With very little tall vegetation on Shetland it must come as a relief to migrating and breeding birds to find an area with a diverse range of trees. Kergord main plantation was planted in 20th century around Kergord House. Over the years we have found it good for Golden Orioles, Icterine and Marsh Warbler,Cuckoo, Hawfinch breeding Siskin, Goldcrest, Wood Pigeon and occasional Robin. Britain's most northerly Rookery can be found here with over 100 pairs of birds.
This year I thought I would look at something different- insects. While I might not be able to identify many I always find it a challenge to photograph the little beasties. While Shetland might not be blessed with many species there is always something interesting to find and Kergord is sheltered,with wind always a problem when photographing anything close up
So i spent a happy few hours seeking out the following insects, while still keeping an ear out for bird song.
Spring was late this year and might have had an effect on what I saw, so it will be interesting to find out over a longer period of time what can be found here and elsewhere in Shetland.
Flowers always attract insects and a large number of large Marsh Marigolds hugged the little stream at the west end of the wood, Lesser Cellendine and Spanish bluebells could also be seen but the majority of wild garlic was yet to flower.
Hoverfly Rhingia campestris
Thanks to Roger Thomason with the identification
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