Sunday, April 18, 2021

18/04/2021 After a week of frosts and icy winds it looks like spring is returning.

  Maximum temperature here today 15⁰C, minimum 4⁰C.  Dry.   9km/h  North-Easterly winds with gusts up to 22 km/h.     Next week it looks like spring is really returning, hopefully for good this time.

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) taking a drink.

As above...

As above, thirsty little fellows despite the colder weather...

As above but I liked the shadow.

Bluebells.

Wallflower.

Bumblebee (Bombus magnus) in the quince tree...

As above.

Cranefly (Tipulidae).

Blossom on one of the Acer trees.

European Orchard Bee (Osmia cornuta) on the apple blossom. A solitary bee... 

As above.

Quince blossom.

Black Tulips.

Apple Blossom.

Lilac.

Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) and Persian Speedwell flower (Veronica persica).

Not sure what this bee is, I did not get to see its body, maybe one of the sweat bees!

House centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) 15 pairs of legs, think it is missing a few! Without the flash...

and with the flash.


Take care everybody, keep well and stay safe.

My local list of wildflowers. (90 Species 23/08/2020).

See also my

40 comments:

  1. Hi, I am so glad that your frosty times are over and now you can have your Spring back!I also was late to your last post, with all the lovely photos, including white bluebells! Never knew about such things.. sorry about the continued lockdowns over there, but glad you have your amazing garden. We are also very privileged that we can go on our mini road trips, curtailed by covid restrictions but we can move around and get out. Wishing you a lovely week ahead! :)

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    1. Karen I sincerely hope they are over but I have seen frosts here in May but not often! Not being allowed to go more than 10 kms is very limiting, but as you say thank goodness for a good sized garden.
      Have a good week and keep safe, Diane

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  2. What lovely pictures you always have dear Diane! I love especially these bees pictures ! we ha many bees here I think they love sompe fowers and plants we have, take care

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    1. I am always happy to see the bees return after winter. They are pretty good natured when just in the garden an not swarming. Keep safe, Diane

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  3. Your macro photography of flowers and insects is fabulous, Diane. I'm pleased to hear that spring weather is returning to you, so that you can show us more of your wonderful images. We too have been getting better weather lately, although frosty at night, and I have been spending most of my time continuing with my efforts to lick the garden into shape. However, I have managed a couple of useful trips out this week.

    Have a great week, and stay safe. Best wishes to you both - - - Richard

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    1. Hi Richard, I have spent the day in the garden today 18C and quite pleasant. Think I overdid it as I have a few aches I never had earlier today! The day was good though and I am happy with results. Hopefully I can have another blitz tomorrow, then I can take it easier for a few days.

      I have to say I am really happy with my TAMRON Megazoom but I would still quite like to have a macro lens!

      You also have a good week and hope all is well with you both and the family. Take care Diane

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  4. It’s good to see the insects again. It is too cold for much here.

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    1. After a week of frosts the change in the weather is very welcome. It is a delight to see the insects back.
      Have a good week and keep well. Diane

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  5. Gorgeous closeups! Favorite in these is the Bluebells pic.

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    1. Thanks for the visit. I do love the bluebells as well but sadly we only have then for about 3 weeks of the year in bloom, I wish they lasted longer. Spring flowers all go over very quickly.
      Have a great week and stay safe. Diane

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  6. The bees look scary but they are friends to our garden. Interesting cranefly. First time I see an Orchard bee and a house centipede. Looking forward to your Spring posts.

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    1. The bees are just fine if you do not interfere with them. I am allergic to them and only once have I been stung in the last 15 years in France. I was trying to rescue one from drowning and another one obviously gat a fright and flew straight up, it went under my T-shirt!!! Luckily I always have tablets on hand.
      Keep well and have a good week Diane

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  7. Magic photos. Love the bee shadow one.

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    1. Thanks Diane and yes that appealed to me as well.
      I hope that all is well over there, Australia appears to have done a far better job of COVID control that the rest of the world! Take care t'other Diane

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  8. Hi Diane - those are stunning photos ... and I'm so grateful you label the beautiful nature you show us. Poor old house centipede ... losing legs - still with that many I guess he manages, unless he over eats - and his tummy sags?!
    We have cold winds - but the extra sun we've been having all day is really bringing all the plants and trees along - another week or so of this topsy turvy weather from the north. Still it is distinctly better ... love them all - but the Persian Speedwell is a pleasure to see - all the best and here's to better weather for you too - Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary, I label where I can but quite often I get stumped! Our lawn has so many wild flowers in it there is not much room left for grass!! When I cut the lawn, give it 24 hours and the flowers are all back again. Masses of daisies, violets and buttercups among many others.

      Our weather today has take a good turn and we were up 18C. Warm in the sun but a cool wind in the shade. Tomorrow gets even better :-)

      Keep safe and take care, Diane

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  9. Great job, Diane! Your knowledge of insects continues to impress and you certainly obtained some great pictures of them. If ever I see a fly in my soup I will send it to you for ID! Have a great week coming up.

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    1. LOL I am not so good on flies, not my favourite insect! You also have a good week and keep safe. COVID news from Canada does not sound very good but then it is not brilliant here!
      Diane

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  10. Hi Diane,
    With spring everything has another color and joy.
    All the photos are fantastic, if I had to choose one it would be the first one is incredible.
    Hugs and all the best

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    1. Hi Maria, I was really happy with that first shot, tongue out and taking a drink. There was a real change in the weather today so I hope it stays that way, we have had enough frosts now.
      Keep well, hugs Diane

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  11. Great insect shots! Love those bees.

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    1. Thanks Pam, always a pleasure to hear from you. Hope all is well Diane

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  12. AWESOME shots...esp on the bees. WOW...very nice.

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    1. Thanks Pam, hope you and the fur babies are all well. Take care Diane

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  13. Awesome pics, Diane! I've not seen a great photo like you're first one! You should send it to National Geographic, it's that good! 😊 The black tulip is so pretty but the lilacs take first place for me. Love them and can't wait until our lilac bushes are blooming. Haven't seen one bee here yet, still chilly. A neighbor the next street over has many bee hives now and we're looking forward to his honey later this summer. Great post. Take care

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    1. Thanks Pam for the lovely comment and remark re National Geographic. Thankfully it has warmed up a lot here and the insects are slowly returning. Mmmmm fresh honey yum yum. Hope that you are both well, take care a stay safe Diane

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  14. Very interesting to see your insects and flowers. You must have such a steady hand, they are so sharp and clear. Enjoy the rest of your week. I hope your sun shines.

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    1. Thanks Denise, I am lucky my hand is pretty steady I have not time to move the tripod around.
      Hope all is well in your part of the world. Diane

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  15. I wonder if I can grow lilacs Diane, I do love their colour and perfume 💜 Busy bees in your garden. Wonderful images on Earth Day ✨

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    1. I am sure you can they do not really like heavy frosts so..... It is good to have the insects back again. Keep safe Diane

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  16. Ein großartiger Post mit phantastischen Aufnahmen !
    Liebe Grüße

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    1. Vielen Dank für den Besuch und den Kommentar. Diane

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  17. Great captures of all the critters and flowers. I like the bee with the shadow, too.

    Your link at 'My Corner of the World' this week is a wonderful addition!

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    1. Thanks Betty and thank you for hosting. I always like to join you if I have a good post. Keep well Diane

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  18. Sure looks like spring with all that beautiful color. I really love the lilacs, a favorite of my youth.

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    1. We have had a great week but suddenly it is cold again! Hope all is well at Bryce, Diane

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  19. Oh the bees - such precious creatures receiving a lot of media attention lately.

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    1. It is lovely to see them back again after all the latest frost. Cheers Diane

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  20. Przepiękne fotografie, radują oczy:)

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    1. Bardzo dziękuję za wizytę i komentarz. Doceniony. Diane

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