Mother Nature's Navel

Monday 30 May 2011

Medley of a grey day

Today, for the most part, it's been a dull grey day here. But here's a couple of quick snaps that I managed between some well needed garden weeding.

Very brave caterpillar on very spiky teasels

Tiger Crane Fly (Nephrotoma flavescens)

Small Magpie Moth (Eurrhypara hortulata)

The green green grass of home

Obligatory Bee picture

Robin without Batman

Here's a little robin that I spied in Nunhead Cemetery in early spring. For some technical reason beyond my capabilities, it's a picture that's best viewed when clicked on for a larger view.

Until next time,
Claude
x

Saturday 28 May 2011

This tiny blue mason bee was out house hunting last week. She seemed to check every little hole in our makeshift archway to check for suitability. I have no idea whether she made up her mind. I will keep an eye out next time I'm in the garden. But, to my mind at least, she is the cutest of little flying things.

Until next time,
Claude
x

Oh, to bee a little less confused about bees

If bees could talk I would sincerely hope that they'd inform me of exactly which species they are...

Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Blue Mason Bee (Osmia caerulescens)

I think this tiny beauty is some kind of early mining bee

Until next time,
Claude
x

More bumble bees

It's fair to say that I'm somewhat confused as to the exact species of these bumbles. My certainty goes as far as thinking they're either Bombus terrestris 0r Bombus lucorum...But then again, the bee in the first picture has appears to have a very long tongue, which makes me think it could be Bombus hortotum. Who knows. Whatever they are, they're beautiful!

Until next time, when hopefully I shall be a little less confused!
Claude
x

Early nesting bumble bee (Bombus pratorum)

Bumble bee identification is one of the many, many, things that confuse me. Considering this I'd probably not entirely trust my attempts!!

Until next time,
Claude
x

Sloe..

I think this Sloe shield bug may have been looking for Frank's gin bottle. I don't think he hides it in the lavender bush.

Dolycoris baccarum

Until next time,
Claude
x

Crows

"Mine!"

Until next time,
Claude
x

Common Green Shield Bug

For some reason I never tire of seeing shield bugs in the garden. They seem to fly around like little armoured helicopters. I might be alone in finding their life cycle interesting!

Common Green Shield Bug 2nd instar

5th instar

Adult

Until next time,
Claude
x

Flock of gulls

I made myself feel a little dizzy trying to follow this lot through the sky with my camera - just to clarify I was on the ground, attempting to pan smoothly. I haven't yet discovered the mystery of flight.

Until next time,
Claude
x

Toadlet!

I was especially delighted when, my boss and housemate, the cat of Catbird Craft, arrived home last year with some toad tadpoles. Nature took its course and they turned into these marvellous little creatures. Last winter was a particularly harsh winter for toads, but we know at least one made in through those especially cold and hostile months.