Seasons: April

You're more likely to see the attractive, brightly coloured caterpillars than the mullein moth itself.

This large shieldbug lives up to its name, bristling with long pale hairs. It's a common sight in parks, hedgerows and woodland edges in much of the UK.

This glossy wading bird is a scarce visitor to the UK, though records have become more common in recent decades.

This black and grey solitary bee takes to the wing in spring, when it can be seen buzzing around burrows in open ground.

A rare breeder in the UK, this sooty-coloured bird is as at home on an industrial site as it is on a rocky cliff face.

This birch-loving moth can be seen flying on sunny days in early spring.

This small, white heron is an increasingly common sight in parts of the UK as it spreads north from continental Europe.

This large shrike visits the UK in small numbers each year, passing through on migration or spending the winter here.

A small, day-flying moth that can often be seen visiting garden herbs.

You've probably spotted this long-legged spider hiding in the corner of a house or building.