Some Photos From Brian and Min

Firstly, my apologies for not posting on the blog for a while - I have been a bit busy and otherwise preoccupied. These photos were received a few days ago from our Chairman, Brian Hammond, and from group member Min Bell. My thanks for your much-appreciated contributions.

Here are Brian's photos, which are of shieldbugs. Brian also noted:- "Lot's of Green Shieldbugs (Palomena prasina) around at the moment. Haven't got a good picture from this year yet but here is one from 2019. Woundwort shieldbug (Eysarcoris venustissimusis) is tiny only 4-5mm. A very pretty small bug with a long name it was a devil to photograph as it wouldn't stay still. It also feeds on White Deadnettle & there is lots of that around Blackfordby at the moment."

Common Green Shieldbug (Palomena prasina) (adult) - Blackfordby

Woundwort Shieldbug  (Eysarcoris venustissimusis) (adult) - Blackfordby

I have noted these as being 'adult' as shieldbugs, like many other beetles, bugs, etc. have several 'instars' before achieving adulthood, with the instars looking somewhat different to adults. You can find an excellent ID guide to shieldbugs here:-  https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/idcards/life_stages.html.

Min's contribution also came with a brief note:- "I don't have a good enough camera for garden birds. These starlings are very cheeky! And the blackbirds are nesting next door. The footballer was also obliging." - Sorry, Min, but I have to disagree with you about the standard of your camera - these photos are delightful!

"Starling queuing for grub" - Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - Blackfordby

"Hen Blackbird also waiting" - Blackbird (Turdus merula) (female) - Blackfordby

Min also photographed this hoverfly which has a very apt common name!

The Footballer (Helophilus hybridus) - Blackfordby

That's all for this post. I have some more of Brian's photos waiting for a future blog post.

In the meantime, take great care and stay safe - - - Richard