Oldt1mer - Keith's photos with the keyword: Close

The beautiful Meadow Cranesbill – Geranium pratense – is also known as the Meadow Geranium and is a wildflower found in clumps up to 1m broad. Native to Europe and Asia it is a very hardy perennial which can withstand cold down to -20C. It is very popular with insects because of the high sugar content of its nectar which is 57-71%! This beauty was seen at Martin Mere during summer. This Picture is fully © Copyrighted. None of my images may be copied, reproduced or altered in any form or manner or placed on the internet or any other social media, or in any form of publication either print or otherwise, in any form or manner without my written permission.

The Harlequin Ladybird - Harmonia axyridis - is one of the UK's largest ladybird at 8mm and is widespread across the UK. One of the most invasive insects in the world, it is of Asian origin and first arrived in the UK in 2004, rapidly becoming one of the most common in the country as it can have multiple broods throughout the spring, summer and autumn. It is also a predator being able to out compete native species for food and also eating their eggs and larvae. To explain, it took 100 years for the Grey Squirrel to spread though the UK ... it took the Harlequin less than 10 years. Over 100 different colour patterns have been recorded so identification can be awkward at times. This one was seen at Pennington Flash, Leigh. This Picture is fully © Copyrighted. None of my images may be copied, reproduced or altered in any form or manner or placed on the internet or any other social media, or in any form of publication either print or otherwise, in any form or manner without my written permission.

The Eurasian Nuthatch - Sitta europaea - is also known as the Wood Nuthatch. It is a smallish, short tailed bird which eats mainly insects like caterpillars and beetles but is also happy to eat acorns, hazelnuts and other nuts and seeds. Nesting in tree holes, they will often use mud to close the entrance if it is too big to help protect the eggs. It is often seen foraging whilst descending trees head first and is more than happy to visit bird tables. This one was seen at Pennington Flash enjoying a ready made lunch. This Picture is fully © Copyrighted. None of my images may be copied, reproduced or altered in any form or manner or placed on the internet or any other social media, or in any form of publication either print or otherwise, in any form or manner without my written permission.