Final moult
When I caught sight of this Drake Mackerel Mayfly on a bank of bramble and nettles down at Cleeve Prior Mill this afternoon, I wondered what on earth she was doing sitting out in the open like this: they’re usually … Continued
Pollen mining
With the unusually warm April and May we’ve experienced, it seems as though my spring solitary bees have lived fast and died young: there are plenty of bumblebees in the garden right now, but for the past week or so … Continued
Chasing Chasers
We’ve moved into what looks as if it might be quite a tricky period of weather. It was stormy overnight, which didn’t help me catch up on my rest after a tiring day, and this morning dawned dark, windy, and … Continued
Hoverfly-friendly
Artistically, I’m not a fan of feet, though I concede that practically they’re extremely useful, so I’m very much in two minds about posting this. But it was mildly amusing to have this Narcissus Fly (Merodon equestris) turn the tables … Continued
Dragonfest
My 2025 dragon list still doesn’t include the Common Clubtail, so this morning I went off looking for some. By the end of the day I’d seen over a hundred dragonflies (including two species that were new for the year), … Continued
Freshly Scarce
I worked my local Odonata beat today, starting at Cleeve Prior Community Orchard, then dropping down to the Avon at Cleeve Prior Mill, before swinging round to the Heart of England Forest section of the river near Barton. My field … Continued