Wild flower meadows are very busy places. I learned a long time ago that it’s important to watch where your feet fall to keep from crushing any little creatures. Fortunately, you don’t need to be an expert to discover the variety of life, just a sharp pair of eyes.
Last of the common spotted orchids
Although, that can be said of many places; just this morning as I peddled my way to work I had to stop to move a slow worm off the road. I safely relocated it in some grass nearby to avoid any accidents.
A word or advice though, if you do the same maybe check before you slam on the brakes...the rider following me nearly ran up my back. Unfortunately in all the excitement I neglected to take any photos. This blog is the only record of my heroics!
After spending the rest of the day at work, the bank of wild flowers outside the window decided me on a visit to Coombes Valley.
With only an hour to spare I spent it in the meadow amongst the hustle and bustle of busy insects, the sun was shining and there were butterflies and moths a plenty.
Small skipper
Now, when it comes to identifying creatures I am reasonable with birds and can recognise a few well known butterflies and moths. I’m even fairly knowledgeable when it comes to steam engines. Useful down the road at the Churnet Valley railway but not hugely helpful when it comes to wild flowers and insects. Thank heavens for Google!
Bumble bee on Betony
There were plenty of bees amongst the betony and I’ve been scratching my head over this one. I think it’s a tree bumble bee but I’m definitely not sure, so if you can offer a better identification please do!
Casting my camera lens around, I took this quick snap of a hoverfly also on some betony. There are so many species of fly that the variety never ceases to amaze me and I can only hazard a guess at the identity of this one.
Hover fly on betony
There were many butterflies and moths and meadow browns and small skippers flitted through the flowers and grasses.
Meadow brown
I had a go at identifying the two spiders below but I know absolutely nothing about arachnids. I think they’re fascinating creatures and there were so many but because they are masters of lying low and sneaking through the grass. It makes taking a clear shot with a macro lens a bit of a challenge.
Daddy long legs
Coelotes atropos (possibly)
Talking of difficult-to-spot camouflaged creatures, the photo below is a prime example.
Spot the moth
Below is a photograph of an antler moth. For those interested I used a Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 DI LD Macro 1:2. I’ve had it a few years now and it enables me to take photographs from a distance so as to not intrude on the subject, and at an affordable price.
Antler moth - cerapteryx graminis
Finally, a view towards the gate opening into the wild orchid meadow from the path to the valley view point.
Another great visit to Coombes valley, hopefully back again in the autumn.
Ben