Insects at Paxton Pits June 9th

On Sunday, I did a quick survey of what was around in the areas that we will use for macrophotography at today's Open Day at Paxton Pits. There are still lots of Scorpion flies around - particularly interesting to see a pair mating while snacking on a Damselfly caught in a spider's web.

An Evening at Trumpington Meadows

The meadows at Trumpington are spectacular with swathes of Oxeye Daisies, Hawksbit and Quaking Grass together with many other meadow species including hundreds of Bee Orchids and a good stand of Pyramidal Orchids. Here an impression of the visit - just needs sound added of Skylarks, Cuckoo, Meadow Pipits and, notably, Corn Buntings - songs reminiscent of this area in the 1960s before agricultural practices and building removed their habitats. After very heavy showers all day, yesterday evening was clear skies and even a hint of warmth in the sun. 

Trumpington Meadows - Banded Demoiselles etc

Eventually the chilly and blustery weather during our walk round Trumpington Meadows was replaced by sunshine and the Banded Demoiselles took to the air for a bit of hunting and display. I have long wanted to get them in flight with the wings well displayed and at last here are some shots both against the sky and in vegetation. Several Mayflies hanging around as well as serving as meals for the Demoiselles. Several other photogenic subjects including the Black-headed Mason Bee - possibly quite a rarity. At the end a fly infected with Entomophthora fungus - seen quite a few this year - perhaps the damp conditions are favouring the fungus.

 

Royston Heath - Record Number of Bee Orchids

It was too windy on Church Hill yesterday to do full justice to the wonderful display of Bee and Fragrant Orchids in full bloom at the moment with just the occasional Pasque Flower remaining. I saw a single Adonis Blue and about 4 Marbled Whites and we were entertained by a hovering Buzzard and a very active Mistle Thrush.

King's College Cambridge

King's College grounds are looking at their best at the moment with the natural and planted meadows fully grown.  In 2020, they transformed a section of their lawn into a colorful wildflower meadow filled with poppies, cornflowers, and oxeye daisies. This was part of an effort to boost biodiversity and adapt to changing climate conditions.The meadow supported three times more plant and insect species than the remaining lawn, including 14 species with conservation designations.