Out with a Camera

John was out and about yesterday and spotted these House Martins on the far bank of Spigot Mere, collecting mud for their nests.

Continuing his travels with his macro camera into the back garden, an insect decided to come and have a closer look at what he was doing.  So this photograph was the result.  It has been identified as Birch Sawfly. Cimbex femoratus.  It is yet another new species for the reserve.

Whilst checking up on this insect I came across a photograph of a similar larva, which is likely to be Woolly Alder Sawfly.

More cameras in action, which is interesting but not of calendar standard.  A big shadow for a tiny Heather Ladybird.

Freshwater shrimps are not often seen in the ponds and becks of Foxglove but these were spotted in the exit pipe from Spigot Mere.  They are indicators that the water they live in is free from pollutants.

Thank you to John and Gerry for being out and about with their cameras.