What's buzzing or flying near you 2024 ?

Not a paper wasp for me as it is not as yellow. I too have seen a number of odd looking insects in the garden and thought "nomad bee", but I could never capture such stunning pictures - well done @pitter-patter

 

Might be worth a post here as they seem to specialise in such things.

 

Thank you. I don’t think it’s a paper wasp either. Lovely to have them in the garden whatever they are.

 

Reed Warbler.

 

Had brimstone and orange tips again around the garden. Only 2 swallows and a green wood pecker happy in the sheep field after the ants.

 

How lucky to find a reed warbler that's not hidden deep in a reed bed! Much easier to hear them than see them.

 

I only opened my lounge window for a minute last night, but this chap clearly took advantage and I found him seated comfortably when I got up this morning. Cockchafer beetle.

 

Robin update: there are three eggs in the nest and I’ve just caught a glimpse of the robin sitting on them. Is it still alright to do jobs around the area? This is really in the middle of the garden…

 

They should be quite nervous following the internet. Normally they don’t want to have someone around who makes noises. Should be over in 3 to 4 weeks.
Maybe another checkpoint we have to set: finish all gardening until early May.

 

I have had two baby starlings with mum and dad on my feeders regularly for the last few days. One baby was pecking at the coconut half by itself today so hopefully mum and dad will get a rest soon. they are really funny, with their beaks wide open, and almost falling off their perches - I will miss them.

 

Mr Robin increased his pick up rate 1000% today - he has chicks! No Mrs Robin this week is another definite indication. So I've increased my output of mealworms (a bit). It's amazing how much closer he will now get i.e. almost on my shoulder whilst I add to his feed tray. He now calls on demand, him demanding I add more worms... The OH goes out and gets the same - all these ugly humans look the same to me he whistles ....

 

Many robins aren't too bothered by general activity if they're used to you working and being around @pitter-patter , but if you can minimise the amount of time you're there, or close by, that will help.
They really should think harder about choosing their sites shouldn't they?

I spotted a damselfly again yesterday when having a seat for five minutes. No chance of getting a pic unfortunately. The bees were all out in force too though. Lovely.

 

A hornet again indoors. Is it the same one? Orange tips again. Can't be the same one all the time as they are all over the garden. 2 swallows....still not the numbers that should be here. Speckled Woods are a plenty as are the Large Whites. Song thrush singing again all morning and yes it is raining now (but only a drizzle).Blackbirds again all over the place. Robins nesting in the ivy around one of the quince trees.

 

Seen the local robin feeding a chic today ,the chic looked bigger than the adult.
Blue tits nesting in a box on the fence. I think she's been sitting on eggs for about ten days so hopefully they hatch soon. Male hops around on a tree overlooking the box and keeps watch or brings her food.