There are some stunning insects in the garden at the moment. The recent spell of rain followed by hot dry weather has certainly tempted them out into the open to feed, breed, build their nests and lay their eggs.
The butterflies deposit their eggs and drift from flower to flower in search of ambrosia whilst the bees collect pollen until they can carry no more. The bright green grasshoppers remain well hidden until they stop of for a nibble of a tender rose petal. The ants scale momentous heights in search of aphids from which they will harvest sweet nectar.
The ponds attracts many insects throughout the day. They fly past to gain their bearings, scan the water surface then dip collecting enough water for their needs. The horseflies settle on lily pads resting in between their quest for flesh to bite.
The stag beetles take off in flight at dusk and land in the most inappropriate places. Occasionally they get caught in the web of a waiting spider but being the size they are they escape its clutches but invariably get tangled in the strong remains of spider silk web. The cats listen to the stag beetle's erratic and noisy flying, trying to jump and catch one as it passes by like an out of control para-glider.
The lizards keep watch for passing insects on which to snack before taking shade and drinking much needed water. The great tits, now feeding a second brood, harvest grubs and insects from the nearby apple trees and the young wrens and robins venture out alone in search of food but always within earshot of watching parents.
The damsels and dragonflies navigate the edges of the pond in an attempt to deposit eggs into the water and let them settle out of the way of hungry fish and beetles. Moths rest in cool shade and gain energy before they head into the night sky.
The butterflies deposit their eggs and drift from flower to flower in search of ambrosia whilst the bees collect pollen until they can carry no more. The bright green grasshoppers remain well hidden until they stop of for a nibble of a tender rose petal. The ants scale momentous heights in search of aphids from which they will harvest sweet nectar.
The ponds attracts many insects throughout the day. They fly past to gain their bearings, scan the water surface then dip collecting enough water for their needs. The horseflies settle on lily pads resting in between their quest for flesh to bite.
The stag beetles take off in flight at dusk and land in the most inappropriate places. Occasionally they get caught in the web of a waiting spider but being the size they are they escape its clutches but invariably get tangled in the strong remains of spider silk web. The cats listen to the stag beetle's erratic and noisy flying, trying to jump and catch one as it passes by like an out of control para-glider.
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| This one bit though my glove when I was freeing his back legs which were wrapped together in web |
The lizards keep watch for passing insects on which to snack before taking shade and drinking much needed water. The great tits, now feeding a second brood, harvest grubs and insects from the nearby apple trees and the young wrens and robins venture out alone in search of food but always within earshot of watching parents.
As you walk around the garden or sit for a while, take a few minutes to take a look and see who's keeping you company. You might be surprised at what you see or hear.
If you click on the pictures you should be able to see bigger versions of them or a slide show of images.
Lovely photos - thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosie - I'm sure you have a rick insect life around Eco Gites
DeleteFabulous photos. I particularly like the lizard. Were you lying in wait for him with your camera poised, or did he cross your path at a lucky moment?
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea - he has taken up residence in the rockery and is at eye level when I at the bottom of the slope so easy to spot yet far enough away.
DeleteStunning photos as always, what camera do you use?
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne - Nikon D5000 with kit lens or 180-300 telephoto lens. We also have a small Olympus which we sometimes use for convenience. You also take some great shots for your blog.
DeleteWow. Fantastic photos. Am particularly jealous after spending about an hour yesterday trying (and failing) to get a decent shot of some gorgeous dragon flies.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary - depending on which camera you are using, switch your auto setting to sports setting for a quick shutter speed if you can get up close enough or Macro for something less active - I process in Picassa for ease and mainly crop and adjust levels.
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