Glorious conditions on the coast today meant more butterflies seemed to be on the move than birds - Red Admiral n Small Tortoiseshell mainly with a few Whites thrown in, all fluttering south over the beach in a steady trickle (nothing like the Painted Lady avalanche of last year though).
A fine wader roost off Albert Rd, Formby, held the usual species, and slightly fewer terns than normal, but September is wearing on after all.
Wheatear, Mipits, two Grey Wags and hirundines moving thro', but all this nice sunny stuff and light winds mean the cracking tide cycle we have at present is frankly being wasted seawatch-wise...what I wouldn't give for a decent westerly or two.
Single Migrant Hawker over the beach today was little consolation.
Finally, thanks to Mike Bird, who sent me this record shot of the Red Kite he had over Marshside Two, blurry maybe, but unmistakable nonetheless.
Otherwise all seems kinda quiet - unless anyone knows differently.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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I noticed the same southward movement of Red Admirals Small Tortoishells and Whites along the coast between Hightown and Crosby late this afternoon in dead calm warm sunny conditions, the strange silence broken only by the throbbing engines of three returning Irish ferries!
Younger generations are missing out on childhood experiences of nature more than their parents and grandparents, according to new research revealed this week by the RSPB.
This latest research, commissioned by the RSPB, from Ipsos MORI, asked the public which of 12 outdoor experiences they remembered having as a child. Four out of five boysâ climbed trees and the same number of girls made daisy chains.
It revealed that significantly more of those aged 15-34 years said they did not have these childhood experiences compared to those over 55 - 15 per cent more of whom had these experiences.
The research found that there is overwhelming support for getting every child outdoors, with 92 per cent of the public agreeing that experiences of nature are still important to children today.
More than four out of five people (82 per cent) also agreed that schools should play a role in providing them to all children.
The new research marks the launch of Every Child Outdoors, the RSPBâÂÂs new report into the important relationship between children and nature.
Dr Mike Clarke, Chief Executive of the RSPB, addressed MPs at a reception this week where he urged the government to play its part alongside the RSPB and other organisations in providing children with crucial first-hand experiences of the natural environment.
At the RSPBâÂÂs Leighton Moss nature reserve in Silverdale and the Ribble Discovery Centre near Lytham St AnneâÂÂs, this belief is reinforced by the positive feedback received from the teachers and children who take part in our education programmes designed to explore the wonders of the natural world.
A recent study by Ofsted found that schools relied heavily on financial contributions from parents and carers to meet the costs of school trips and visits.
Growing evidence shows the diverse and positive impacts of contact with nature on a childâÂÂs education, health, wellbeing and social skills â as well as the critical benefits to the environment. At the same time there has been a decline in these opportunities with negative consequences for children, families and society â a condition now known as âÂÂNature Deficit DisorderâÂÂ.
The RSPBâÂÂs Every Child Outdoors report is available from: www.rspb.org.uk/childrenneednature. For more information about the RSPBâÂÂs âÂÂliving classroomsâ educational programme see: www.rspb.org.uk/teaching