Sallows at Cefn Mably Woods

The sallow blossom at Cefn Mably Woods (ST2184) was buzzing with insects this morning, but most of it was at the tops of tall bushes and impossible to view closely. However, one bush had been bent over by a conifer which had fallen on it, resulting in sallow blossom right by the track. On this one bush were nectaring Rd Admiral, Peacock and Brimstone butterflies, as well as numerous hoverflies. The best of these was the bumblebee mimic Criorhina ranunculi - an early spring species which favours sallow blossom.

Criorhina ranunculi (this photo taken in 2013)

Back home in the Llandaff North garden, I was pleased to see my first bee-flies (Bombylius major) of the year, as well as the lovely Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis) and a Small White butterfly.