Birds and more bees

A red tailed  queen bumble bee has been visiting the garden. Probably looking for a nest site. this bee has an all-black body with a red tail. I also observed a brown carder bee visiting the pulmonaria plant (below).

There has also been a great increase in bird activity over the last few days. The blackbirds are piping out their beautiful flute-like song, not for out ears but to attract a mate and defend a terrritory. Goldfinches still pass through in small groups.

The blue tits are the most vocal of the small birds, especially in the apple tree in our neighbours garden.

However their calls can also be heard from all around, also the 'see-saw' call of the great tit. seen more often than heard at the moment.