Macro Shots from Lackford

As well as enjoying the Egret and Hawkmoth action at Lackford, John and I enjoyed a macro session in our usual Wasp Spider corner and were lucky to find one with an egg cocoon along with other spiders and quite a few plant bugs!! (ID sheet at end)

Trumpington Meadows

A few of the butterflies and other invertebrates photographed during the last week at Trumpington Meadows to compare with future years. Very few butterflies on our last transect - will be interesting to see if the numbers will increase after the recent rain. Clouded Yellows and Painted Ladies still on the wing but difficult to get a good photograph!

Lackford Lakes Action Shots

A very enjoyable day at Lackford Lakes yesterday in near perfect weather - sunny but not too hot and light winds so plenty of insect activity  as well as a very obliging Great White Egret that hunted in front of one of the hides. Only disappointment was not seeing the Camberwell Beauty that was around in the afternoon. Two plus Hummingbird Hawkmoths on the Buddleia kept us entertained for a couple of sessions along with Hornets, which are too fast for me to capture in flight unless coming into land or weighted down by a bee prey. Migrant Hawkers and Darters ruled in the Dragonfly sector. Macro session of other insects to follow!

The Other Cambridge

 A few photos taken on Sunday of areas of Cambridge that don't attract tourists but offered a challenge on Sunday with the low light, bland skies and, for Hobson's Passage, perspective. The passage dates from much earlier but was redeveloped when the Central Cinema, Cambridge, opened in Hobson Street in 1921 with an Egyptian art deco style bright white facade. It later became a bingo hall, but closed in 2009. Council proposals to demolish the building to make way for shops, offices and a community space have been refused as the building is "iconic and rare" Unfortunately, the Council is correct in its comment that   "And a massive clean-up of Hobsons Passage which is currently Cambridge's largest open-air toilet and litter bin is required." but so far no progress on this one. Burleigh Street is another area that is destined for redevelopment and would be part of the Grafton Centre plan if it ever goes ahead. So sad to see the present state of this  previously thriving part of Cambridge. 

Hemiptera Rule OK

A very interesting afternoon in Grantchester with the Cambridge Natural History Society carrying out a biennial survey of the Flora. Of course, I couldn't resist also recording any invertebrates I found. Here are the results and plant bugs definitely predominate. The Firebug below is one of the species enjoying our warmer climate now common in many local areas. The second image is particularly fulfilling as when I looked up the bug (Raglius alboacuminatus) its food plant is Black Horehound - one of the plants we were pleased to record.