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11/08/2011

my photo

HOVERFLIES

There are about 6000 species and 200 genera in the family.

I get to see many varieties in my own garden, including this rather impressive one, which I believe to be Volucella zonaria!

Please let me know if you know otherwise?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...: I've never seen one but we have tiny looking bees.; 12 August 2011 at 07:33
Anonymous said...: Apparently it's been a good year for hoverflies, and I've certainly far more than I usually do! Flighty xx; 12 August 2011 at 07:59
elaine said...: The garden has been full of hoverflies this year which is no bad thing; 12 August 2011 at 20:45
trish said...: How funny, I just scheduled a post for tomorrow with a little bit about hoverflies. Aren't they wonderful!xxx; 12 August 2011 at 22:48
nikkipolani said...: So cute, Louise. Is that cerinthe that it's on?; 13 August 2011 at 16:43
Jenny said...: This is such a beautiful blog. Glad I found your garden! xo Jenny; 21 August 2011 at 05:32

SPARROWHAWK ...

I've seen many a sparrowhawk playing at being remarkably agile in my garden over the years, but not until today had I had the opportunity to view one at such close range. Such a fascinating bird, it had decided to perch on my back fence for at least five minutes, spending the time carefully observing its surroundings. Suddenly it took me by surprise by flying off at a sharp angle low into a lilac tree. I could hear the other birds being taken by surprise too, and whether it got its catch I do not know? That was the last I saw of it.