Explore the diverse flora and fauna on the Downs from season to season through personal observations and photographs

Wednesday, 23 Sep 2026

Ivy Bee

The butterflies are easy to count now. Today’s total was 3, but all different, Small White, Small Copper and surprisingly the first Brimstone recorded since 31st July, almost 8 weeks ago. However, my primary focus today was to try and get a good photo of an Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae) collecting pollen from ivy flowers. […]