 12 noon. We hope to include a walk to an area of abundant orchid growth. These no longer grow on the south bank, due to the development of the towpath and the impact of mowing, but appear in a few places along the north bank.

On our walk along the canal we should see some butterflies that appear in midsummer, including the Meadow Brown and Ringlet.

Last month we saw the Spring Hawker (Hairy Dragonfly) patrolling its territory along the canal bank. We can expect to see an even larger dragonfly (Common Hawker or Brown Hawker) and possibly some colourful smaller dragonflies, such as the Ruddy Darter.

There should again also be an opportunity to view some moths before we set out on our walk. Several moths have been recorded for the first time in the area this month, including this Aristotelia ericinella that feeds on heather.