A real change in the weather today, and the wall to wall blue skies of yesterday was replaced today by wall to wall cloud. At least the forecast of rain didn't occur this morning, but there is still the rest of the day to go.
Just a short walk this morning to see what was about in Wakeham Wood. Normally I just walk through it without really looking to see what is about. Today though I spent a good 30 minutes or so having a look along the track just north of the wood Here.
In the grasses I found 2 Common Blue butterflies, several Swollen-thighed Beetles, Common Carder Bees, Honey Bees and Grasshopper nymphs.
Along the track a Red Admiral settled on a stone, whilst a bit further along, a Narcissus Fly was also settled on the ground.
Along the hedgerow there was a Harlequin Ladybird on a Stinging Nettle and in the hedge were several White-lipped Banded Snails.
Whilst looking for bugs and other insects I came across a Bee Orchid which has recently appeared along the footpath.
Here are a few images from this morning:
Opposite Bumpers Lane is a track which leads you to Bottom Combe Quarry and The Windmills. Today though I stopped at the fence lane at the end of the public footpath to have a look at the fauna and flora.
An enlargement of the one above. I'm still non the wiser as to which species. Whatever it is there were dozens of them jumping about along the track.
Birds Recorded: Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Butterflies Recorded: 1 Red Admiral and 2 Common Blue
Bees Recorded: Honey Bees, Common Carder Bee
Hoverflies Recorded: 1 Narcissus Fly (Merodon equestris form bulborum) and a Hoverfly sp.
Bugs and Beetles Recorded: 7+ Swollen-thighed Beetles (Oedemera nobilis)
Whilst looking for bugs and other insects I came across a Bee Orchid which has recently appeared along the footpath.
Here are a few images from this morning:
In the long grasses I found........
.........2 Common Blue butterflies.
This is a female.
And another view of it from overhead.
Also here were Swollen-thighed Beetles on several plant species.....
...........especially on Oxeye Daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare)
In amongst the vetch a Common Carder Bee and..........
............another resting up on an Ivy Leaf.
A small bee, but as to what species, I have no idea!!
Spot the grasshopper nymph.
A Red Admiral rests up along the path.
And also this Narcissus Fly.
A not very well-focused shot of a Harlequin Ladybird.
There were several White-lipped Banded Snails in the hedgerow.
And finally it was great to find a Bee Orchid in amongst the grasses.
Fortunately this orchid is off the path so it should avoid being trampled on.
And a couple of close-up shots.
More on this orchid Here.
Birds Recorded: Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Wren, Magpie, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
Butterflies Recorded: 1 Red Admiral and 2 Common Blue
Bees Recorded: Honey Bees, Common Carder Bee
Hoverflies Recorded: 1 Narcissus Fly (Merodon equestris form bulborum) and a Hoverfly sp.
Bugs and Beetles Recorded: 7+ Swollen-thighed Beetles (Oedemera nobilis)
Grasshoppers and Crickets: several Grasshopper nymphs sp.