Life on the Ivy

Not perfect in focus etc but I was very pleased to capture this Ant collecting excreted sugar droplets from Blackfly feeding on Ivy Flowers. It is definitely one of the best years that I remember for Ivy flowers with Ivy bees, Wasps, Bumble bees, Flies, Late Butterflies like this Painted Lady and Holly Blues and Shieldbugs  are enjoying.

Butterflies at Trumpington Meadows

What a delight to see Green Hairstreaks at Trumpington Meadows along with Holly Blues - both small jewel-like species that are difficult to see until they move!! We also had Speckled Wood, Peacock, Green-veined White, Small White and Orange Tips on our survey route.

Garden Species 18-20th April

Some garden species photographed over past 2 days - good to see a small Cuckoo wasp and the first Holly Blue. Otherwise a mix of species. First Red Damselfly in the garden today but wasn't carrying camera at the time (dates for previous years range from May 25th in 2010 to April 13th in 2020).