Saturday 25 June 2011

Tree Sparrows



Tree Sparrows nest Building at Timble

Tree Pipit



Tree Pipit Stainburn Forest

Wednesday 15 June 2011

ID help please



First of I know the pictures are not great; low light, windy day, hand held camera all my excuses for poor shots; however ID and behaviour help required please!
I was watching what I assumed was an Ichyneumans Wasp laying eggs in the tissue of a curled up nettle leaf, however when consulting the trusty Collins guide at home I read that Ichyneumons generally lay eggs in caterpillars. Further research suggested that it might be a species of Sawfly since they lay eggs in plant tissue and the larvae are vegetarian, also no obvious waist between the thorax and abdomen.
Then again if it is an Ichyneumons species it could be probing beyond the nettle in to whatever creature had caused the nettle leaf to curl.
Any ideas on ID and beahiour?
Almost forgot, the pictures were taken at St Ives.

Sunday 12 June 2011

Aerial Mastery at Redcar Tarn






Saturday morning at Redcar Tarn gave plenty of opportunities for practicing BIF shots with about 100 Swifts, 150 Sand Martin but just two House Martins. Surprisingly though, I didn't see any Swallows.

Sunday 5 June 2011