It's been really nice this last few days, spring has definitely arrived. For the last couple of years I have been out of the country at this time of year so I haven't enjoyed the onset of spring for what seems like ages. The garden had been quiet for weeks now, but has come to life again now. I photographed the first hoverfly species of the year this afternoon (see below), it is Eupeodes luniger, not a new record for the garden, but just lovely to see and it is sure confirmation that spring is here. To add to that, our clocks sprang forward an hour this weekend so in fact it is officially British Summertime now. The Magpie (above) is Pica pica, they are not many people's favourite bird and I am pretty sure why they like it in my garden at the moment. They are well known predators of songbird nests taking eggs and chicks. Already we have Blackbirds -Turdus merula going to nest as well as Wood Pigeons and Collared Doves. The Magpies are waiting around for the chance to do the deed! However, even though I don't like the fact that they predate the nests, I do enjoy seeing them and I fed this one on mince steak, he or she didn't take much tempting to come down off the fence for a free meal.

 As well as the hover, there were two bee species, the first I didn't get to see for long enough to confirm he species, but this one looks like Bombous terrestris.