August's Computer calendar wallpaper is this spectacular Green Woodpecker with credit to Pauline and Ian Mellor-Greenhalgh.

From my understanding we could enjoy a local pair of these stunning birds in Lilford Woods. I believe we lost them during the building of the express bus route to Manchester. If anyone knows different please feel free to correct me.

I'll take the opportunity that I'll be asking for LOS Member's photographs for the 2027 LOS Calendar soon. I'd really like to be able to include a photograph of this bird taken locally so get out there with your cameras and watch out for the information regarding the submission of pictures.

 On Sunday 19th July 2026, Members from Leigh Ornithological Society took part in Pennington Flash National Day of Nature. Some of Young Birding Team were on hand entertaining our youngest visitors while Pennington Flash Volunteer Group demonstrated dead-hedging a task that has been undertaken to create a barrier and protect the Nature Park. Along with activities, a Nature Walk was organised with Joan and Jeff taking the lead while David imparted his knowledge as a "Guide in the Hide". All together a successful day. While not in the photographs also worthy of a mention are Martyn Jones, Paul Pennington, George Pike and myself, (Kevin Forde).

 

Pennington Flash Festival of Nature - Sunday 19 July 2026

Discover the amazing wildlife on your doorstep with family-friendly activities, nature-themed experiences, hands-on workshops and plenty of opportunities to explore one of the borough's most beautiful natural spaces. 

The 'Flashes Festival of Nature' will take place on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at Pennington Flash Nature Reserve in Leigh (WN7 3PA). This free family event runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and celebrates the wildlife and ecology of the area.

Highlights of the day include:

• Billy the Blackbird Summer Trail: Families can pick up a trail map and a bag of bird feed from the Visitor's Desk for £2 to search for hidden birds.
• Wildlife Photography Workshops: Professional-level and smartphone photography sessions run by A.J.Critch Wildlife, meeting at the Charlie Owen Hide.
• Family Activities: Eco-crafts, walkabout entertainment, artisan stalls, and expert-led guided walks.

Entry to the festival is free, though specific workshops and trail items may require a small fee. You can find more specific details and workshop bookings on the Visit Manchester Flashes Festival of Nature Event page.

Leigh Ornithological Society will be attending leading several activities including 'Guide in the Hide' bird identification in Bunting Hide, a wild flower identification walk, a dead hedging demonstration by the Pennington Flash Volunteer Group, and activities for children in their main stand.

Come along and meet up to find out what the L.O.S. does and how you can join our friendly society and take part in our regular Friday night meetings at Leigh Library as well as our weekend field trip days.