Wednesday, January 11, 2023

11/01/2023 The first week of January.

The maximum temperature here today is 13⁰C, minimum 7⁰C.  Dry now, but 90% rain is forecast for the next 7 days! South-Westerly winds of 20km/h with gusts up to 40 km/h. 

European robin (Erithacus rubecula) I just missed it while in the bath!

Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus).

Great tit (Parus major).

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera).

Hoverfly on the Viburnum tinus.  I am still determining which hoverfly it is!   I think Richard has it right and it is Platycheirus scutatus.  Thank you.

I think this is a Weevil but again not sure which one.  It was inside the house and the light was terrible.

Prickly stuff! A cactus that we bought in Holland.

Seed head of a Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).

(Bergenia Cordifolia) is sometimes called Pigsqueak or Elephant ears - don't ask me why!

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis).

Western Honey Bee I think - as above.

Gendarme beetle or Fire bug. (Pyrrhocoris apterus).

I will try to get another blog done before we go on holiday, and maybe while we are away, but I am not promising anything.  If I disappear do not be surprised, we will, if all goes to plan, be home 1 April 2023 and that is not an April Fool!!


My local list of wildflowers. (91 Species 13/12/2022).

Joining up with My Corner of the World.



25 comments:

  1. Have a wonderful vacation, Diane! I especially love the insect photos!

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    1. Thanks so much Marie,we are looking forward to seeing our friends and also to see some sun! Keep well cheers Diane

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  2. Ain't those little creatures just gorgeous! Really love your macro shots...they are excellent! We have been having lots of rain here too, and it's unseasonably warm. 9C degrees in Jan. is just not right.

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    1. It is warm for this time of the year but anything under 20C to me is cold 😊 Thanks so much for the comment Diane

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  3. As always, your close shots are amazing. I am so excited about your holiday.

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  4. Have a wonderful time in South Africa, Diane. We'll all look forward to your return in April. Bonnes vacances. Bisous - David

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    1. Thanks David I hope that we will come back with some interesting photos but 9 weeks of photos might take me a year to sort them out! Bisous Diane

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  5. Delightful series of photos and great macros! Thanks so much for sharing them Diane and all the best :)

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    1. Thanks Denise, I always enjoy hearing from you. Take care Diae

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  6. Gorgeous photos, as always, Diane. I think that your hoverfly may be Platycheirus scutatus, but Meliscaeva auricollis is also a candidate.

    I hope that you have a wonderful time in RSA and look forward to hearing of your adventures when you return. My very best wishes to you both - - - Richard

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    1. Many thanks Richard I think you have it spot on with Platycheirus scutatus, it is closer than any of the ones I came up with and it is not in my book.

      We are both looking forward to the trip but I am wondering how long it is going to take me to go through 9 weeks of photos!!!!

      Very best wishes to you both and I hope that Lindsay is now on the mend, not a good experience! Take care, cheers Diane

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    1. Thanks Pam, I hope that you are well. Take care Diane

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  8. Hi Diane - just enjoy the time away ... we'll always be here to look when something new appears here. Your photos are always excellent ... Bergenia Crassifolia - I think has thick hairy leaves ... large elephant like - except I haven't seen hairy elephant ears, though haven't been that close recently! Cheers Hilary

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    1. Thanks Hilary. Our plant has thickish leaves but not that big, What I know as an elephant ear plant is (Colocasia). I am hoping all our travels go to plan. We are traveling all over.
      Keep well and take care, Cheers Diane

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  9. Bonjour Diane,
    La nature commence à se réveiller malheureusement le froid revient :(
    Le premier oiseau est le rougegorge Diane, pas de merle ;-)
    Le 1er avril, dis donc c'est loin. En attendant si on ne se revoit pas, à bientôt et bon voyage !!!!
    Bisous

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    1. Je ne comprends pas. Je l'ai comme un rouge-gorge (Erithacus rubecula), pas un merle (Turdus merula) !!!!
      Bon dimanche. Bisous Diane

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  10. Always love your excellent macro shots. Enjoy your holiday.

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    1. Thanks very much, I hope the holiday all goes as planned and no mishaps. Two months is a long time 😊 Cheers t'other Diane

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  11. Have a great holiday Diane. Looks like you're escaping at an ideal time anmd then back at home in time for the spring.

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    1. I think Phil, looking at the weather forecast you are right and it can only be better in April than it is at present!! Thanks for the visit. Keep well, Cheers Diane

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  12. Great shots! Hope you have a wonderful trip.

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    1. Thanks Pam I hope all runs to plan but we have bad weather and strikes to cope with before we get there!! Keep well Diane

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  13. Great photos of insects. Enjoy your holidays.

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    1. Thanks Nancy I am sure we will once we get there. It is a long trip as we have to go via the UK so two stops on route and a change of airports in the UK!! Take care Diane

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