Bee-fly

Despite the very bright moon last night, we ran the moth trap. This morning there were four species in the trap: lots of Common Quakers and singletons of Hebrew Character, Small Quaker and Oak Beauty. The last species is rather magnificent, with wings patterned in cream, brown and black and feathered antennae - it can be seen here.

I thought this moth would be my blip for the day, but while I was gardening I spotted the first bee-fly of the spring. At first it was flying low over areas of bare soil, but then it hovered in front of a violet flower to drink some nectar before landing on a stone to bask in the sun. I was able to get quite close to it on its stone, by lying on the ground and approaching very slowly from the side, taking care not to cast a shadow over it.

Like bumble bees, bee-flies are covered in hair. They have a long proboscis (clearly seen here) for drinking nectar from deep flowers. When at rest (which is rare) you can see the wings have dark markings along the leading edges. Bee-flies are expert flyers, and make a high pitched buzzing sound while they hover around flowers, with their long, stilt-like legs dangling below them.

Late this afternoon Pete and I went to a meeting at a neighbours house to discuss arrangements for a street party on the 29th April. I don't think anyone gives two hoots about the royal wedding, but it's a fine excuse for a party! I got home to find that Alex had returned from Sheffleld with no skin on his left elbow. Apparently he'd jumped down a bank in the dark, not realising there was concrete at the bottom. Antiseptic and bandages were applied - so far he seems fairly cheerful about it - but it's very red and weepy, so I hope it's not going to get seriously infected! Teenagers!