Nature notes and photos for September - specifically 15 September 2024, when Denise Long took these pictures. For a full-size view, click on each image.

In a year which has reportedly been one of the worst on record for butterfly sightings, there has been a last minute flurry of activity. Several Red Admirals have been spotted and this is one of a pair seen at the Rec The very wet weather we had earlier this year is thought to have been to blame and we can only hope that the numbers bounce back next year.

Three species of hoverfly amongst many spotted on the beautiful Aster Mönch (Michaelmas daisy). Taken in the Pollinator Patch.

A Tachinid fly called Eriothrix rufomaculata …..at least I think it’s that one! Tachnid fies are endoparasitoids which means they develop within the bodies of other insects.

And not least of the insects on the Aster Monch are the bees. Here, the Buff-tailed bumblebee and Common carder bee.

The beautiful dried seed pods of Love-in-the-Mist (Nigella damascena). This lovely annual self seeds very readily and its pale blue flowers can be seen across the front of the Pollinator Patch in the summer months.

That's all for now. But, once again, please leave things like hollow stems, piles of twigs, leaves etc undisturbed in sheltered spots. They make ideal places for overwintering insects and other creatures to hide in.

Friends of Portswood Rec, Southampton, UK