Nature Activity Day 2

Good morning all,
Thank you for all the kind comments yesterday and glad to note that 44 people had a look at yesterday's activity suggestion. If you found any bees, well done. There were a few in my garden and I suspect more today with temperatures forecast to top 11C by early afternoon. Whilst the weather remains perfect for being outside I shall carry on with things to do in the garden. When it turns wet I have loads of indoor ideas, too.
I had an email and photo sent to me by Jen and her son. They found this creature and managed a great photo making identification easy.

Jen and her son found this Dark edged bee fly

These will be in many gardens today, look for the long, sharp proboscis which is just a glorified straw for drinking nectar. This fly lays its eggs by flicking them, whilst in flight near or into a bee nest, usually the nest of an Oak mining bee. The larvae hatch and crawl into the nest to feed upon the larvae of the bee. All clever stuff.
Here's a photo I got of one last year in our local Community Wood.

Today, I think, as well as searching for bee flies and other bees and flies it is possible that early butterflies will be flying. Sometime after noon will be best, up until 3.30pm when the temperature starts to drop.
So, today, how about getting into the garden and keeping an eye out for any butterflies. The 4 most likely species will be these.

Small tortoiseshell
Comma
Peacock
Brimstone.

Brimstone the only yellow or green butterfly you'll see

Comma, note the ragged edge to the wings

Peacock, note the large "eye spots" one on each wing

Small tortoiseshell, look for the blue markings on the edge of the hind wing

A good tip for getting a butterfly photo is to move slowly towards it as it sits on a leaf, flower or fence, usually in full sun. Make sure you do not cast a shadow over it as it will fly off immediately. Therefore, check where the sun is and where your shadow is before you stalk it. Not always easy but worth remembering

If no butterflies appear there is bound to be something and I will be very pleased to see your photos or, something for children and adults before it gets warm, a drawing, painting or felt tip picture of one of these butterflies. Just print off a photo and give it a go. Phone photo to jforgham"at"hotmail.com
Best of luck and share the link.
There is another nature suggestion in today's Bishop's Stortford Independent if you are shopping and see a copy. Out today and, no, I have not been paid to write that lol. I don't get paid for the article either!!