May is a wonderful time to explore the Lincolnshire Coast, as spring reaches its peak and nature is at its most active. Longer days and warming temperatures bring renewed energy to coastal habitats, making it an ideal month for wildlife watching.
Working in partnership with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, we’ve curated a seasonal guide highlighting the wildlife you may be able to see along the Lincolnshire Coast throughout May, offering insight into what’s emerging, arriving and thriving at this time of year. Whether you’re planning a coastal walk or a peaceful moment in nature, there’s always something special to discover.
Cuckoo
Arriving from Africa these birds are easily heard from their eponymous call. They will be pairing up to mate and then the female will lay her eggs in the nests of other birds such as Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting to let these poor birds raise the offspring. The adults will disappear after this and we will see their progeny later in the summer.
Reed Warbler
Another summer visitor from Africa, this bird will be found only with reeds and the reedbeds will soon be resounding with their strange, distinctive song. They can be difficult to spot though.
Green Hairstreak Butterfly
This delightful little butterfly can be difficult to spot against the green foliage of shrubs. It requires a very still, sunny day to fly about when it then can be found it quite large numbers locally. Easily identified as it is the only butterfly with green colouring.
Yellow Flag Iris
This large iris provides a dash of colour in the otherwise uniform habitat of a reedbed. Flowering in late spring and early summer, Yellow Flag Iris thrives along pond edges, ditches and wetlands, where its tall stems and vivid yellow blooms stand out beautifully. As well as being striking to look at, it plays an important role in wetland ecosystems, offering shelter and helping to stabilise soft, waterlogged ground.
If you’re out exploring the Lincolnshire Coast this May and are lucky enough to spot any of this wonderful wildlife, don’t forget to capture the moment and share it with us on social media. Be sure to tag us in your photos and use #lincscoast on Facebook and Instagram.
We’d also like to extend our thanks to Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust for supplying the expert information that helped shape this guide. The Trust works tirelessly to safeguard wildlife and wild places across Lincolnshire, while promoting understanding and enjoyment of the natural world from The Humber to The Wash. To support their vital work, you can find out more about becoming a member on their website.