31 Aug 2016

Wildlife Wednesday: Standing room only

Hoverfly on sage

What is that tiny creature?
Is that a Minpin in my garden scaling the heights of a salvia branch? 
Let's take a closer look.


Hoverfly close up

Umm... I'm not sure that helps - the image could benefit from being a tad sharper. I like to think that this looks like a tiny winged Ewok standing perched on the ledge of the salvia flower.  Look how his little feet and hands are firmly planted while he feasts.

I'm fascinated by the tiny kingdom of bugs that visit the garden. Salvia flowers are tiny but deep; I've watched bees grab the flower at the base and drill through the sides to get at the nectar inside. This hoverfly could obviously get what he wanted from an easier route in.

The operation was seamless: a horizontal approach to the target, home in, landing gear down, munch. Perfect. This was one of those moments that I always feel very privileged to witness. Nature is awesome.

Happy Wednesday! 


You probably know this already:
Minpins are tiny people who live at the top of trees in the Forest of Sin, as told in Roald Dahl's last book 'The Minpins'
Ewoks are the forest creatures that help defeat the Galactic Empire in the Star Wars movies.

12 comments:

  1. The bees drilling into the bases of flowers is allegedly one reason why you sometimes get a poor set on Runner and Broad beans, because the bees get the nectar without doing their job of pollination. Might be true...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. An interesting theory, Mark, although I've never seen bees collecting nectar through the base of broad bean flowers, they usually climb right inside from my experience here. It would be interesting to know even though I've had no problems with beans setting so far. (Touch wood!)

      Delete
  2. I'm pretty sure Roald Dahl visited my school many years ago. I remember ripping a page out of a book and quickly scribbling a picture in an effort to be part of the group to meet him in. I was successful! I enjoy watching the insects wo visit my garden, I sprinkled a large mix of wild flower seeds around the fruit trees. The flowers produced have been wonderful x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roald Dahl is one of my literary heroes, I've loved all of his books as has my son - how amazing to have a memory of meeting him! I tried wildflower seeds under the fruit trees last year but it didn't come to much - too much shade and drought I think. I'm going to have a go with wildflower mixes in a different spot next year. Cx

      Delete
  3. I find the little creatures fascinating to. I had wondered whether my recent Wednesday posts should have been called Wildlife Wednesday instead of Wordless Wednesday are maybe even Wordless Wildlife Wednesday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Wildlife Wednesday is the way to go for me, Sue - I can never quite manage to be wordless! Maybe we should start a new meme (or whatever they call it!).

      Delete
  4. Yes privileged indeed-ain't nature awesome?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I almost feel sorry for people who are not in touch with nature in some form or other. I had to stop the maintenance gardeners here chopping down a four storey high jasmine this week; they didn't want to do it but one (ONE!) tenant in the block has complained that her kids have allergies and don't like the smell or the insects. (Maybe she should stop feeding them junk food then!!) The plant has been saved for now.

      Delete
  5. Like you I'm fascinated by all the insects I see on the plot. Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You do very well for wildlife on your plot, Flighty - lots of butterflies and other beneficials plus foxes and birds - lovely!

      Delete
  6. I am always fascinated by teeny critters! This post has me smiling, lovely!xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm always taking note of which creatures are most often seen in the garden, Dina. I used to have lots of lacewings but haven't seen any for a while now ... I wonder why? Glad you liked the post - I aim to please! :) xx

      Delete

Thank you to everyone who leaves a comment, it helps to know that my scribblings are being read! If you have a question, I'll answer it here or contact me via the 'Contact Me' form at the top.

Comment moderation is on to avoid spam nonsense getting published. No offence to genuine commenters who are very welcome!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...