I’m very much enjoying new life unfolding day by day as spring moves into summer. Our apple tree now has pink buds bursting into blossom and fresh green leaves. A great tit chose to perch among them to nibble seeds taken from the feeder.

On a smaller scale insects are becoming active. These are examples from the garden. A small white butterfly on an honesty flower, a honey bee on forget-me-nots, a dark bumble bee on a primula and a curiously coloured ladybird on our red robin shrub. I have seen orange tip, blue and speckled wood butterflies but they were a bit camera shy.

I’ve had a bit more sucess at ANR with butterflies, a peacock and a small tortoishell.

A pair of greylag geese posing in the lake at Wollaton Park and I’m pleased to report that the brood of Egyptian goslings still numbers eight.

Finally, a VIDEO clip of a pair of rose ringed parakeets in Wollaton Park performing what looks like a courtship display. CLICK on the IMAGE to view.