Scorpion Fly and Others

I met Ann and her friend for a walk around Leith Hill Place and the Rhododendron Gardens this morning.  If the inside of the house was disappointing, the visit was saved by the coffee shop and a slice of the most delicious Lemon Drizzle cake.  

Cut story short.. we headed up to the colours and scents of the Rhodies, where I got distracted and came home with more insects than flowers. Joy is another insect enthusiast so I was in good company!  

I didn't know which one to choose, but went for this female Scorpion Fly perched on an unfurling leaf of the Bracken.  The Daragonfly that I've added in my extras is a Broad Bodied Chaser and then there was the tiny little miner bee, Lasioglossum smeathmanellum.

I came home to find Holly in labour.  It went well, only in that I saw the lamb wasn't going to come out on its own and was here to pull him out in time. It's her first lamb and she's the least tame of my sheep.  I rolled in nettles to catch her. She's freaked out and I'm, now that I've got time to think about the pain, nursing the hundreds of stings. 

I did eventually manage to pen Holly with the lamb and force her to feed the vital colostrum her baby needs to live but, although shes calling him, she's not that keen either to go to him or let him suckle.  Yes, it's a little ram lamb. I just pray it's not going to be a pet lamb. 

The nights gonna be long one!