Today was our first visit to this reserve (near Tamworth). There wasn’t a lot of bird life of note but we enjoyed exploring a new place. Alongside one of the paths a thick patch of ivy clinging to a tree was alive with insects feasting on the flowers that provide a valuable source of nectar/pollen at this time of year.

Among the bees, hoverflies, butterflies and ladybirds were a number of hornets. They are huge – about twice the size of a queen wasp. They never stopped for more than a fraction of a second so I was pleased to get a couple of half decent shots.

The butterflies  (comma and red admiral) were a lot more co-operative.