At this time of year, late September, the ivy comes into flower and provides a welcome source of nectar and pollen for insects to feed. There are few other flowers that produce nectar this late in the season. In this clip of the ivy on a wall, there are a mass of insects 'buzzing' all over the freshly opened flowers. The sound also records some wind though the bright sunshine and local warmth brings out the insects. There are no petals so the flowers appear as small round balls with the stamens and yellow pollen sacs radiating out. The insects are a massive mix of bees with different types of bumbles, solitary and honey, many hoverflies and different groups of diptera. Butterflies also visit but not in this clip.
Words and Video Chris Workman
Wildlife in North Lancashire
The 2023 issue of NLWG's annual publication is now available. With 72 pages of reports and articles and over 300 photographs it is a celebration of wildlife in North Lancashire and the surrounding area. More...
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