Definitely lower numbers of Butterflies for our June Survey at Paxton but Dragonflies made up for it with large numbers of Common blue damselflies plus a few Azure and Variable and, mostly strikingly, very large numbers of Emerald damsels and in areas not previously recorded. Here a few images from the day, including male and female Emeralds and Banded Demoiselles, a species of Potter Wasp, a Red-tipped Clearwing and Wilke's mining Bee
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Marbled Whites, Southern Hawkers etc in Toft
At last a variety of Butterflies are on the wing in Toft - not large numbers but several Marbled Whites (all males present in the day and coming in to roost) Meadow Browns and Small Heaths and single Large Skipper and Gatekeeper. So far two Southern Hawkers have emerged from our pond (earlier we had Four-spot and Broad -bodied Chasers). Delighted to find a Bryony Bee on the White Bryony - a species p that was restricted to the Southern counties. On a morning walk around the wood and fields with a not very long lens, it was good to see a Hare and Buzzard with a mouse.
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Sculptor's Garden
Last night our Creative Vision Photography Group visited Toft's sculptor, John McGill and his wonderful garden. Here are a few of my images - these are mainly casts of classical sculptures done many years ago. John is taking part in Cambridge Open Studios the last two weekends in July when he will be exhibiting his very individual bronze creations etc