Must get blogging again!
Stopped in our tracks by a flying stag beetle.
Inelegant in the air but so amazing on the ground.
It struggled to pack away its delicate orange wings, like stuffing a parachute back in its bag.
Then trundled off to find a mate.

Autumn is truly upon us, disturbed a pipistrelle bat and a wren sharing sanctuary in the church porch

The lavender is heavy with bees. The bumble bees seem to be the first to rise in the morning, followed soon by the honey bees and finally any number of different butterflies.

Went swimming with newts. The lazy warm water was thick with living things. A single hawker made eye contact as he patrolled his territory.

Swallows chatter in conversation on the telegraph wires.

We have ducklings on our pond. Three dainty, speckled, fluffy chicks dabbling amongst the yellow flags.

Our Summer Solstice treat - watching the nightjars displaying at sunset over the heathland.

Stopped in our tracks by a large signal crayfish, standing his ground in the middle of the ford - pincers raised high, ready to take on any opponent!