Maximum temperature today 15C, minimum 2C. Rain intermittent over the last few days and it looks much the same for the rest of this week. 11 km/h North-westerly winds with gusts up to 30 km/h. Frost yesterday, the bird baths were all iced up!!
Rainfall so far this year 198mm - last year at this date it was 475mm.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).
Californian Poppies.
Possibly a Pine processionary moth caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), BUT we have no pine trees nearby and this was the only one. Suggestions welcome.
Great camouflage, I am not a spider fan but the 3 in the garden interested me. My book is very limited so any ID on any of the three would be welcome...
Presumably, a female carrying her egg sac, I was getting in her way digging the garden!...
Yet another one getting out of my way with an egg sac. Also great camouflage. Think she has her head turned looking at me!
The blister beetle is still around on the dog rose - (Mylabris variablis.)
A very little hopper on a Californian poppy.
Bumblebee on the dog rose.
Looking over the rooftops of the local village.
Iris.
Azalea.
You know what is great, Diane? Your garden has become a little natural history exploration ground for you, and I can only applaud this at the highest level. It is in and of itself a little ecosystem and the fact that you present to us such a range of organisms is inherently very pleasing and in its own way quite exciting. Thanks a lot. I wish that I had more expertise with European species to help you with ID but, other than birds and mammals, my familiarity is quite limited. In any event keep publishing images of creatures that you find. It is inordinately interesting to me, and I suspect many others too.
ReplyDeleteDavid thanks so much for this comment, it is well appreciated. I wish I was better at ID but I find that my only book 'Insects of Britain and Western Europe' is very limited. I do try to use the internet as well but I find that very confusing at times, too much choice of similar creatures. The warmer the weather gets the more insects I hope will arrive. Not so many birds in the garden in summer, they have other things on their minds!
DeleteBest wishes and thanks Diane
Lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteThe village looks quaint and restful. I am guessing Europe somewhere? I will click around on your blog and see... :)
I see you found that it was France. It is a very quiet village, no shops only the church and the village hall where we have some interesting events from time to time. Keep well Diane
DeleteOh, France, of course! I knew that from your other posts. :)
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of spiders either. So many interesting insects in the garden.
ReplyDeleteSpiders at a distance are fine but they must not get too close!! Cheers Diane
DeleteThe picture of the spider with egg sac was so good. You get such nice close-ups of little critters.
ReplyDeleteClose-ups are fine if they do not sting or jump 😊 Take care Diane
DeleteLove the insects and spiders you photograph. A window on their world!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie, as always your comments are really appreciated. Hope all is well Diane
DeleteBeautiful flowers and birds. Lovely view of the local village. Keep well, Diane.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy, it is a pretty little village - town, really the latter as that is where the mayor is. Have a good remainder to the week. Diane
DeleteStill a bit low on rain Diane, that's probably what's keeping the temperature low, I don't think my birdbaths have ever iced over, I can just imagine my bird visitor's reaction to that 😀 Beautiful macros, not keen on the spiders 😀 the house sparrow is adorable!
ReplyDeleteThe birds are quite funny when the water is iced over, they tap it with their beaks. Not sure if the they think they can break the ice or if it is just a reaction to not being able to drink!! I really would not mind if I never saw another spider but at times they make good photos!! Take care Diane
DeleteA beautiful series of photos Diane, all quite beautiful; flowers, insects and that pretty view over the rooftops.
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise, I love it when the weather is just right for insects, makes for easy hunting for photos 😉 Keep well Diane
DeleteWonderful variety and beauty!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, comment appreciated. Cheers Diane
DeleteThe bird os so cute, love those photos☺
ReplyDeleteThanks Natalia, good as always to hear from you. Have a good remainder to the week Diane
DeleteEven with less rain your flowers look lovely.
ReplyDeleteThey look a bit sad after the colder mornings but they seem to soon perk up again. Hope all is well Diane
DeleteThat shade of orange is beautiful. Have to admit I am rather fond of that purple too.
ReplyDelete