We started in the first meadow and after a short while i managed to find a lifer in the form of a cracking Eyed Ladybird which was resting under a Scots Pine of course,where else.We took plenty of images of this lovely species before moving further on.
Syrphidae or Hoverflies as they are more commonly known,are a particular fave family of insects for me and today saw us seeing a nice selection which included Volucella pelluscens,Volucella bombylans,Leucozona leucorum(All 1st records for the year),Anasimyia contracta/transfuga,Tropidia scita,Parhelophilus fruititorum/versicolor and finally 2 new species for me in the form of Helophilus hybridus & Platycheirus rosarum.I'm still a relative newcomer to this fascinating family of insects and it is great fun studying them and attempting to capture images of them.
Walking through the second meadow our first Cinnabar Moths of the year were logged and into the Heathy Meadow more day flying moths were seen and we added Straw Dot and the beautiful Silver-ground Carpet to the days sightings.
Another species of insect we saw in relatively large numbers were Garden Chafers,with at least a hundred seen buzzing around in the grass,this is the most i have ever seen here with their metallic green thorax glinting in the sunshine,just great to encounter.
Butterflies had been a feature of the days sightings as well,but only a hand full of species included Brimstone,Small Tort,Large White and Speckled Wood and my first Common-Blues of the year.
With all this activity from the world of insects,birds sort of took a back seat,until later in the day when we were treated to an aerial masterclass as a 2nd calendar year Hobby was watched taking full advantage of the abundance of flying insects,particularly Four-spot Chasers.What a great privilege to see this beautiful falcon in action twisting and turning showing its aerial prowess to full advantage as it snatched the dragonflies in its feet,rising up to pluck it apart,superb to watch.
Today was certainly a productive visit as it always is to this gem of a reserve and i certainly look forward to the next one at the weekend in anticipation of more great discoveries.
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| Eyed Ladybird,My First Sighting Of The Species. |
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| Wasp Beetle. |
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| Helophilus hybridus,A New Species For Myself. |
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| Parhelophilus fruitetorum/versicolor |
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| Platycheirus rosarum,A New Species For Myself. |
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| Tropidia scita. |
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| Volucella pelluscens. |
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| Anasimyia contracta/transfuga. |
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| Downlooker Snipe Fly. |
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| Metallina Sp.,A Very Attractive Species. |
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| Master Of The Air....A Stunning 2nd Calendar Year Hobby. |
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