Category: David

Black tulips (actually a more or less deep purple) seem to be in fashion this year. These, in the Dutch Garden at the back of Bantock House, were particularly fancy with their elaborate petals.

Bumblebee on an early morning search for provisions, here on alkanet flowers growing overhanging the canal at Newbridge. I liked the way the furriness of the bee’s body echoed the protective hairs on the stems and leaves of the plant.

Chicken of the woods fungus growing in thick layers on the trunk of a tree in a garden in Worfield a few days ago.

Blue butterflies aren’t always easy to distinguish. Several species are on the small size, tend to be wary while in the air, and to rest with their wings closed showing the nondescript underwings while at rest.

If one keeps on landing on a holly bush, that’s a sign it might be a holly blue. If it occastionally opens its wings enough to show the black edge to the upper wing, that gives confirmation.

Waterlily leaves on the small pond in Bantock Park recently.

Male common blue damselfly (the females are paler and harder to spot) resting on a leaf near the edge of the vegetation fringing the pool in Compton Park. The first one to arrive this year.