Atop a not too distant Hawthorn tree, a Blackbird proclaims his authority over his patch.
#birds #UKwildlife

One of quite a few Dingy Skippers enjoying some morning sun at Magdalen Hill Down.
#butterflies #UKwildlife

On an earlier morning walk yesterday, a Linnet with a face full of nesty stuff.
#birds #UKwildlife

Same here. Seem to be back to normal now.

Doing a bit of repotting a couple of weeks ago, I uncovered quite a few of these Rose Chafer larvae. They now have a pot to themselves.

A welcome return of the 22-spot Ladybird to the garden. Such busy little creatures.
#ladybirds #UKwildlife

Please may it be true!

A rather gorgeous Red Mason Bee on the garden path.
#bees #UKwildlife

Small but beautiful.

A particularly good year for the Honesty on a corner of our garden.

For this week’s #WildflowerHour we have these two beauties. Horse Chestnut and Oxford Ragwort.

Can’t be there all the time, but two minutes!!

Shame. Would have been fascinating to see that.

Yesterday morning. Just before posting the latest Orange-tip chrysalis pic, I went out for another peek and found that it had emerged. A little disappointed that I’d missed it, but a lot can happen in 40min. So pleased to see it fluttering around the garden for the rest of the day.
#butterflies

In the bin, the busy composters.

Good to see you here.

In May 2023, an Emperor Moth left some eggs on an egg box. Once all the caterpillars had pupated I put the cocoons into a basket in a shrub. In May 2024, the first adults emerged. This morning we found another, almost 3 years after hatching from the egg.
#moths #TeamMoth #UKwildlife

As suggested, it is indeed a slime mould. Known as the False Puffball, Enteridium lycoperdon. Had to ask my wife for the name, as I have a memory like a sieve. Nice find!

On our walk this morning, quite a few butterflies to be seen. Orange-tip, Speckled Wood and three others not photographed. Peacock, Brimstone and Comma.
#butțerflies #UKwildlife

Nature's Fieldbook Notes and photos to help identifications out in the field.

I built a thing for me and thought it might be useful for others. It's a set of guides, 20 at the moment, to help with my rubbish memory when doing ids in the field.

Everything is cached on your device so works in low signal areas.

naturesfieldbook.com

An update on the Orange-tip butterfly chrysalis. The orange of the wing tip is looking more obvious now. Hoping for a still, warm day for the emergence.
#butterflies #chrysalis #UKwildlife

In the UK, Lychnis Moth larvae feed on the developing seeds.

In the garden yesterday, Rhyparochromus vulgaris enjoying the sunshine.
#bugs #UKwildlife

Three of the many fluffy moth-looking flies seen on a recent walk. A species of Psychodidae, but can’t be sure which one.
#files #diptera #UKwildlife

On our walk yesterday, in amongst a glorious sea of Blackthorn blossom, we spotted an Oak Eggar caterpillar.
#caterpillars #moths #TeamMoth #MothsMatter #UKwildlife

In our garden today, our first Holly Blue. It didn’t have time to stop for a pic, so here’s a stand in from July 2023.
#butterflies #UKwildlife

We’ve grown Snake’s-head Fritillary for many years in two spots in our garden. They never do particularly well, but this one has found its own place to grow.

A few plants from our walk today for #WildflowerHour. Red Clover, Sticky Mouse-ear, Thale Cress and Herb Robert.

I had my daily peek at the Orange-tip chrysalis the afternoon, and I do believe that’s a touch of orange I see.
#butterflies

Hope it’s a successful year. Some great work you’re doing there.