Considering we are now well into June and, therefore, into 'summer', things are not good in our garden. For a start, the number of insects is dismally low, with only a few of our many flowering plants attracting attention. So, for example, the chives, which are in glorious flower and would normally be covered in insects, currently attract only this one type of bumblebee.
The flowers which seem most attractive to the few flying insects we have are, surprisingly, the raspberries. I have to say I am both pleased and relieved about this as I do like my raspberries, and Mrs MW does make a very good raspberry jam.
The situation with our butterflies is dire. Each day we see one, or at most two, of which this peacock is the most common visitor. I can only think that it's the low temperatures which are restricting them: when we left the house just after nine this morning to walk down to the village the mercury stood at a perishing 13C.
At least we can be relieved that one species is thriving. Having commented some weeks ago on the total lack of starlings we now have a surplus, with hoards of young ones attacking and emptying the small birds' feeders.
In the short periods when there aren't any starlings around, we're seeing other species that haven't put in an appearance for some months, like the house sparrows. It's good to see them back.
Our 'normal' population of small birds has changed a bit. While we have plenty of goldfinches and siskins, the tit family is very thin on the ground, with the coal tits almost completely absent.
Our resident robin, disgusted at the greedy behaviour of the starlings, has found a solution to his craving for our excellent bird fat - by coming into the room where we store the bird foods and helping himself - and he's very welcome!
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