May on the Sefton Coast: What Wildlife to Look For This Month

7 May 2026

Natterjack Toads

The natterjack is the Sefton Coast's signature species and May is when the calling is at its most intense. Males aggregate around the shallow dune slack pools at dusk and begin calling to attract females. The sound is extraordinary: a loud, rasping croak that carries up to a kilometre in still conditions. Once you've heard it, you won't forget it.

The calling begins reliably around dusk and continues through the early hours. Ainsdale Sands NNR and the dune slacks at Birkdale are the most productive sites. Access to some slack areas is restricted during the breeding season to protect nesting sites. Keep to marked paths and don't disturb the pools.

If you want to see rather than just hear them, torch-light surveys on calm, mild evenings in May are the best approach. Males call while floating in the water. Females are generally less visible. The best conditions are still nights above 10°C. Cold or windy nights produce much reduced activity.

Little Terns

Little terns arrive on the Sefton Coast in late April and early May from their wintering grounds in West Africa. They nest on the open beach at Ainsdale, making them one of the most vulnerable breeding birds in Britain — ground-nesting on a beach used by the public.

Natural England and the RSPB manage the nesting colony with fencing and warden presence throughout the breeding season. The colony is viewable from a respectful distance and wardens can usually direct you to the best viewing point. Do not enter the fenced nesting area.

Peak activity at the colony is in May and June. Watch for the characteristic hovering over the sea — little terns hover before plunging for small fish. Their rapid wingbeat and yellow bill with black tip distinguish them from common and arctic terns which also occur here.

Sand Lizards

May is ideal for sand lizard watching on the Sefton Coast. The breeding males are in their peak colour: vivid green flanks contrasting with the brown back pattern, which is one of the most striking colour displays of any British reptile.

South-facing dune slopes are the place to look. Sand lizards bask on warm sand in the morning, retreating to cover if disturbed. The best approach is to move slowly and stop frequently. A lizard that hasn't been alarmed will often bask for extended periods.

Ainsdale NNR has one of the best sand lizard populations in Britain. The wardens can advise on the most productive areas in season. This is a Schedule 5 species: do not handle or deliberately disturb them.

Dune Plants in May

The flowering sequence on the dunes is well underway by May. Sea campion (Silene uniflora) produces white flowers across the open dune face. Yellow bird's-foot trefoil starts in sheltered spots and spreads through May. The dune slacks begin to show early marsh orchid leaves — the purple marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) flowers from late May into June in the wetter slacks.

Creeping willow is a low-growing willow species characteristic of dune slacks on the Sefton Coast. Its catkins appear in April and May. The dune slack vegetation is nationally important and the Sefton Coast holds plant communities found almost nowhere else in England.

May is also when the early purple orchid (Orchis mascula) finishes in sheltered pinewood edges and the bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) begins to appear. The bee orchid peaks in June but the first flowers are usually visible on south-facing dune slopes in the last week of May.

Migrant Birds

Spring migration is largely complete by mid-May on the Sefton Coast but late migrants continue to move through into the month. Sedge warblers are singing from every reedbed and bramble patch by now. Reed warblers are also established at Marshside RSPB. Whitethroats are in song on gorse and bramble scrub across the dunes.

Rarities still occur in May, particularly after easterly winds which can deflect continental migrants onto the Lancashire coast. Hobbies are regular visitors, hunting dragonflies and large insects over the dune areas and marshes. Watch for the long-winged silhouette and brick-red undertail.

Marshside RSPB is worth a visit in May for breeding waders: lapwing, redshank, and avocet are all nesting on the reserve. The lagoons are managed to provide optimal nesting conditions and the viewing screen gives close views without disturbance.

Practical Notes for May

Early morning is significantly more productive than afternoon for most species. Dawn chorus peaks in early May and the birds are most active before the first visitors arrive on the dunes. For natterjack toads, evenings are essential.

The Sefton Coast in May can still be cold, particularly with a sea breeze. Layers are necessary even on sunny days. Waterproofs are sensible. The dune slacks can be wet underfoot.

Ainsdale NNR has a visitor centre open on selected days. Natural England wardens can provide site-specific advice on what's active and where. The Friends of Ainsdale Sands NNR run guided wildlife walks in spring that are worth booking if you want expert direction.