Sunday 6 July 2008

Sunday safari........

It is going to be wet this afternoon so went into the garden early while the sun was shining. The bees have not been drawn to the teasel as in previous years.......doesn't this show that nature is totally unpredictable. This one little bee spent ages on the flower head but with the plant standing two metres high, I couldn't get amongst the flowers to get a clear shot. Perhaps when all the teasels are in full bloom the bees will show some interest.....how ungrateful are they!! The bumbles were in fact underneath this plant.......
on the hypericum.....yellow seems to be the favourite colour for bees in this garden at the moment.

This is a soldier beetle......they feed on small insects such as springtails and silverfish.
I like the simplicity of this photograph......I havn't had this ladybird in the garden before...I have noticed a large group of these amongst the grasses.
Now I think this is a bee fly.......I am only guessing here. Isn't it interesting what you find in your garden when you look more closely.
The hoverfly.....what a pretty picture....I love this little insect.


What the heck is this....it looks like some sort of alien. Interesting.
This lone gull flew over the garden......I know there is a man out there who will definately know what it is......................hope you enjoyed seeing what was in my garden today.........any funny bugs in yours????? Just a quick note to tell you the glow-worms are still in the garden....one female has been outside our conservatory doors, glowing beautifully for the last four nights.......if there are any male glow-worms out there, please come and see her.........I am really beginning to feel quite sorry for her.....



24 comments:

John Young said...

Hi Cheryl, nice post. The small yellow hoverfly is called Episyrphus balteatus and whilst it is a resident in the UK it's numbers are bolstered in the late summer/early autumn by immagration from the continent. The larger hoverfly is from the family Volucella called Volucella pellucens and they favour brambles. The gull is an adult Lesser black-backed gull.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Looks like your garden is teeming with bugs and bees Cheryl. I don't think I have seen two bumbles on the same flower before. They are being quite nice to share. It must be because it is sunday.

Rose said...

Remarkable photos, Cheryl! The brown ladybug reminds me of a type we get here, especially in the fall, that we commonly call a "potato bug." They're not very pleasant if they get inside your house.
I wish I could send some male fireflies your way. I tried to take a picture of them one evening, to no avail, but I have a light show every evening on my lawn.

Cheryl said...

Thanks John......It is wonderful having someone with so much knowledge commenting......everything you tell me goes into my journal....thanks again

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa....I don't think I have either......they are nice to share....

Cheryl said...

Hi Rose....I wish you could send me the male fireflies to....the light show must be amazing.....

ChrisND said...

Your bumblebees do look occupied at the moment. I finally spotted a bumblebee in our garden. Your picture of the small hoverfly is great, looking up at a blue sky. Thanks for the tour...I hope your glow-worm gets a mate.

Cheryl said...

I like that hoverfly photo Chris....it speaks of summer....

Q said...

Dear cheryl,
Glow little glow worm brighter, brighter! I have never seen a glow worm! I bet they are darling. Hope she gets a mate soon. I have fireflies in the summer.
Wonderful safari! Soldier beetle is very handsome. Hoover flies and bumbles are such delights. I too can watch their wings for hours.
I am mopping my brow...safari in Missouri was hot and humid today.
Big game hunting today out in the wilds.
Thank you for great bugs.
Lots of fun,
Sherry

Tony Morris said...

Hi Cheryl, we seem to have featured the same Hoverfly! By the way, ref your post on St Margaret's, badgers are a protected species, if they are persecuted then the law is being broken.
best wishes,
Tony

beckie said...

Your Sunday Safai is so full of wonders. Love that the bees are doubling up on the hypericum-sharing nature's bounty. The hoverfly is what we call a cornfly. Don't know why, but would suspect it's because they are so plentiful when the corn is pollenating. Hope that lady bug doesn't bite you. Here the orange ones do. You garden is so alive! What joy it brings.

Grand Life said...

I love to watch ladybugs and bees working. It's my goal to teach my grandchildren not to swat bee's away. I had Teasels (we call them Thistles here), just getting ready to bloom when we left Utah. I love them blooming and even more in the fall when they start to dry. It looks like we're talking about the same plant. Have a great week.
Judy

SweetAnnee said...

I love your bugs..I got a new toad/frog today visitor..I will post him
later this week..
Smile to you my kindred spirit..deena

Cheryl said...

I enjoyed the safari today Sherry...poking around in amonst the flowers and plants.Still no butterflies here....sad.

Little glow-worm had gone last night so hopefully she found a mate....
Best wishes.

Cheryl said...

Hi Tony....yes I did know that badgers are a protected species....it's proving what is going on that would be extrememly difficult.

Cheryl said...

Hi Beckie that is really interesting re cornfly, these are the things I love to know.
I have never been bitten by a ladybird, that really made me smile....but then you always make me smile.....

Cheryl said...

Hi Judy...there is a lot to teach our children....the world is changing, we need to keep the food chain going, so that all creature survive....that is how it should be.

I love the teasel, its great to hear from someone who also likes the plant.....

Cheryl said...

Hi Deena....look forward to seeing your toad....we are indeed knidred spirits....

Little Veg Patch said...

Hi
Your photo of the ladybird interests me, I have found these on my roses recently. Does anyone know what their name is?

Dawny P said...

I seem to have missed loads of stuff here Cheryl, and all of it just stunning. I have to say that my favourite picture is the one with the teasel just blooming. Not sure why but I think it is gorgeous!! I agree with you as well re the little ladybird photo that its simplicity makes it quite special. Hope you had a great weekend and that you are all well xxx

The Diva said...

Beautiful post. I found your blog thru Aisling's Quiet Country House.~~Dee

kate smudges said...

Your garden is a haven for insects - teeming with life. I wonder what the strange-looking insect was...the colour of it is unusual and interesting.

Cheryl said...

Hi Kate.....I am still looking through my books for the alien insect!!! I will let you know if I ever discover what it is.....

Cheryl said...

Tks Dee....glad you enjoyed it....