Sardinia Day 1 Platamona Lake

On a Naturetrek trip to Sardinia for dragonflies and our 2 hours at Platamona Lake produced a few new species for me. Images shown are Blue Chaser, Island Bluetail, Long Skimmer, Green-Eyed Hawker (Norfolk Hawker) and Violet Dropwing. Last image robber fly eating Red Damselfly

Twayblade Pollination and other Insects from Sunny Afternoon

Last year, I photographed a Sailor Beetle pollinating a Twayblade, so today visited a local clunch quarry to see what was out and what insects were about. Hundreds of Twayblades this year but fewer Man Orchids. First images show Sawfly visiting Twayblade flower and coming out with pollen sacs (pollinia) stuck to its head. It then travels to the next flowers and will pollinate these. The diamond-backed moth manages to get nectar from the flower without disturbing the pollen sacs. An amazing little picture-winged fly was visiting the Man Orchid but did not enter the flowers. Other images of insects that took my eye during the day include my favourite Speckled Bush Cricket young, two types of Bumblebee Hoverflies and two colourful Saw flies.

Family Portraits from a Wedding

Matt's sister got married yesterday so an excuse to take some family portraits as it seemed very strange to attend a wedding and not be the official photographer. Here a few where Sadie and Meredith were happy to pose or interacting with their other grandparents and their Aunt Lu and new Uncle Matt.

Typical Bank Holiday Weather for 12 hours on a Thames Barge!

I guess we were lucky to get a dry day for our trip on Thames Barge Hydrogen from Maldon, Essex, given the forecast a few days before but it was dull, cold and very windy. The crew from Topsail charters were excellent with good food and show of seamanship. The spinning Capstain was while we were anchored at lunch - very spooky. Other images include how best to survive the weather, winding up the anchor and the one minute break in the cloud during the day!! Map of the area - we sailed from Maldon to Brightlingsea and back.

 

Great Dunmow,Essex

We are staying at Great Dunmow for the night ready for an early sailing on a Thames Barge from Maldon in the morning. Typical Essex small town with lots of colourful buildings.