Dry weather and hoverflies are emerging in bigger numbers, finally got my first Helophilus pendulus of the year, but still a few common species missing most notably Cheilosia proxima. But nevertheless I have reached 70 species for the year. Some good sightings at various places over the last week include Cheilosia lasiopa, Chrysotoxum festivum, Parasyrphus lineola and I think I have Parasyrphus vittiger as a specimen from Garnwen, the only other Welsh record is from here a few years back at the same Hawthorn tree !.but will have to wait for confirmation from Roger Morris at the end of year. Hawthorn has served me well this year, but now its umbellifer season with firstly Ground Elder and Hemlock Water- droplet for the next 3 weeks before Hogweed and Angelica flower. Lots of Volucella bombylans of both forms around at the moment with Bramble finally blooming.
The first Large Skipper butterflies have emerged as are Gold-ringed Dragonfly and various Hawkers. Bugs include Rhopalus subrufus but no Forester or Burnet moths yet, but there are literally hundreds of Burnet Companion, Soldier beetles and Oedemera beetles of various species are also very abundant too.
A maximum of 12 Swifts are over Caerau at the moment in the evenings. Protheroe Street, George Street, Victoria Street, Church Street and Caerau Road all looking like they are holding colonies. Cuckoos are still plentiful but am yet to see a Garden Warbler. House Martins sem to be lacking but Swallows are staring to be more noticeable.
No comments:
Post a Comment