Andrew Ellis

Adore the countryside, flora and fauna. Amateur but increasingly dedicated ‘wildlife gardener’. Keen home baker. Happiest at home in my garden, or by water.

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

People that know me will understand why I'm so thrilled with the gift I've just been given by family visiting from the USA. Google 'Jonathans Spootle' if you don't know...🙂 https://t.co/Toe33dVOiP

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

Not the best video and slowed down to 1/2 speed.... but I always enjoy seeing a Hummingbird Hawkmoth joining all the bees in making good use of the Caryopteris and Verbena in the Early Autumn. #gardeningforwildlife

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

TBH it's not been a great week, for various reasons, so to end it with the tiny triumph of producing some fig jam has been incredibly therapeutic. I'd name all the ingredients, but it might be entered into a local competition, so perhaps not...as if anyone reads these posts! 😏

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

It just makes me smile when a plant arrives unexpectedly, and it's a beautiful one.

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

Our dog dislodged this pair of emperors from the meadow grass, leaving them vulnerable to being trodden on. Now safely relocated to 'carry on', but I couldn't resist a photograph. Sharing because they are simply beautiful. #dragonfly #Gardeningforwildlife #pond #Ransomesgarden

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

I've never seen our pond so low so early in the year, bodes very ill for late summer. But for now, the roach are enjoying a chironomid hatch this evening and I'm contemplating some reed management tomorrow. #pond #gardeningforwildlife #Ransomesgarden

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

@NatureSaxilby Thank you, that’s good to know and well worth a try. Quantity warning noted, I’m grateful.

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

A little ‘stand’ of Shaggy ink cap in our orchard, photographed over 4 days. I love watching them change so have not tried eating them, but gather they’re quite decent. #fungi

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

One to make @the_beeguy happy... Making more bumbles...

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

Could someone ID this all black bee for me please? @Ecoentogeek ?

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

When the news is just a constant stream of negativity, it's definitely a time to bake comfort food. Imho with chocolate brownie, it's all about the goo. #baking #aga #homemade

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

And that makes 6. #spider #gardeningforwildlife

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

As with last year, these beautiful wasp spiders have appeared in the meadow in August. I’ve counted these three so far, but assume I’ll find more if I spend time hunting for them. It’s far too hot to be doing that today. #spider #wildflowermeadow #gardeningforwildlife #waspspider

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

And another, that's five so far... taking plenty of pictures before a hungry pheasant or moorhen spots them... #waspspider #spider

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

And another... 🙂 Love the marking and body shape variations that make every one unique.

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

https://t.co/tkeMLIxhLv

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

How extraordinary and beautiful is slime mold?

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

A four spot chaser drying its wings having just emerged from the pond. Dragonflies are simply stunning insects. #dragonfly #pond #gardeningforwildlife

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

@Ecoentogeek Thank you Rory, much appreciated.

[Andrew Ellis @AndrewJohnEllis]

I love a good bee mimic, but can’t recall seeing this one in the garden before. I’d appreciate an ID if someone would be so kind?