Insects again

Lovely warm day today. Almost spring-like! The cows seemed happy, though they drank their water rather quickly. They have moved to a new field which always keeps them happy for a few days.

I managed to identify the ground beetles from yesterday - 2 Badister bullatus and an Anchomenus dorsalis. Both are pretty common species, but quite nicely marked - a change from the usual black. Also found a 7-spot Ladybird yesterday on Ground Ivy by the edge of a field.

Today had two highlights. Insect-wise, the first butterfly for the fields for 2015. A solitary Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae was flying near the pond. In the garden under the feeders was a Reed Bunting. This is our first one at Beech House. It seemed to be a first winter female. Buzzard was quite noisy over the field and the Kestrel was hunting, so presumably there was quite a bit of small mammal acivity.

This is my old painting of A. dorsalis taken from the Peregrine Productions plate BTL4 Garden Ground Beetles

Insects! First Butterfly of the year for me.

A crisp, sunny morning today. Surprisingly warm as well. Went looking for Bumblebees in the garden, but none out yet. However, there was a male Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni flying in Loddon as I drove through. I have planted 3 Alder Buckthorn and 2 Common Buckthorn around the garden over the last few years. So, you never know, Brimstones may breed here!

Down in Wilkins Wood, I overturned the cherry log and there were a few Ground Beetles. WIll see if I can identify the species.

In Sisland Carr, Bluebells and Dogs Mercury coming through. Surprised a Chinese Water Deer by the stream.