Hummingbird Hawkmoth

The Hummingbird Hawkmoth has an amazing ability to choose suitable coloured roosting sites. This one chose Laburnum pods in my garden today and was very difficult to spot.

Designer Fly Agaric

Amongst the many Fly Agarics at the Lodge today was this interesting 'designer' version.

Shaggy Inkcap (?) MVCP

This fungi was near the path at Stewartby Lake at beginning of the climb up to the the hilly area near the lagoon corner if you approach from the sailing club side. I'm guessing it might be a Shaggy Inkcap purely because it was shaggy and inky but I've not looked it up so I would appreciate it if anyone would let me know what it actually is... Photo by Martin Green.

Apple Mine

There were around 25 Vespula vulgaris excavating into this single apple at Mowsbury Hill LNR. Here's one making off with some pulp:


Photo by Keith Balmer

Chequers and Medlars

Two of our more unusual fruits can be seen at the moment at Mowsbury Hill LNR; Chequers on the Wild Service Tree:


and Medlars, which apparently need "bletting" before they can be used:


Photos by Keith Balmer

A pristine Light Emerald at the Lodge today.


This Wasp Spider at the Lodge old heath today is apparently the first for the reserve, although they have been recorded at Sandy Heath quarry across the road.

Grass Snake - West Wood

This obliging Grass Snake posed between two fungi in West Wood before making a hasty retreat.