moths – Page 3 – Bee in the Moment

What a Difference a Month Makes

Posted on 14/10/201914/10/2019 by BITM

A month ago I had a weeks holiday. Signs of autumn were beginning to mingle with late summer. Now October is here autumn has definitely arrived.

As I had another week off I decided to revisit my local park, observing changes from a month ago.

In September Roesel’s bush crickets (Metrioptera roeselii) were chirping everywhere, butterflies were flitting about and some flowers still bloomed amongst the meadow (see Relaxing into Autumn).

Upon my return last Tuesday the only sounds I heard were birds singing and the meadow area had been cut and baled. Cobwebs were visible in the long dew dampened grass around the edges of the woodland too.

Hawkweed, Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) were only just flowering still while the Ivy (Hedera) was in full bloom.

Ivy is fantastic for pollinators at this of year. I saw a few hoverflies flying to and from several flowers but the Honey bees (Apis mellifera), that were still active from the nearby hives would probably visit them too.

It was lovely to see dried seedheads of Wild carrot (Daucus carota)

and Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)

as I wondered around the park. They look beautiful but they are useful for insects to shelter in as well. In fact I noticed a ladybird snuggling amongst one of the Cow parsley seedheads. I also discovered field mushrooms (Agaricus campestris) growing amongst the grass.

Trees and shrubs were starting to show autumnal colours along with their ripe fruits. I found elderberries, sloe as well as haws on the Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) alongside Rosehips. However there were no longer any blackberries left on the brambles.

I noticed the leaves of one Horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) affected by the Horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella) moth.

Similarly there was evidence of caterpillars (most likely another moth) having been on a Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) tree.

The eggs and excrement are still visible on the nibbled leaves.

I ended my weeks holiday with a visit the Horniman museum in London.

On route to the train station I saw a Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) running across a path. It attempted to cross the road until either the traffic or pedestrians scared it into fleeing towards a nearby hedge. Once I arrived in London I realised that I never see rats in the underground any more. I used to enjoy seeing them scurrying between the tracks. I have owned pet rats for many years so I find wild rats intriguing. I also like to watch Squirrels as rodents tend to act in similar ways to one another. After lunch I observed two Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) scamper about.

The nearest squirrel had an acorn in its mouth and appeared to bury it in different places. I once saw a television programme on squirrels in which one was observed ‘pretending’ to bury a nut in several places while in the presence of other squirrels to avoid their stash being taken. Presumably this was occurring with the squirrels I was watching on Friday.

There is a butterfly house and aquarium at the Horniman museum. The butterflies were looking a little aged with their wings rather worn, however they were still beautiful. As soon as I entered the butterfly house a Malachite butterfly (Siproeta stelenes) landed on me which felt wonderfully welcoming.

The photo below shows a selection of the many butterflies I saw.

Feeding on the fruit are one Blue morpho (Morpho peleides), one Brown clipper (Parthenos Sylvia philippinensis), two Blue clipper (Parthenos Sylvia) and three Owl butterflies (Caligo memnon).

There were lots to see in the aquarium as well but my favourites were the White spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata); watching them was so relaxing.

Even at the weekend nature was visible. As I ate breakfast on Saturday morning I heard and watched a group of Coal tits (Periparus ater) on the Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) outside. I have never seen Coal tits on this tree before, I hope to see them again.

Another animal I became aware of last week was a Red fox (Vulpes vulpes). I first noticed it on my way home on Wednesday night and again on Sunday morning. It was making itself known on Saturday night too as it was being very vocal.

nature

🎵…I’m Laughing at Clouds, so Dark up Above… 🎶🎵🎶

Posted on 29/09/201929/09/2019 by BITM

What a much needed wet week. I don’t mind working in the rain too much but on Monday I struggled to keep upbeat. While waiting at a bus stop (without a shelter) during very heavy rain it started finding a way through my waterproofs. Singing helped keep me positive, although rain seeped into my singing too. Eventually the Morecambe and Wise ‘I’m Singing in the Rain’ sketch came to mind and I started giggling to myself. I didn’t go as far as splashing in puddles and dancing on the bench though.

Thankfully there were moments of respite during the day and a few insects braved the weather, mainly;

– a Common carder (Bombus pascuorum) bee on Caryopteris clandonensis ‘Dark Knight,

– a Heath bumblebee (Bombus jonellus) visiting some Asters,

– and two Cinnamon bugs (Corizus hyoscyami) on some dried Purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea) seedhead.

I’m not sure they would have managed to get much sap from the plant. At least the photo is better than the last one I took of a cinnamon bug (see Blooms, Bees and Bugs).

Last week I also noticed more Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) around. The softened ground has enabled them to cache nuts that are falling from the trees at the moment; hiding acorns keeping them busy.

Lots of Craneflies (Tipula paludosa) were noticeable too. Presumably I kept disturbing them as I worked because they were flying during the day. Their larvae, known as Leatherjackets, eat grass roots at night which causes patches of dead grass (therefore they are regarded pests of pristine lawns). Insect feeding birds gorge themselves on these, often leaving bits of loose grass where they have been. Unlike Leatherjackets, Craneflies don’t feed but try to find mates. It is possible to sex them, if the abdomen is pointed rather than squared it is a female (as the ovipositor can be seen). I still like to call them Daddy long legs as I did in childhood.

On Wednesday, as I worked near a pond, I witnessed a female Southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea) dragonfly laying eggs. She flew and stopped at various points around the pond edge, wherever there were gaps.

Then later in the week I discovered a Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) fungi on a tree trunk,

as well as a Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) moth. The Larvae of this moth feed on grasses.

The pattern on the forewings reminded me of stain glass windows and was very pretty.

nature

Quieter Days Ahead

Posted on 22/09/201922/09/2019 by BITM

We finally have some rain today, the start of some wetter weather this week. It looks very autumnal and very different from the weather of late. Although last week was still sunny and dry the amount of butterflies have reduced. However I do still see some Small white butterflies (Pieris rapae) flitting about. Wednesday was the best day for seeing these butterflies along with bees.

In a few gardens many late flowering plants are blooming nicely; this is especially important for pollinators that are still around in Autumn. Extending the season at the beginning of the year is just as helpful too. Early flowering bulbs, shrubs, wildflowers (including dandelions) Hellebores and Pulmonaria are great for the bees that forage in early spring. The first bees of spring are various solitary bees and the queens of some bumblebees (see Wildlife Trusts).

On Wednesday I saw;

– a Buff-tailed bumblebee (Nimbus terrestris) and Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) on Helianthus ‘Lemon queen’ flowers,

-Common carder bees (Bombus pascuorum) visiting Aster, Verbena bonariensis and Rudbeckia,

– and a Small white butterfly on Aster flowers.

On Friday I noticed more Common carder bees as they visited a hardy Fushia. This was the first time I noticed bees visit a Fushia so it was lovely to see it happen. These bees have long tongues and because they are small can collect nectar easily from Fushia flowers. However the two bumblebees I saw this week are larger and have short tongues which explains why I saw them visiting the Helianthus. Interestingly though Buff-tailed bumblebees are able to ‘rob’ nectar from bell shaped flowers by cutting a hole in the side of the flower to access the nectar. White-tailed bumblebees (Bombus lucorum) can also undertake nectar robbing. Even so single flowers, together with a variety of flower shapes are important for bees and other pollinators. Plus night scented flowers are beneficial for moths.

Another sighting from Wednesday was watching a Red Kite (Milvus milvus) soaring in circles above where I worked. I love hearing Red kites repeatedly call as they fly; it is a beautiful sound.

As well as insects and birds, occasionally I get to see wild mammals as I work too. There was an instance of this last Monday. I noticed a Fox (Vulpes vulpes) exiting a hedge and run into the neighbouring garden while I ate my lunch.

nature

“Here’s Looking at you Kid.”

Posted on 01/09/201901/09/2019 by BITM

Bank holiday weekend was roasting, especially Sunday therefore I decided to take it easy so I wouldn’t overheat. Even though I didn’t go out, nature came to me. While looking out of the window I noticed a Red Underwing (Catocala nupta) moth trying to remain in shade on an outside wall. This large moth (6.5-7.5cm wingspan) has predominantly red underwings with black and white markings, hence it’s common name. The food of this moths larvae are
Willow (Salix) and Poplar (Populus) trees.

I also managed to photograph one of this years Blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) brood in the Rowan (Sorbus) tree outside. They are definitely looking more like the adults now.

It’s also lovely to see the Rowan is full of ripe berries ready for the Thrushes (Turdus philomelos) and also the Redwings (Turdus iliacus) that I usually see in winter.

Monday was slightly cooler although it was still hotter than I prefer it to be. However armed with suncream, hat and water I visited Ham House and Garden in London. While walking round the grounds, bees, crickets and the occasional Ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) could be heard.
There was an extensive kitchen garden with cut flower and edible flower areas which I particularly enjoyed viewing.
I saw lots of Honey bees (Apis mellifera) on Globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus) within the kitchen garden.

There was another lovely sighting as I ate lunch too. Amongst the Wisteria (having a second flush of flowers) as well as some scaffolding was a Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) sitting on it’s nest. It didn’t move other than to blink as it was no doubt observing us all eating trying to remain undetected.

Upon my return there was a Speckled bush cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima) in the hall to welcome me home. As there was no ovipositor on the end of the abdomen (the appendage from which the female lays eggs) I identified it as male.

Long weekends are lovely but they still pass quickly and Tuesday rolled around again, so I was back to work.
I didn’t notice as many butterflies last week, although bees are still prevalent. During the warmest part of the day, when I was once again wilting, I noticed how active the Honey bees were on the Sedums even though they are only just starting to bloom.

I also observed a Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata) moth later that evening. It’s caterpillars feed on herbaceous plants especially Ivy (Hedera helix).

The nice weather of sunshine and low 20s temperature continued to the latter part of the week.

Once again it was Honey bees I mostly noticed on Sedums as well as some visiting

-Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstsonne’.

– and Erigeron karvinskianus.

However there was one plant I noticed that surprised me. In a wooded area a small patch of Cyclamen hederifolium was poking it’s flowers above the leaf litter and Ivy; Yet another sign of late Summer and the beginning of Autumn.

Then just when I thought I wouldn’t get to catch a proper view of a butterfly, I managed to see a Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) on a white Buddleja bush.

Lastly, I saw another moth in the hall, this time however it was a Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa) moth.

nature

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Posted on 11/08/201911/08/2019 by BITM

The weather at the beginning of last week started nicely. Early on a sunny Monday morning I spotted seven Large white (Pieris brassicae) butterfly caterpillars on a Nasturtium (Tropaeolum) plant.
Used as a companion plant near brassicas this plant has been sacrificed to prevent the butterfly eggs being laid on the cabbages.

Unknown to me at the time, I also photographed some caterpillar faeces as well as an undeveloped egg on the leaf. I don’t remember the loved childhood picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar mention poo (although I’m sure children would have loved that addition to the story).

As with elsewhere in the country, the weather continued to be unsettled throughout the week. Tuesday was mostly overcast but the bees were still out foraging. As the lavender (Lavandula) was over lots of Honeybees (Apis mellifera) started visiting the Echinops bannaticus.

Later the same day I managed to see another Male Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) butterfly too, this time visiting a Geranium.

Plus on Thursday I noticed a Holly blue (Celastrina argiolus) butterfly on some Verbena bonariensis. I haven’t seen Holly blue butterflies since spring, so that was nice.

Unfortunately on Wednesday I managed to disturb a Silver Y (Autographa gamma) moth.

Although this isn’t a great photo, it is clear enough to be able to identify the moth. I managed to identify it because of the shape and light colouring along with the unbroken y shaped silver marking on each forewing. This moth is a migrant, visiting from the continent. It can be seen here with the wings vibrating to warm up it’s flight muscles before flying off.

The week ended with a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew on Saturday. There were some insects braving the stronger winds and the afternoon rain.

Amongst the Wildflower meadow surrounding The Hive experience the flowers still blooming were; Red Campion (Silene dioica), Red clover (Trifolium pratense), Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Flatweed (Hypochaeris radicata) and Wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare).

Yarrow and Yellow toadflax along the path.

A Volucella inanis Hoverfly visiting the Wild marjoram.

In the Agius Evolution Garden there were lots of bees visiting the Salvias as well as a Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) on a hollyhock (Alcea)

and a Honey bee (Apis mellifera) visiting a Wallflower (Erysimum).

nature

Out and About

Posted on 04/08/201904/08/2019 by BITM

I spent a lovely day catching up with friends at Windsor Great Park.

Before setting off I noticed a Common rustic (Mesapamea secalis) moth in the hallway. The caterpillars of his moth feed on grasses and cereal crops.

Upon arrival at the park there was a lovely sight of wildflowers on the banks leading to the entrance.

While walking around we spotted a swan (Cygnus olor), some Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), a crow (Corvus corone) as well as several wasps (Vespula vulgaris) obviously when we were eating our picnic. However before returning home I meandered round the plant shop. There were some Honey (Apis mellifera) and Bumble bees (Bombus) around the usual suspects like Lavender (Lavandula) and Catmint (Nepeta). However, eventually I saw a Mint (Pyrausta aurata) moth feeding on a Delosperma ‘Jewel of the Desert Grenade’ flower.

This is a day and night flying moth whose caterpillars eat plants such as Mints (Mentha) Catmint, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris).
and Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).

nature

Amphibians and Insects

Posted on 21/07/201921/07/2019 by BITM

My week started and ended working next to ponds. The first was a small natural pond with a couple of frogs (Rana temporaria) sitting in it.

The other was a large disused outdoor swimming pool. In its neglected state rainwater collects within the concrete walls and nature is taking over. Given the murkiness of the water I was unable to obtain decent photos of my findings; however I saw another frog, (surrounded by lots and lots of tadpoles) along with a dragonfly nymph and a newt. It should be interesting to discover how many tadpoles survive to adulthood.

For the rest of the week insects were centre stage, especially on Wednesday when flying ants took to the sky. Flying ant season really tests my resolve to work through my dislike of ants (which originated in childhood). Thankfully I now find them more fascinating than loathsome, mostly.

The other insects I saw that day were;
– A (Chrysotoxum cautum) hoverfly on some Pyracantha.

– Honey bees (Apis mellifera) and a Red-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius) visiting a Geranium ‘Rozanne’ plant.

– Lavender (Lavandula) full of bees and butterflies, including more Honey bees as well as Buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), Meadow browns (Maniola jurtina) and a Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) butterfly.

The Meadow brown butterflies also enjoyed visiting the Echinops bannaticus flowers too.

Even as I returned home I noticed a Willow Beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria) moth on the hall window.

The adults feed on Creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) both of these plants are common around this area. The caterpillars feed on various trees, shrubs as well as climbers ranging from Yew (Taxus baccata), Birch (Betula), ivy (Hedera helix), honeysuckle (Lonicera) and the wild Clematis, Traveller’s joy (Clematis vitalba).

The previous day I came across more insects that I was previously unaware of.

The first one was the Common red soldier beetle (Rhagonycha fulva).

It is a beneficial insect as adults eat aphids and are pollinators (feeding on nectar and pollen from open flat flowers such daisies and hogweed) while the larvae feed on slugs and snails along with other ground dwelling invertebrates.

The other insect I saw on Tuesday was a female Volucella pellucens hoverfly feeding on nectar and pollen from Bramble (Rubus fruticosus).

These hoverflies also pollinate umbellifers; However as larvae they inhabit Bumblebee and wasp nests eating any waste produced along with their hosts larvae.

nature

An Enchanting Week

Posted on 14/07/201921/07/2019 by BITM

My interest in plants extends to herbal medicine and floral folklore. Often found in gardens, such plants are easily accessible.

I find poisonous plants fascinating too. I would like to visit the Chelsea Physics garden as well as the Alnwick Poison Garden in Northumberland. Over the past week, a few wild flowers that I have noticed blooming would probably be found in these gardens, these are;

– White bryony (Bryonia dioica) scrambling over Dogwood (Cornus). White Bryony has poisonous berries and the plant has a very strong unpleasant purgative affect. A few deaths linked to this plant have been recorded.

– Woody Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara).

Also called Bittersweet the plant would make someone incredibly ill; the berries if eaten would cause vomiting and convulsions. There have been a few deaths linked to this plant. It is from the same family as Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna, See Woodland Trust).

I saw other wildflowers blooming too such as the intriguingly named Enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea lutetiana). Confusingly this flower isn’t from the nightshade family at all but is actually a Willowherb. One folkloric belief was that this plant would give protection against Elvish spells.

I also saw Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) along the verges.

I continued to see many birds and insects throughout the week. After many days since the last time, I was happy to see the juvenile Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) back in the Rowan tree (Sorbus). Also on Monday I had a Juvenile Robin (Erithacus rubecula) follow me around. Clearly the instincts for locating food near gardeners starts early.

The first moth I saw last week was an adult female Bee moth (Aphomia sociella). These moths are so called because they lay eggs in bee and wasp nests and also bee hives. Their larvae eat the comb, causing damage and are therefore a pest for beekeepers.

Other moths I saw were two Rosy tabby (Endotricha flammealis) moths

and a Dark arches (Apamea monoglypha) moth.

On Wednesday I was working near a fantastic old Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) tree. Countless Honey bees (Apis mellifera) and Marmalade hoverflies (Episyrphus balteatus) were busy flying to and fro pollinating the flowers.

As the summer continues more and more butterflies become visible. I have seen lots more Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina), Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) and Large white butterflies (Pieris brassicae). One of them seen here on some lavender (Lavandula).

Also on Wednesday I observed two butterflies that I have never seen before, a Marbled white (Melanargia galathea) on Verbena bonariensis

and a Small skipper butterfly (Thymelicus sylvestris), also seen on the Verbena bonariensis.

Later on the same day I also saw ten Azure damselflies (Coenagrion puella) around the pond.

On Friday morning, as I was going to work, I had to usher a Common green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) outside so it could find some aphids to munch on.

Then lastly on Friday I saw a Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) on Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’.

nature

Reflecting on a Blooming Lovely Week

Posted on 07/07/201910/07/2019 by BITM

I am watching Wimbledon while eating lovely sweet strawberries. The window is open so I can hear the birds singing outside; thankfully the temperature has dropped and it is feeling fresher now. It is a lovely summers day to reflect upon the things I saw last week. More flowers blooming along the roadside include Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) Creeping thistles (Cirsium arvense), Spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis), Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium). Creeping thistle seeds are a great food source for birds that make their home on farmland, while Spear thistle seeds are good for Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and the nectar enjoyed by the Small copper (Lycaena phlaeas) butterfly. Ragwort (considered harmful to horses and livestock) is great for bees and the Cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae) caterpillars. Even the Field Scabious is a useful food source for bees and butterflies.

Now that July has arrived, my butterfly and moth observations have increased. I have seen,

– A couple of Double-striped Pug (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata) moths

– Broad-bordered yellow Underwing (Noctua fimbriata) moth

– Least Carpet (Idaea rusticata) moth

– Plain Wave (Idaea straminata) moth

– Two Large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba) moths

– Along with several that were photo shy including a White Plume (Pterophorus pentadactyla) moth and a couple of Large white (Pieris brassicae) butterflies, three female and one male Meadow brown (Maniola jurtina) butterflies, a Comma (Polygonia c-album) butterfly near a patch of nettles (which are great food for their caterpillars) as well as two Large tortoisehell (Nymphalis polychloros) butterflies. Other butterflies I saw were,

– A Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) butterfly

– Small tortoisehell (Aglais urticae) butterfly on Verbena bonariensis

– Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) butterfly on wall by Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

These weren’t the only insects I noticed throughout the past week as I also saw,

– Two immature male Large red damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)

– Two Azure damselflies (Coenagrion puella) on Water lily (Nymphaeaceae)

– One Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) on a Red valerian (Centranthus ruber) leaf.

– Honey bees (Apis mellifera) on an Eryngium bourgatii

-Lots of Honey bees and hoverflies (Syrphidae) on lavender (Lavandula) which is in full bloom.

I am keeping my eye on a large mature Butterfly bush Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’ that is starting to flower. A few years ago I took some cuttings from this Buddleja and successfully grew one of my own. My Buddleja is only about a foot tall but it will be flowering soon. I look forward to seeing visitors arrive on both shrubs.

Lastly I couldn’t resist adding a few photos of some Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) someone had planted in their vegetable patch. While I didn’t see any insects visiting it my attention was drawn to the cheery vivid blue flowers, they were so beautiful.

nature

Music to my Ears

Posted on 23/06/201924/06/2019 by BITM

While my colleagues listen to their music via headphones I prefer to listen to nature as I work; especially birdsong which I find uplifting. Recently I have started to really tune in and distinguish different songs and calls as I attempt to identify particular birds. By teaching myself I now recognise Great tit (Parus major) song, Coal Tit (Parus ater) song and Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) call. However I still find it difficult to pick out certain sounds which is why last Sunday I went to an ‘Introduction to bird calls and songs’ nature talk and walk at a local park. We were introduced to 12 birds that we would most likely hear during our afternoon stroll. Most were already familiar to me however I did learn the songs of Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris).

The birds we ended up hearing (above the wind and sirens) were;
-Woodpigeon (Columba Livia)
-Carion crow (Corvus corone)
-Magpie (Pica pica)
-Wren (Troglodytidae)
-Chiffchaff
-Blackbird (Turdus merula)
-Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major)
-Blackcap warbler (Sylvia atricapilla)
– and Song thrush (Turdus philomelos).

We also saw a (quiet) Jay (Garrulus glandarius) along with a Speckled wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria), Red admiral butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) and some White-tailed bumblebees (Bombus lucorum).

Last week I combined what I learned at this event with my previous knowledge; the birds I was confident I identified correctly were;
-Woodpigeons
-Magpies
-Blackbirds
-Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
-Ring necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri)
-Blue Tits (Parus caeruleus).
-Chiffchaffs
-Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
-Red kite (Milvus milvus)
-and House sparrows (Passer domesticus)

On several mornings I also watched the family of Blue tits on the Rowan tree as I ate breakfast. The parents had nested in the eaves around Easter (see Different sort of Easter Chicks) so it was great to discover they had a successfully reared a brood. I counted 6 fledged youngsters return to the tree and feed on insects together.