Garden Bumblebee (Bombus hortorum) is one of four species found visiting flowers in my garden at present, the bees are particularly attracted to the flowers of Honeysuckle. This species of bee has a very long tongue so has no trouble reaching the nectar. The tongue can easily be seen unfolding as the bee approaches the flowers, if the flowers are close together the tongue if often kept extended.
Bombus hortorum approaching Honeysuckle flower with tongue extended.
The small pond next to the footpath north from the viewpoint at Castle Water has a good selection of dragonflies and damselflies at the moment. During sunny and warm periods Downy Emerald, Emperor, Hairy Hawker and Four-spotted Chaser can all be found, which gives a good chance to watch the different species interact. Red-eyed, Azure and Variable damseflies can also be seen ovipositing. Species emerging in the reedy margins include Brown Hawker (exuvia pictured below) and Common Darter (pictured below).
Brown Hawker exuvia