Streets of Cambridge 3. St Andrew Street 1

Yesterday morning, we had a session on our Streets of Cambridge project rephotographing parts of St Andrews Street matching up with 2001-2004 shots (second image in each set). Last 2 are a couple of extra shots from yesterday. Lots of changes to the ownership of shops and, of course, the development of John Lewis and the Grand Arcade.

Both Species Bee Flies at Stowe NT Gardens

I had my lunch break at Stowe national Trust Gardens on may way back from Bristol. There were lots of Bee Flies including my first opportunity to photograph the Dotted Bee Fly (Left, Bombyllius discolor) and well as the Dark-Edged Bee Fly (Right, Bombyllius major). Left I also enjoyed capturing spring lambs and spring flowers!

Slimbridge 3

Last set of images from Slimbridge in the afternoon as the light improved. Pleased to catch a Pied wagtail with fly in mouth - they entertained for most of the time. Lots of pairing going on among the Avocets and the Oystercatchers were mating. Even found a Redpoll among the Goldfinches and Siskin in the Alder cones

Pantless Darth Vader Jumping Spider and friends

There were several species of spider around the gravestones in Arnos Grove Cemetery - this Jumping Spider (Heliophanus spp member of the Sun jumping spiders) was the most confiding with its Springtail prey (Collembolid). 

Slimbridge Visit 2

We spent our morning at Slimbridge in the hide overlooking South Lake and watched a flock of Black-tailed Godwits, Geese, Ducks and newly arrived Swallows and Sand Martins