Monday 18th July

A warm day 15 - 24C sunny all day with a very light variable wind

Heron's Reach - 80 Swallows

Marton Mere LNR - 2 Kestrels, 2 common terns, 2 great crested grebes + juv, 11 tufted ducks, 6 stock doves

Starr Gate - 520 Common scoters, Manx shearwater, 8 gannets, great crested grebe (S), 20 sanderlings (S), 60 dunlins (S), whimbrel (S), 2 Arctic skuas, 31 Sandwich terns, 20 common terns, 10 razorbills.

Layton - 6 Swifts

New South Promenade - Grey seal

Solaris Centre - 7 Common darter dragonfly nymphs, a large diving beetle sp,

Common darter nymph

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Bird Ringing Demonstration Wednesday 20th July 7am - 9am Marton Mere is part of a national breeding bird study. Join expert ringer Andy to find out more about the scheme and see some of our birds close up. Places are limited so booking is essential Tel 01253 478167 email martonmere@blackpool.gov.uk Free but donation to the Friends of Marton Mere appreciated

EVENT - North Blackpool Pond Trail Kincraig Lake (FY2 0HN). Big Butterfly Count. Sunday 31st July 1pm - 2.30pm. Nets at the ready and we're off...Take part in this national survey to learn about and count our local butterflies. Free


The dates for this month's National Whale and Dolphin Watch events in Blackpool are listed below

Saturday 23rd July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

10am - 2pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Sunday 24th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

12 - 4pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Monday 25th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

11.30am - 12.30pm

Stepped Promenade just north of North Pier

Tuesday 26^th – Friday 29^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

12 – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Saturday 30^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

9am – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Sunday 31^st July - Leader Dave McGrath

10am – 2pm

Gynn Square Blackpool North Shore

Contact: David McGrath 01253 478023 (8am – 3.30pm) weekdays; mobile 07539779532; emaildavid.mcgrath@blackpool.gov.uk

Please bring binoculars if you have them, some may be available for use on the day, telescopes will also be available. Dress for the weather, sunscreen and hat or winter woollies.

There is ample on-street free parking close to both locations and a small free carpark at the Solaris Centre (FY4 1RW) opposite the Mirror Ball. Pay & Display parking is also available on the Promenade at the Mirror Ball and at Gynn Square (FY1 2JR)

Please email your sightings and wildlife photos to solaris.centre @ blackpool.gov.uk - without the spaces

The North Blackpool Pond Trail have a Facebook group page

There is a Facebook group for all things Marton Mere LNR including news of events and volunteer projects

https://www.facebook.com/martonmerereserve

There is also a page specifically for wildlife news at Marton Mere https://www.facebook.com/groups/343548299164728/ please Like, Share and post your sightings and wildlife photos from the nature reserve

Follow Marton Mere LNR on twitter @MartonMereLNR

Weekend 15th - 17th July

Average temperatures for mid July 14 - 19C much sunshine with a moderate southerly breeze turning westerly and decreasing

Sunday 17th July

Marton Mere LNR - 4 Common terns, grasshopper warbler, sparrowhawk, 3 kestrels, 145 coots

Heron's Reach - Shrew sp, great crested newt

Devonshire Road Rock Gardens - 6 White letter hairstreak butterflies

Starr Gate - Little tern, 200 common scoters, 16 Manx shearwaters, 32 gannets, Arctic tern

Saturday 16th July

Devonshire Road Rock Gardens - 2 White letter hairstreaks, 20 meadow browns, 2 commas, 3 gatekeepers, several small skippers, large skipper, small tortoiseshell, several small white butterflies, brown hawker dragonfly

Starr Gate - 340 Common scoters, 55 Manx shearwaters, 22 gannets, 5 great crested grebes (S), red breasted merganser (N)

Stanley Park - Nuthatch, 2 juv grey wagtails

Marton Mere LNR - 2 Common terns, little egret

Friday 15th July

New South Promenade - Grey seal

North Shore - dead Harbour porpoise

Starr Gate - 9 Shelducks (S), 410 common scoters, 15 gannets, 16 common terns (S), 15 Sandwich terns (S)

Common tern

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Bird Ringing Demonstration Wednesday 20th July 7am - 9am Marton Mere is part of a national breeding bird study. Join expert ringer Andy to find out more about the scheme and see some of our birds close up. Places are limited so booking is essential Tel 01253 478167 email martonmere@blackpool.gov.uk Free but donation to the Friends of Marton Mere appreciated

EVENT - North Blackpool Pond Trail Kincraig Lake (FY2 0HN). Big Butterfly Count. Sunday 31st July 1pm - 2.30pm. Nets at the ready and we're off...Take part in this national survey to learn about and count our local butterflies. Free


The dates for this month's National Whale and Dolphin Watch events in Blackpool are listed below

Saturday 23rd July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

10am - 2pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Sunday 24th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

12 - 4pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Monday 25th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

11.30am - 12.30pm

Stepped Promenade just north of North Pier

Tuesday 26^th – Friday 29^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

12 – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Saturday 30^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

9am – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Sunday 31^st July - Leader Dave McGrath

10am – 2pm

Gynn Square Blackpool North Shore

Contact: David McGrath 01253 478023 (8am – 3.30pm) weekdays; mobile 07539779532; emaildavid.mcgrath@blackpool.gov.uk

Please bring binoculars if you have them, some may be available for use on the day, telescopes will also be available. Dress for the weather, sunscreen and hat or winter woollies.

There is ample on-street free parking close to both locations and a small free carpark at the Solaris Centre (FY4 1RW) opposite the Mirror Ball. Pay & Display parking is also available on the Promenade at the Mirror Ball and at Gynn Square (FY1 2JR)

Please email your sightings and wildlife photos to solaris.centre @ blackpool.gov.uk - without the spaces

The North Blackpool Pond Trail have a Facebook group page

There is a Facebook group for all things Marton Mere LNR including news of events and volunteer projects

https://www.facebook.com/martonmerereserve

There is also a page specifically for wildlife news at Marton Mere https://www.facebook.com/groups/343548299164728/ please Like, Share and post your sightings and wildlife photos from the nature reserve

Follow Marton Mere LNR on twitter @MartonMereLNR

Thursday 14th July

Still a little cool 13 - 17C some long sunny spells with a chilly moderate westerly breeze

Solaris Centre - Pied wagtail, 3 Small whites, 2 small tortoiseshell butterflies

New South Promenade - Grey seal

Marton Mere LNR - Grasshopper warbler, grey wagtail, shoveler, 7 lapwings, 7 stock doves, 3 kestrels, 2 comma butterflies

Starr Gate - 273 Common scoters, 139 Manx shearwaters, 16 gannets, 3 bar tailed godwits (S), 10 sanderlings

Small white butterfly on creeping thistle

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Tots Go Wild (Beautiful butterflies) Friday 15th July 10.30am - 12.00 Parent and toddler session wildlife wander, natural arts & crafts, stories and bug hunts. Wear outdoor clothes. £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Kids Go Wild (Big Butterfly Count) Saturday 16th July 10.30am - 12.00. Discover the butterflies of Marton Mere and feed our results into the national survey, butterfly crafts at the visitor centre afterwards. Suitable 5-10 yrs £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Junior Rangers Go Wild (Big Butterfly Count) Saturday 16th July 1pm - 2.30pm. Suitable 11 - 16 yrs £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Bird Ringing Demonstration Wednesday 20th July 7am - 9am Marton Mere is part of a national breeding bird study. Join expert ringer Andy to find out more about the scheme and see some of our birds close up. Places are limited so booking is essential Tel 01253 478167 email martonmere@blackpool.gov.uk Free but donation to the Friends of Marton Mere appreciated

EVENT - North Blackpool Pond Trail Kincraig Lake (FY2 0HN). Big Butterfly Count. Sunday 31st July 1pm - 2.30pm. Nets at the ready and we're off...Take part in this national survey to learn about and count our local butterflies. Free


The dates for this month's National Whale and Dolphin Watch events in Blackpool are listed below

Saturday 23rd July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

10am - 2pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Sunday 24th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

12 - 4pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Monday 25th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

11.30am - 12.30pm

Stepped Promenade just north of North Pier

Tuesday 26^th – Friday 29^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

12 – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Saturday 30^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

9am – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Sunday 31^st July - Leader Dave McGrath

10am – 2pm

Gynn Square Blackpool North Shore

Contact: David McGrath 01253 478023 (8am – 3.30pm) weekdays; mobile 07539779532; emaildavid.mcgrath@blackpool.gov.uk

Please bring binoculars if you have them, some may be available for use on the day, telescopes will also be available. Dress for the weather, sunscreen and hat or winter woollies.

There is ample on-street free parking close to both locations and a small free carpark at the Solaris Centre (FY4 1RW) opposite the Mirror Ball. Pay & Display parking is also available on the Promenade at the Mirror Ball and at Gynn Square (FY1 2JR)

Please email your sightings and wildlife photos to solaris.centre @ blackpool.gov.uk - without the spaces

The North Blackpool Pond Trail have a Facebook group page

There is a Facebook group for all things Marton Mere LNR including news of events and volunteer projects

https://www.facebook.com/martonmerereserve

There is also a page specifically for wildlife news at Marton Mere https://www.facebook.com/groups/343548299164728/ please Like, Share and post your sightings and wildlife photos from the nature reserve

Follow Marton Mere LNR on twitter @MartonMereLNR

Tuesday 12th & Wednesday 13th July

Still cool for mid July 12 - 17C very mixed weather, heavy rain at times, showers and some bright sunshine with a brisk westerly wind

Wednesday 13th July

Solaris Centre - Pied wagtail, 3 small white butterflies

New South Promenade - Blenny + many juvs, several common prawns, several green shore crabs

Starr Gate - Harbour porpoise, 518 Manx shearwaters, 308 common scoters, fulmar (N), 20 gannets, 2 whimbrels (S), Arctic skua, 3 Arctic terns, 4 Sandwich terns, 24 common terns

Stanley Park - Common tern (very rarely seen here)

Marton Mere LNR - Common tern, 17 black tailed godwits (SE), 2 sparrowhawks, 6 stock doves

Marton Drive - 10 House martins

Tuesday 12th July

Starr Gate - Little tern (N), 5 common terns (N)

Solaris Centre - 3 Common hawker dragonfly nymphs

Marton Mere LNR - Kestrel + 4 juvs, 2 buzzards, 60 Lapwings, curlew (W), 6 shovelers, 12 tufted ducks, 4 stock doves, 5 sand martins, 3 small skippers, 2 gatekeepers, comma butterflies

Blenny

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Tots Go Wild (Beautiful butterflies) Friday 15th July 10.30am - 12.00 Parent and toddler session wildlife wander, natural arts & crafts, stories and bug hunts. Wear outdoor clothes. £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Kids Go Wild (Big Butterfly Count) Saturday 16th July 10.30am - 12.00. Discover the butterflies of Marton Mere and feed our results into the national survey, butterfly crafts at the visitor centre afterwards. Suitable 5-10 yrs £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Junior Rangers Go Wild (Big Butterfly Count) Saturday 16th July 1pm - 2.30pm. Suitable 11 - 16 yrs £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Bird Ringing Demonstration Wednesday 20th July 7am - 9am Marton Mere is part of a national breeding bird study. Join expert ringer Andy to find out more about the scheme and see some of our birds close up. Places are limited so booking is essential Tel 01253 478167 email martonmere@blackpool.gov.uk Free but donation to the Friends of Marton Mere appreciated

EVENT - North Blackpool Pond Trail Kincraig Lake (FY2 0HN). Big Butterfly Count. Sunday 31st July 1pm - 2.30pm. Nets at the ready and we're off...Take part in this national survey to learn about and count our local butterflies. Free


The dates for this month's National Whale and Dolphin Watch events in Blackpool are listed below

Saturday 23rd July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

10am - 2pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Sunday 24th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

12 - 4pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Monday 25th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

11.30am - 12.30pm

Stepped Promenade just north of North Pier

Tuesday 26^th – Friday 29^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

12 – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Saturday 30^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

9am – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Sunday 31^st July - Leader Dave McGrath

10am – 2pm

Gynn Square Blackpool North Shore

Contact: David McGrath 01253 478023 (8am – 3.30pm) weekdays; mobile 07539779532; emaildavid.mcgrath@blackpool.gov.uk

Please bring binoculars if you have them, some may be available for use on the day, telescopes will also be available. Dress for the weather, sunscreen and hat or winter woollies.

There is ample on-street free parking close to both locations and a small free carpark at the Solaris Centre (FY4 1RW) opposite the Mirror Ball. Pay & Display parking is also available on the Promenade at the Mirror Ball and at Gynn Square (FY1 2JR)

Please email your sightings and wildlife photos to solaris.centre @ blackpool.gov.uk - without the spaces

The North Blackpool Pond Trail have a Facebook group page

There is a Facebook group for all things Marton Mere LNR including news of events and volunteer projects

https://www.facebook.com/martonmerereserve

There is also a page specifically for wildlife news at Marton Mere https://www.facebook.com/groups/343548299164728/ please Like, Share and post your sightings and wildlife photos from the nature reserve

Follow Marton Mere LNR on twitter @MartonMereLNR 

Monday 11th July

A cool day for mid July 14 - 16C heavy rain drying up late morning with a brisk westerly wind

Lancaster Road - Great spotted woodpecker (over)

Marton - Pipistrelle bat

Marton Mere LNR - 2 Common terns, peregrine (E), barn owl, buzzard, 5 song thrushes, Cetti's warbler

Cetti's warbler

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Tots Go Wild (Beautiful butterflies) Friday 15th July 10.30am - 12.00 Parent and toddler session wildlife wander, natural arts & crafts, stories and bug hunts. Wear outdoor clothes. £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Kids Go Wild (Big Butterfly Count) Saturday 16th July 10.30am - 12.00. Discover the butterflies of Marton Mere and feed our results into the national survey, butterfly crafts at the visitor centre afterwards. Suitable 5-10 yrs £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Visitor Centre (FY4 4XN) Junior Rangers Go Wild (Big Butterfly Count) Saturday 16th July 1pm - 2.30pm. Suitable 11 - 16 yrs £3 per child

EVENT - Marton Mere LNR Bird Ringing Demonstration Wednesday 20th July 7am - 9am Marton Mere is part of a national breeding bird study. Join expert ringer Andy to find out more about the scheme and see some of our birds close up. Places are limited so booking is essential Tel 01253 478167 email martonmere@blackpool.gov.uk Free but donation to the Friends of Marton Mere appreciated

EVENT - North Blackpool Pond Trail Kincraig Lake (FY2 0HN). Big Butterfly Count. Sunday 31st July 1pm - 2.30pm. Nets at the ready and we're off...Take part in this national survey to learn about and count our local butterflies. Free


The dates for this month's National Whale and Dolphin Watch events in Blackpool are listed below

Saturday 23rd July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

10am - 2pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Sunday 24th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

12 - 4pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Monday 25th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

11.30am - 12.30pm

Stepped Promenade just north of North Pier

Tuesday 26^th – Friday 29^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

12 – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Saturday 30^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

9am – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Sunday 31^st July - Leader Dave McGrath

10am – 2pm

Gynn Square Blackpool North Shore

Contact: David McGrath 01253 478023 (8am – 3.30pm) weekdays; mobile 07539779532; emaildavid.mcgrath@blackpool.gov.uk

Please bring binoculars if you have them, some may be available for use on the day, telescopes will also be available. Dress for the weather, sunscreen and hat or winter woollies.

There is ample on-street free parking close to both locations and a small free carpark at the Solaris Centre (FY4 1RW) opposite the Mirror Ball. Pay & Display parking is also available on the Promenade at the Mirror Ball and at Gynn Square (FY1 2JR)

Please email your sightings and wildlife photos to solaris.centre @ blackpool.gov.uk - without the spaces

The North Blackpool Pond Trail have a Facebook group page

There is a Facebook group for all things Marton Mere LNR including news of events and volunteer projects

https://www.facebook.com/martonmerereserve

There is also a page specifically for wildlife news at Marton Mere https://www.facebook.com/groups/343548299164728/ please Like, Share and post your sightings and wildlife photos from the nature reserve

Follow Marton Mere LNR on twitter @MartonMereLNR

Weekend 8th - 10th July

A bit warmer 14 - 20C mostly sunny spells with heavy rain on Saturday morning. A cool brisk south westerly wind made it feel cooler than it was.

Sunday 10th July

Marton Mere LNR - Arctic tern, great spotted woodpecker, curlew (S), sparrowhawk, 2 great crested grebes + 1 juv, 2 kestrels + 4 juvs, 5 stock doves, 25 swifts

Norbreck - 3 Gannets

Stanley Park - Great crested grebe

(Just outside our area - a dead Long finned pilot whale on St Anne's beach)

Saturday 9th July

Marton Mere LNR - Fox, greenshank (N), Cetti's warbler, curlew (S)

Friday 8th July

Starr Gate - Little tern, fulmar (S), 4 kittiwakes, 2 Manx shearwaters, 24 gannets (N), curlew (S)

Town Centre - Grey wagtail

Marton Mere LNR - Buzzard, 2 kestrels, 5 oystercatchers (3 + 2 over), great crested grebe + juv


Event - North Blackpool Pond Trail Kincraig Lake (FY2 0HN). Big Butterfly Count. Sunday 31st July 1pm - 2.30pm. Nets at the ready and we're off...Take part in this national survey to learn about and count our local butterflies.

The dates for next month's National Whale and Dolphin Watch events in Blackpool are listed below

Saturday 23rd July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

10am - 2pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Sunday 24th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

12 - 4pm

Mirror Ball South Shore

Monday 25th July - Leader Stephen Dunstan

11.30am - 12.30pm

Stepped Promenade just north of North Pier

Tuesday 26^th – Friday 29^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

12 – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Saturday 30^th July - Leader Dave McGrath

9am – 1pm

Mirror Ball Blackpool South Shore

Sunday 31^st July - Leader Dave McGrath

10am – 2pm

Gynn Square Blackpool North Shore

Contact: David McGrath 01253 478023 (8am – 3.30pm) weekdays; mobile 07539779532; emaildavid.mcgrath@blackpool.gov.uk

Please bring binoculars if you have them, some may be available for use on the day, telescopes will also be available. Dress for the weather, sunscreen and hat or winter woollies.

There is ample on-street free parking close to both locations and a small free carpark at the Solaris Centre (FY4 1RW) opposite the Mirror Ball. Pay & Display parking is also available on the Promenade at the Mirror Ball and at Gynn Square (FY1 2JR)

Please email your sightings and wildlife photos to solaris.centre @ blackpool.gov.uk - without the spaces

The North Blackpool Pond Trail have a Facebook group page

There is a Facebook group for all things Marton Mere LNR including news of events and volunteer projects

https://www.facebook.com/martonmerereserve

There is also a page specifically for wildlife news at Marton Mere https://www.facebook.com/groups/343548299164728/ please Like, Share and post your sightings and wildlife photos from the nature reserve

Follow Marton Mere LNR on twitter @MartonMereLNR