SPOT THE BEE FLY ETC. ETC. UPDATE 9TH JUNE 2023
Hello again, we hope you are all enjoying the summer weather, - probably too hot for some, - we need the rain! Jenny is out every morning with the watering can, filled with our (my) washing up water.
As per my final comment in the last update, the insects are about but seem to be fewer than last year, however, Roger Hoyle has found some in his garden with superb close-up photos to prove it. Thanks Roger, - (I believe the Beetle is a Garden Chafer…..?)
“Dear Mike, here are a few for the Bee Fly. It has been nice to get out in the garden and photograph a few insects in the recent sunny weather. The beetle was rather attractive. I tried to identify it on Google but couldn’t decide between Garden Chafer Beetle or Rose Chafer. Perhaps someone will be able to help. The Hoverfly was interesting - it kept grooming its wings with its hind legs. The Red Damselflies have returned around the pond, but not in large numbers yet. I almost missed the Speckled Bush Crickets. They were very small, bodies about 3 mm long and well camouflaged. I think they must have been recently hatched nymphs. Best wishes, Roger.”
Next up is Alan Meeks, always carrying his camera! Thanks Alan:
“Picture of a Deer was taken at Swan Lake, Yateley a few days ago. Didn't see many swans or cygnets there but some at Pagham yesterday.”
Mike Clift is next from his home in Dorset, - thank you Mike:
“I was at the bog on Sunday and a water lily flower was out and there was a damselfly just by it, - a Large Red Damselfly. Regards, Mike”
Lucky Graeme Parker has a new lens and has been trying it out! Thanks for sharing Graeme:
“Hi Mike. Took these images while walking in Lightwater Country Park. I spotted the Squirrel looking at me then suddenly it decided to start eating the nut. Regards, Graeme”
Coot Goslings
Black Headed Gull
To round of this update, a few photos from me. Both Roger and Mike have seen the Damselflies, we have many, mostly Blue’s on our ponds, there seems to be a mating frenzy. I believe these are Azure’s:
We have a large climbing Hydrangea in our garden and it is currently buzzing with bees, a couple of not so good photos, taken mostly in the shade but to show the large pollen sacs on their legs:
And then, - whilst re-building our small patio area we came across this Newt beneath the step, followed by a nice Stag Beetle specimen. It seemed as though it had at some time been tangled in a spider web which I did my best to untangle!
