Third Water Survey at Paxton Pits

Yesterday, we did the last of this year's three water fauna surveys at Paxton Pits - here are a few of the creatures we found. The IDs are tentative in some cases where the diagnostic features are difficult to see in a photo. Others, like the leeaches are easier where the species are separated by the numbers and positioning of the eyes.

Olympus 'Tough' Camera

Like many people who enjoy photography, I have accumulated quite a few cameras over my very long photographic journey. Yesterday I 'played' with my Olympus Tough (G6) purchased when I was going on a trip to Antigua 5 years ago.  This and a trip to South Africa 20 years ago were my only two 'big' holidays and were partly chosen to try and fulfill a lifetime ambition to snorkel among the Coral reefs. Unfortunately the African attempt proved futile as the recommended beach for wading out had breakers about 4 metres high and in Antigua again the seas proved too rough to safely snorkel, so now I give it occasional water outings such as yesterday at Paxton pits but also find it a very adequate pocket camera for recording insects etc when taking a walk. It has a supermacro mode that allowed me to photograph the very small Weevil in the centre of a Ragwort floret

July Garden 'Bugs' (Hemiptera)

The Knapweed, Teasels, and Loostrife are attracting lots of Plant bugs including a new species for my records,Oncotylus viridiflavus and lots of nymph stage Dock Bugs.  Some interesting fly species including the Waisted Bee Grabber - does what it says- jumps on Bees and lays its egg in the abdomen of the bee which is then gradually consumed from inside!.

Summer in Hardwick Wood

Most of  the mud of the winter has dried up in Hardwick Wood with many of the paths now filled with grasses taller than me and everywhere vibrant green with mosses and foliage. I went to check on the butterfly population - certainly there are Silver-washed Fritillaries but not in abundance and they are looking fairly worn. Plenty of Whites, Red Admirals and Ringlets but didn't locate any Hairstreaks -  I am sure they will be there high in the Oaks. I took a macro lens - not the best for recording flying woodland butterflies so big enlargements but hopefully gives of feel of this very beautiful and wild place.