BUZZING MIDGE

(Chironomus plumosus) - one of the non-biting kind which is good because there are an awful lot of them about at the moment. This was taken through the window of a hide at RSPB Saltholme where I was sheltering from a thunderstorm and the insect was clinging to the outside of the window.
When I emerged after the storm the scent of hawthorn and other flowers was overpowering, as was the birdsong, but the birds were mostly hidden among the foliage. However, I did see my second orange-tip of the year, and the first to stop and pose (extra).