Forge Valley.....Monday 25th May 2015.

A planned day out today with Trace saw us heading over the bridge and North Yorkshire bound and after a very welcome refuel at Maccies we arrived at our destination for part of our day out.
 I have visited this lovely area many times in the past and it has to be one of my favourite areas in Yorkshire and i first visited as a young boy to see the bird feeding station and close encounters with Marsh Tit and Nuthatch taking food from the palm of my hand has stuck in my memory to this day.
 After getting our boots on the pungent smell of Ramsons filled the air,just lovely.Bird wise it was fairly quiet,apart from the locals,but a couple of singing male Spotted Flycatcher were the definite highlight and one showed really nicely,my first records of the year.Also seen were a couple of lovely Marsh Tit and a 'Chucking' Garden Warbler,scolding us as we neared its nest.
 But today belonged to the world of Insects and Wildflowers with several highlights being recorded.
 Insect wise,the best went to two new species of Hoverfly for myself and both Cheilosia species,the first Variabilis and the second Albitarsus.Both are relatively common,but the more i look at this cracking family of diptera and with occasional expert help,the more you learn and record new species.Other Syrph's included the bizarre,beaked Rhingia campestris with its huge tongue,perfectly designed for nectar feeding in its favoured flowers such as Blue Bells and Red Campion.
 Other insects recorded included a couple of male Orange Tip,Green-veined White and a couple of Red-headed Cardinal Beetles.
 Many species of flora were apparent here in this ancient woodland,with the afore mentioned Ramsons carpeting the ground and others included Early-purple Orchid,Wood Anemone,Wood Sorrel,Dog's Mercury,Butterbur and the very distinctive Pendulous Sedge.
 After visiting this stunning riverine woodland beside the Derwent,we had a quick look at Hilla Green again beside the Derwent were the highlights included 2 more Spotted Flycatcher,4 Mandarins on the small Ox-bow and three Common Buzzards overhead.
 Another superb visit to this stunning area.

Part of this lovely area.

Ramsons.

Cheilosia albitarsus.

Cheilosia variabilis.

Rhingia campestris.

Red-headed Cardinal Beetle.

Spotted Flycatcher.