AdrianDowling

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@iancbeavis We went to France to see it Ian, and what an experience it was. To see totality, the diamond ring and Bailey's Beads is something I will never forget. I remember how long it took to get dark, but was instant daylight again straight after totality. One of natures many marvels.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@iancbeavis Thank you Ian, me too, and I always appreciate your assistance in getting there.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

Hi Ian, sorry me again! I photographed my first ever Blood Bee yesterday, and wonder if this looks good for S. ephippius (f). I know they are almost impossible to ID from photos, but it seems to key out well from the photos that I took. Wing length of 5mm also fits @iancbeavis

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@iancbeavis Thank you once again for your assistance Ian. I have checked the photos again on the PC and I can’t see any sign of punctures on the back of the head, and virtually no hairs on the back slope of the abdomen, so it all looks good for ephippius.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@iancbeavis Thank you for taking a look Ian. I have found a selection of Nomad bees in my garden, but never one marked like this, a pity it got away. I couldn't understand why I was having so much trouble with it, but I know it can be almost impossible from just a photo.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

Stuck on an ID for this Nomad, Grabbed a couple of shots but lost it trying to pot it. Smaller than ruficornis, could it be N.hirtipes? Our hedges are mixed Hawthorn & F.Maple, so A.bucephela may be present but may have been overlooked so far. Help appreciated pls. @iancbeavis

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@ElinaSvitolina @AustralianOpen @TennisAustralia Congratulations Elina, back in the top 10 again. Onwards & upwards, you've got this!

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@ElinaSvitolina Congratulations Elina.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@MarcHeathym007 @BDSdragonflies @ScotlandBds Merry Christmas Marc, I'm already looking forward to next season to see what surprises it offers.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@iancbeavis Thank you Ian, I just wanted to check as I haven't seen one before. Pity it didn't hang around for me to get a better photo!

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

Hi Ian, am I correct in thinking that this is a Pipiza austriaca please, going by the swollen hind femur, dark wing cloud and pale hairs on the tergites. It landed at my pond just long enough for me to get one (not very good) photo then wasn't seen again. @iancbeavis

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@MarcHeathym007 @Sandwichbirdobs @BDSdragonflies @smallshire @Britnatureguide @britwildlife @BBCSpringwatch It was good to catch up again today Marc, and thanks for your help. Great to be able to get shots of a mating pair today.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@MarcHeathym007 @BDSdragonflies @smallshire Well done Marc, it's nice that your dedication and hard work are being rewarded.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@SteveAshton55 Fantastic shot Steve, a species on my bucket list to see & photograph one day (hopefully)

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@iancbeavis Thank you for your time and confirmation Ian, I always appreciate your help.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

I'm still struggling with my Bee ID's, but am I correct in thinking that this is a female A.nitida. Thorax colour looks right to me as do the sparse hairs on the tergites, but I can't see much white under the thorax. Please can you confirm or correct. Many thanks. @iancbeavis

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@GaryWatton1 @Sandwichbirdobs @KentishPlover @BirdGuides @RareBirdAlertUK Lovely shot Gary, the best I have seen of them so far.

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@MarcHeathym007 @BDSdragonflies @ScotlandBds @Britnatureguide @NatureUK @BBCSpringwatch Merry Christmas Marc, here's to an Odonata filled 2025!

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@stevereynaert @amjlip Nice one Steve, another great record for Kent. Is that a lifer for you?

[AdrianDowling @AdrianDowling13]

@Sandwichbirdobs @amjlip @BDSdragonflies That's great news, let's hope they build into a viable population. Great to have another species locally. Well done to all involved.