Hide ViewAn almost empty mini bus left Bradford but it was full by the time we left our last pick-up point in Bingley on the familiar route to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve. We were of course too late in the day to see the bearded tits, and the elusive bitterns remained so, but the day did yield 48 other species of birds as we enjoyed the different habitats of the hides around the vistor centre and the remote Eric Morecambe and Allen hides. 
AvocetHighlights were two male marsh harriers hunting over the reed beds - the females were hopefully on their nests, lots of avocets with young seen from the Allen hide and a tawny owl spotted by those who ventured to the Griesdale hide. There is so much to see at Leighton Moss that we could well have spent the whole day there, but Joan had a treat in store for us as the birders tore themselves reluctantly away to visit two local nature reserves. 
Lady's Slipper OrchidAlthough one irregular member of the group was convinced that we were on the wrong track, Joan pointed out that we were indeed in the exact spot for the highlight of the trip - the Lady's Slipper Orchid. A first sighting for most of the group and indeed a treat to be able to see this extremely rare plant in flower. 
Fly OrchidWe then made our way to the old quarry site of Trowbarrow local nature reserve to see another rare plant - the fly orchid, and then, despite extending the time of our departure as there was so much else to see, we had to make our way home before we had fully explored this site. We did have time to get good views of both male and female broad-bodied chasers which numbered amongst the 6 species of dragons and damels that we saw together with 5 species of butterfly which included a dingy skipper. So a happy group made their late way back to Bradford having enjoyed good weather and an excellent day's outing. Stuart.