Cyanotypes

 As Saturday was a sunny day, I decided to have a play with more cyanotypes (see previous attempt last July here) The first of the three images shows the coated paper with specimens and various added substances - salt, paprika etc; the second after exposure before rinsing and the third when rinsed and dried. I think I probably exposed some for a bit too long to get the subtle tones - the 4th image shows the exposed brown state - interesting that the veins show on the leaves before washing but not after. I will try on a duller day for comparison.

Annual Visit to Bee-Wolf Wasp Site, Sandy

We are probably past the peak time for the Bee-wolf Wasps but there were still a fair number around. I was very pleased to find the spider-hunting wasp Episyron rufipes dragging its prey a considerable distance before leaving it for a couple of hours while the tunnel was excavated. Lots of Astata boops wasps, one with a shieldbug - looks like the 4th instar of the Gorse Shieldbug. A couple of Ammophila sabulosa but not with their caterpillar prey. Cast completed by a Sarcophaga fly, Dasypoda hirtipes and ?Field Grasshopper

Punting Trip

It was great to meet up with Alistair, Bev and Rowan after too long a break due to Covid restrictions. Alistair very expertly punted us up to the Granta from Mill Lane and then down as far as St Johns before returning. The river was very busy but the swans with their 7 cygnets didn't seem to worry about all the punts and people provided bits of picnic were being shared.

British Orchids

I am gradually adding new species to my list of orchids that I have photographed in the UK. Go to British Orchids

Garden Project 10

Since I 'rewilded' large parts of my garden in January 2020, I have been recording the plants and the insects etc that have made their home with us. Here a batch of flower photos, some with their visiting bees, flies, butterflies, caterpillars etc.