Bumblebee slow motion take off

Yesterday saw the arrival of the very large bumble bees, I don’t think I have seen ones that big since being in Spain. But they also love the buddleia, even disappearing into it on their forage. But this one was a timely hit of the record button in slow motion as it took off. It was only after playing it back did I realise that the sound had picked up the wings sounding like a chopper 🙂 – sound on for full effect.

(c) K Wicks

House guest

We have a few house guests that have taken up residence. Two appeared in the utility at opposite ends, but one was having a photogenic moment.

I also rescued a small one out of the bath yesterday and put it on the bathroom fern, so presume that one is still around too. I don’t mind them if they don’t surprise me. And they live if they stay off the floor. My dog has a habit of ‘playing’ with them, which never ends well for the spider.

(c) K Wicks

Buddleia, bees and butterflies

It has taken a while, but finally the buddleia bush is blooming. Not so much on the purple this year, the white has decided to shine through on this tri coloured variety. Although up until now, it’s only been purple last year, purple and white this year, so not sure where the third colour has gone. The birds kept nipping off the little buds when they appeared in spring, so maybe that did something to affect it. But since it has gone for it, and the weather has warmed again, it has been inundated with bees and butterflies. Red admirals, honey bees, tortoiseshells and bumble bees. Also had a small white yesterday as well. I have finally got the right flowers!

(c) K Wicks