Bee Flies, Bees and Birds in Toft

A miscellany from the last couple of days in Toft - bee flies taken at 1/800th and1/6400th second and still not quite stopping wing movement; three Andrena species of mining bees (A,nitida, A. heamorrhoa and A. cineraria); three migrant species (Chiffchaff, blackcap,Willow warbler) and a Dunnock.

 

Paxton Breeding Bird Survey and Mining Bees

Yesterday was the first Breeding Bird survey of 2024 at Paxton - a windy but warm 7am start to the walk to catch the early song was rewarded by singing Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers on our route and elsewhere Garden Warblers and Reed Warblers announced their presence while Nightingales are here singing in the private areas of the site. Later in the morning I went to look for Mining bees in a favourite location and the bramble leaves were teaming with different species - haven't identified all yet (shown are the Early Colletes female and male, ?Orange-tailed Mining Bee, Small Sallow Mining Bee, Tawny Mining Bee and Red Mason Bee

Summer Leys Hedgerow Birds

 In addition to the lakes at Summer Leys, the Feeding station with viewing hide is always an attraction and, apart from the lack of Bullfinches, it was as good as ever with lots of activity and species. Sad to see the Chaffinch with the Fringilla papillomavirus affecting its feet (this may be the cause, with avian flu, for the decline in Bullfinch numbers). Otherwise a delightful hour or so was spent watching and photographing their antics, especially the delightful but very aggressive Siskins. There was a Chiffchaff singing loudly and flitting in the trees and a Sparrowhawk whizzed through at water level (no photo!!!) and we think removed one feeding bird.

RSPB Otmoor (2) Small Birds

 For about 15 minutes I was entertained by a very large flock of mixed small birds - warblers, Chiffchaff and Black Cap, Blue Tits and Goldfinches feeding on the abundant midges (!) and seeds respectively. Such a pleasure to see large numbers of small birds after a difficult summer for them with the hot dry weather.

Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre

We were promised sunshine for our Nature Group outing to Slimbridge yesterday but most of the day it was cloudy with a bit of rain. Here some of the birds around the central area of the reserve. The Jackdaws and Rooks were busy building nests. The views of the Estuary and its birds were great with a dark stormy sky behind while it was good to get images of Chiffchaff, Snipe and four different Kingfishers