Gee Up

I think it's a horse fly but never 100% sure these days.  Looks even better in large view.

Up early and out for a walk.  Local dog walkers out but a different lot from yesterday, so different conversations.  

The kites were noisy as I reached the top of the road and their nest would definitely appear to be within the grounds of the manor house, which is a couple of hundred yards away from our property.  We don't hear them quite as loudly, probably because their conifer hedge is almost the same height as one of the beech trees. 

Still very few insects around but spotted this beast resting up.  Gruesome would sum it up nicely.

Too hot to do anything much but the rowing at the European Games has kept me occupied, till now.