Also seen was a couple of Grey Herons, 2 Mute Swans, and winter Thrushes. Several Goldcrests were seen including a small flock moving through mixed woodland, one of these diminutive birds was seen foraging and hanging Tit-like on the finest outermost growths of twigs.
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Goldcrest
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I am trying to improve upon my knowledge of the insect world, and indeed, at Hockham this afternoon, I saw a large insect which at that time I was unsure of its identity, however, research at home revealed this to be a Sabre Wasp - Rhyssa persuasoria. I am sure I have the correct species here, but please correct me if I am wrong. UPDATE 13/11/16: One of my followers has recently contacted me and corrected my original thoughts on this insect and advised me this is a Lissonota species, an insect I have not seen before.
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| Lissonota species at Hockham 28th October 2016 |
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| Ladybird species at Hockham 28th October 2016 (Unsure of its correct identity) |
Happy Birthday Paul! Sorry we did not get to meet up for some viz-migging this Autumn, but I hope we can look forward to a good spring session in The Brecks.
ReplyDeleteYour ladybird is a Harlequin, an invasive species and quite variable as an image search will show. We found 4 nestled together just inside a window here yesterday.
Cheers,
Jim.
Thank you very much Jim. I hope you are getting on ok. A spring session would be great...would really look forward to that.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your ladybird identification, so many of different species very abundant at the moment.
I have been asked to conduct bird walks again in 2017 and I will be covering the same areas as in my previous tours. These walks start March 21st. I will never forget your valuable assistance when you took me around Surlingham Church Marsh and I will reflect upon your help when I take a party around next March.
Paul
Great- let's get in touch nearer the time, hopefully you will be able to show your touring group some Bearded Tits after a good year at Church Marsh.
ReplyDeleteHi Paul... your Sabre Wasp isn't I'm afraid. It is more likely to be a Lissonota species... can't go further than that with one shot.
ReplyDeleteYou have captured a very interesting view of the Ichneumonidae... she is using her antennae to sense for a suitable grub to lay into.
Your original thoughts require yellow markings down the abdomen, on the thorax and the head as well.
Whichever Lissonota she may be, your picture is a great one!! Lovely to see... something I have only seen once... and then so briefly that I didn't realise what I'd seen until I was talking to someone else!!
Your ladybird is, as Jim states, a Harlequin... in the dark-morph that seems to be everywhere at the moment... it can be told easily from the dark-morph of the Two-spot... the Two-spot has a black head/thorax... and the two larger red spots.... are further forward.
While the Two-spot is smaller...slightly...than the Seven-spot or Harlequin... size is no differentiation... Harlequins are not only a ladybird of many coats, they come in a goodly variety of sizes depending on available diet.
And the reason for so many species being around at the moment is the same for them all... looking for a good Winter dormitory!!
I love the new header picture btw... cracker of a shot that!!
Hi Tim
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have corrected me with the identification of the Lissonota species, something I have never seen before. My knowledge of insect species is limited, therefore I am glad you have helped me with this beauty.
I have not seen Ladybirds in such numbers since 1976, some spectacular species seen too.
Many thanks for your comments Tim on the Water Rail shot, a difficult species to photograph.
I hope all is well with you Tim and that you are looking forward to seeing what winter brings. We have what appears to be a large Waxwing arrival, mostly at coastal localities at the moment, however, once the berry crop has been stripped the Waxwings will then move inland....will be checking all suitable areas Tim.
Paul