Camberley Natural History Society

SPOT THE BEE FLY update 10^th May 2022

We’re back again, sorry for the longer break due to our being away on a couple of holidays, a River Cruise from Amsterdam and some birdwatching in Spain, took too many photos but had no time to do anything with them! However, thanks to those of you who have sent in your contributions for this latest round-up.

First up is Mary Robins: Dear Mike and Jenny, Thank you for the update.  Here in Dorset we are having sunny but cold days, and everything is looking spring like.  I attach a picture of one of the many conservation grazers (Belted Galloways) you meet around Hardy Monument. Luckily they are very placid.  Some migrant birds are beginning to return but not yet in large numbers.  We are beginning to see red kites around the area so perhaps at last they are moving this way.  Yesterday I was busy watering the garden and was surprised to find a newt in the watering can, goodness knows how it got there, I rehomed it in a nearby garden pond.  The local hedgehogs are doing well and very active.

Then from Chris Rose………Hi folks, just got back from a visit to Bob in Torquay. We went to Berry Head again. It was very windy, - didn’t get blown off the end!! But although there were few birds...the wheatear didn’t stay long on the ramparts, the plants were staying put and photogenic. Also saw the tiny hairy early Forget-me-not, a hand and knees job. But no photo!

The Green Hairstreak was on the edge of Dartmoor at Ramshorn Down, a great place for butterflies.

Home today and the garden is a riot of yellow and blue. But the squirrels have been at my seeds, little horrors! Chris

More from past member Mike Clift now living in Dorset: HI Mike, recently went for a walk, I have been going to my nearest spot on the Stour.  I did not expect to see these three butterflies, and the Heron just sat there.  Thought you might be interested.  Did spot a green veined orchid on Saturday but stupidly Did not have my camera with me. Hope all well, Regards, Mike C

 Perseverance paid off, for Mike did eventually manage to photograph the Green Veined!

Hi Mike, I have been to Corfe Mullen again to photograph what I call Green Veined orchid, but its other name is Green Winged Orchid.  I prefer the former name as it has green veins to the flower. I thought you would like to receive this shot. I trust its warmer in Spain!!   Mike

Now an interesting story from Bernard and Joan: Hi Mike, here is an interesting nest site for the Bee Fly.       I have made lots of bird nesting boxes and follow the guide from the BTO, using a plank of wood which is approx. 6 X 1 inches, 150mm X 25mm. The boxes are around six inches tall. This is recommended for most of the small hole-nesting birds.   Naturally the birds do not always follow the guidelines. Our neighbour has some cardboard boxes alongside their front door, which were there to take packages from delivery companies. The boxes measure 410mm X 310mm X 260mm deep. Approx. 16 X 12 X 10 inches. The whole floor of the box is covered in a layer of moss and a cup of moss is built at one end. You can see that there are two entrances, hand holds, which measure 4 X 1/2 in, 100mm X 40mm.   Although the box would not give much protection from certain predators, it is in a safe position.   The adult birds are getting regular treats of live mealworms which we put out on the table by our front door, they get very noisy if we appear without some extras for them.   Joan did get a picture of the bird picking one up but they are a lot more nervous than the Robins. Best wishes Bernard and Joan.

And some more from regular Rob Agar………..The Mandarin was at Ash Vale in the Canal and the female poss banded damselfly was on the banks of the Blackwater River also in Ash Vale....Rob

Well, - that’s about it for this time, we will see what we may have managed to photograph from our holidays and perhaps include one or two next time.

Have you all responded to Bernard and Joan’s invitations, - we hope so!!

Until the next time,

Regards to all,

Mike and Jenny