Bee fly

Bombilius major
'25mm. A very bee-like fly commonly seen hovering over low-growing flowers in Spring. The larva lives as a parasite in nests of solitary bees.'

Took an early afternoon walk round the fields by the farm. I was looking at the wild flowers in the bank when I spotted this insect. I thought it was a bee, I can't remember seeing one before. It has a very long proboscis and the wing beats so fast they are just a blur. As something more unusual I just had to put it on blip.
Spent a couple of hours this afternoon in 'the shop' to help out. Very busy, the sun came out and so did the people. It turned into a much better day that expected, rather cloudy. Cool breeze kept the temperature lower than earlier in the week.

Made a second short trip out on the bike. Must work up to something a bit more adventurous than cycling to the farm and back!