Dragonfly Survey at Paxton Pits

 Yesterday was our monthly Dragonfly and Butterfly survey at Paxton Pits. Scarce Chasers (1,2) and Norfolk Hawkers (3) were the most numerous of the Dragonfly species followed by Four-spotted Chasers (4) with occasional Emperors (5) and Black-tailed Skimmers (6). 'Blue' damselflies were too numerous to count so estimates of numbers were recorded - all three species present (just Common shown in various coupled positions)  plus Red-eyed (11). Lots of Banded Demoiselles.  Butterflies on the other hand were noticeably scarce - occasional Brimstone, Small Heath and a couple of other species. Finshing with a Cuckoo

Garden Project 9

All the plants in the garden have grown this year very fast in the last three weeks, especially in the wild flower meadow where the foxgloves ae much taller than me now. Poppies everywhere and the contented buzzing of bees - wonderful. The Red Mason bees have started on the second bee box - this was taken by flash in the evening and there a roosting bees in some tubes

Bee Orchids and White Helleborines

 A second set of orchids - this time the Bee Orchid and White Helleborine. The sunny conditions in the beechwood were difficult for picking out the blooms but I do enjoy habitat shots as in the first bee orchid (taken with 23mm X100V camera close to the ground looking up at the orchid)

Amongst the Fly Orchids

 This week is Orchid week in my area of Eastern England with many species  just about at their peak. Tuesday was the first time I had photographed Fly Orchids - a very delicate species. I wanted to give the feel of it in among the vegetation as well as show the flowers themselves. Not totally successful but a great experience!!

Madingley Hall in Infrared

Morning Coffee and a wander round the grounds of Madingley Hall in Cambridge - what better way to start the week on Monday. Images taken with an old Canon 1Dii converted for infrared - the batteries only hold charge for a short while now but it does produce great images.