Monday, September 4, 2023

September Survey, Paxton Pits 2. The Warren

A new area for our surveys, now dubbed the Warren, because of the many rabbit holes. It is the site of the Early Colletes Bees and BeeWolf Wasps. This time we found Field Digger Wasps with prey and many other interesting species.

Sunday, September 3, 2023

September Survey, Paxton Pits 1. The Gully

Yesterday was our final survey for the year at Paxton Pits and we split this between a gravel area with a strip of reeds along the centre, known as the Gully and another gravel area. The sun was slow to come out but it was warmer than recently and plenty of insects etc to record.

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Garden Insects etc as 'Autumn' Starts

Most of my rose bushes, especially the wild dog rose shoots, are full of Sawfly larvae now able to thrive as the various tits and other small birds have fledged. Here two different species. Yesterday was a mix of sun and showers gradually getting warmer throughout the day - ideal for insect hunting and for cleaning mouthparts as this Rhingia campestris shows - amazing how it can fold that back into the rostrum. Still trying to get that 'perfect' flower spider image

Friday, September 1, 2023

Water Abstracts

For our family records, a few images (mostly taken by Sadie) playing around with our compact waterproof camera on a swimming session. 


Thursday, August 31, 2023

Garden Life Between the Showers

We had some very heavy showers yesterday but in between these the insects and spiders were active. Here a sample of what is around in the garden at the moment.