Summer Leys - Life in the Fleabane Meadow

 Although less insect and spiders around compared to previous years, there were plenty of species to be found on or near the Fleabane plants. The Picture winged Fly Merzomyia westermanni is my favourite find - it causes galls on Ragwort plants and is listed as 'local' with no recorded sightings in Northamptonshire area in the NBN atlas.

Summer Leys Macro Day

While photographing these rain drops at Summer Leys Nature Reserve early yesterday morning my eyes fell upon a Wasp Spider in its web - apparently a first for their reserve so the jungle drums beat (or more likely the internet buzzed) and, by lunchtime, lots of photographers arrived to see the spider. There were plenty of macro subjects in good light with sheltered still areas for them to display - ideal for a day out for the RPS Nature Group.

Stanwick Lakes - Where Were All the Birds?

 The very high water levels in the Lakes and the river Nene resulted in a lot fewer birds than previous visits. Coupled with overcast skies and strong winds meant we had a pretty sparse day as regards subjects to photograph though the feeders produced good opportunities including Muntjac deer.

. However, the group enjoyed a long walk round the reserve and a warming drink/lunch in the visitor centre

Water Birds at Summer Leys

Some of the birds that we photographed at Summer Leys yesterday afternoon when the weather improved to give occasional sunny intervals but still with rain showers.