What have you seen

Watched a proper aerial “dog fight” a couple of days ago, two red kites v two buzzards. Incredible aerobatics. Day later, Red Arrows flew across as I was coming up A1. 

Must do better with my macro photography but can anyone identify this visitor to the awning? Think it’s a kind of mimic fly.

Having one through my insect book it looks like a large Hover Fly or a Horse Fly by looking at the wing patterns, yes you must try harder with your macro photography Miickysf ha ha.

The Golden Orioles were about again this morning quite a few young ones all calling and again managed to see a few flying about great colours.

Really envious, we’ve had a few flying around this year, all seem to be alone and none seem to settle in one place and nest.

At least the Bee Eaters are still about here

Thanks, it really looked like a bumble bee on first sight and appeared to have pollen on the body. 

I’m in awe ‘your’ orioles, any decent photos?😉

We had a nice carpet off flowers during our walks today up on the Limestone of Cunswick Fell and Scout Scar.....Harebells, Field Scabious, Lady's Bedstraw, Common Hedgenettle (Betony),  Yellow Rock Roses and Wild Thyme.

No photos yet mickysf they just move to quick.

Also got the Turtle Doves cooing and that takes me back to my childhood in Shropshire when we had them cooing around the fields and Nightingales in one corner of the field.

This year has be good for wildflowers NH but now a lot are going over due to the heat.

Damp hard path walk this morning. Ground is grateful for the moisture, decent rain yesterday afternoon too.

Was concerned again today, first concerned on Wednesday on the same walk, deviated to fields and woods soon after the start then, to see swallows  gathering on the telephone wires. Several on at least 3 different wires. Summer hasn't been much but didn't like this signal! Again this morning there were a few gathering on the wires. I don't recall them doing this before getting ready for migrating.  

Wednesday was a grey warm day so not weather related?

Have witnessed such gatherings of swallows in previous years. They may well be recently fledged and will hang around. They will often help parent birds with raising a second or subsequent brood. Nothing to be concerned about I hope.

Phew

Probably not paid enough attention previously 🤣