This is Eupeodes luniger, a hoverfly species that we have had in the garden before.  It is an impressive hoverfly and slightly larger than the other  common species.  Every year that I see it I am impressed by the scientific name….. it doesn't have a common name ………….  The coma shaped markings which perhaps look like crescent moons, is where it gets the lunar part of  it's name.  I am glad to see it because it is te first of many nice hoverflies that visit the garden for the next 6 weeks or so. Yesterday, a knock at the door revealed my neighbour who informed me that there was an impressive insect in his garden. I grabbed my camera and went to discover, and photograph, a Southern Hawker - Aeshna cyanea.

I think this is a "teneral" , or "newly-emerged individual beacaus eit isn't as bright as it will become as it matures. This is a dragonfly that I have seen in my garden before and  it is quite likely to have emerged from my garden pond as they are known to frequent habitats such as gardens and garden water features.

 I did see the new female Kingfisher twice today, both times at lunchtime. When the light was in the right direction I went down to the brook to try for some shots. After exactly an hour a Kingfisher flashed by the hide without stopping. I expected it to return but unfortunately that didn't happen today. Oh well, There is always tomorrow.