Royston Heath Butterflies etc

We visited Royston Heath on the hottest day so far and the butterflies responded by flying around pretty freely though in small numbers compared to a 'normal' year. The Essex Skipper and Gatekeeper were in pristine condition but some of the others were fairly battered and the Marbled White had the worst infestation of mites I've seen. We finished the morning photographing these Kite-tailed Robber flies mating.

Paxton 18th July

 A few images taken on the Third Thursday Walk at Paxton. A warm day so a few insects around including a Bee-wolf Wasp, Brimstone, Robber Fly and Southern Hawker, the Great Crested Grebes and the Common Terns were busy fishing and feeding their young, Tufted ducks have returned, while up to 6 Little Egrets have taken up residence with the Grey Herons.

Mia, Ted's New Friend

Yesterday, Peggy brought Mia, a Beagle/Spaniel cross, to meet Ted, who took all the running, jumping and close investigations in his stride. Mia, who is 5-months old is more or lass constantly on the move but I managed to capture a few still moments.

Garden Fauna 16th July

A few insects etc showed themselves yesterday despite the cool wet conditions. There are lots of these small bees (Heriades truncorum Large-headed Resin Bee) on the Ragwort with the Cinnabar caterpillars and the Dark Bush crickets are now mature.

Norfolk Day of Contrasts

Saturday dawned very wet in Norfolk  so we chose to visit a reserve with a hide - Hickling NWT. We spent a couple of hours there watching the Marsh Harriers and other birds including Bearded Tits, Reed Warblers and even a Water Rail. There were also several insects visible in the reeds to photograph. By lunch the rain had stopped and even a few glimpses of sun so we visited Horsey Gap tp walk on the beach and watch the seals and still heavy seas.