This isn't necessarily such bad news for birds, as long as temperatures remain mild, and early signs indicate that many species have had a very successful breeding season.

Locally, we're used to some grotty weather in mid-summer and the region's birdwatchers expect a few wet and blustery days in July when we have our best chance of seeing sea-going storm petrels in the Bay.

Most years a few of these dainty pelagic birds get blown inshore and diligent birders may spot them from Heysham harbour, the Stone Jetty or Jenny Brown's Point as they leave the inner bay on a dropping tide.

Although the recent winds have been coming from the right direction they just haven't been strong enough and so far just one keen observer has spotted a single petrel at Heysham.

Am I the only one hoping for some early August gales?

When the wet weather gets too much, it may be worth taking a look at some of the many recently published books aimed at the birdwatcher and general naturalist.

One such book is the excellent 'Shorebirds of the Northern Hemisphere' by Richard Chandler (Helm £29.99). This photographic guide showcases more than 130 wader species to be found in our region and beyond and 850 colour photographs illustrate the many species and numerous variations in plumage.

While there is no substitute for in-the-field experience, guides such as this are essential for getting to grips with the finer points of identification, especially where unfamiliar species are concerned. The standard of images is superb throughout and although a few birds may not depicted in every plumage/ age variation, most are covered thoroughly.

The text is concise and authoritative and the distribution maps are clear and although I've been fortunate to have seen the majority of the birds covered in this fine fieldguide, there is a great deal to inspire the wader-loving birder.

With the imminent arrival of thousands of waders returning to our shores, after their breeding forays in the north, now is a great time to study these captivating creatures.

When mid-summer birdwatching becomes a little dull many of us turn our attentions to insects such as dragonflies and butterflies.
And as with birds, there are common and scarce species and countless identification headaches.

For relative beginners as myself, a good field guide is essential and the recently published British Moths & Butterflies by Chris Manley (A&C Black £24.99) ticks all the right boxes as an introduction to this fascinating group of insects.

The text gives handy information on identification, size and larval food plant for each species, with added sections detailing habitats, life cycles and conservation.

With almost 1,500 species covered and more than 2,000 photographs this book is a superb guide to the the UK's moths and butterflies.

Don't forget to keep up to date with the local bird news at the Lancaster and District Bird Watching Society's website at www.lancasterbirdwatching.org.uk