Cuckoo Bees found on grassland by the River Esk at Longtown, 23 April 24.

I must have seen at least 20 of these during a short walk upriver from the A6 roadbridge, and although the one shown in Photo 3 is a different specimen, it seems reasonable to assume that they are all the same species.

Note on identification: Although Nomada flava would appear to be a good match, it can be inferred from the ID checklist included in the following link that microscopic examination would be needed in order to confirm this:

www.naturespot.org.uk/species/nomada-flava

Tags:   Canon PowerShot SX70 HS superzoom camera north Cumbria Longtown River Esk Hymenoptera Nomad Cuckoo Raynox DCR-150 Macro Snap-on Adapter Raynox Macro Lens

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Cuckoo Bees found on grassland by the River Esk at Longtown, 23 April 24.

See Photo 1 for more text.

Tags:   Canon PowerShot SX70 HS superzoom camera north Cumbria Longtown River Esk Hymenoptera Nomad Cuckoo Raynox DCR-150 Macro Snap-on Adapter Raynox Macro Lens

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Cuckoo Bees found on grassland by the River Esk at Longtown, 23 April 24.

See Photo 1 for more text.

Tags:   Canon PowerShot SX70 HS superzoom camera north Cumbria Longtown River Esk Hymenoptera Nomad Cuckoo Raynox DCR-150 Macro Snap-on Adapter Raynox Macro Lens

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One of three 24-spot ladybirds found on grassland by the River Esk at Longtown, 23 April 24.

Tags:   Canon PowerShot SX70 HS superzoom camera north Cumbria Longtown River Esk Coleoptera Subcoccinella 24-punctata 24-spot Ladybird Raynox DCR-150 Macro Snap-on Adapter Raynox Macro Lens

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Eristalis arbustorum hoverfly (female) nectaring on Cuckooflowers on the banks of the River Esk at Longtown, 23 April 24.

My first sighting of the year.

Note on identification: The lack of a dark stripe on the face, the wing stigma, and the fact that the (dark) metatarsus is as thick as the tibia means that this can only be Eristalis arbustorum (Britain's Hoverflies, Ball & Morris).

Tags:   Canon PowerShot SX70 HS superzoom camera north Cumbria Longtown River Esk Diptera Syrphidae Eristalini Hoverfly Eristalis arbustorum Raynox DCR-150 Macro Snap-on Adapter Raynox Macro Lens

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