volucella pellucens is no bee

This fly has very distinctive brown compound eyes, and a black bottom, and at first I thought it was some sort of bumblebee, but thanks to G images and my excellent Illustrated Book of Insects I am fairly sure it is a male of the largest British hoverfly species, volucella. Below a small copper making a belated appearance this year

a pair of peacocks

so similar, but not identical, two peacocks feeding on knapweed and enjoying the sun this morning.

the Flower Show 4

and some folks just couldn't care less who wins, not our sort of poodles, too small for me, could be shaggy rabbits or Yorkies or something

the Flower Show 3

It is not all about winning, either

the Flower Show 2

we have clowns and bands ( a very warm sounding brass band from Launceston)

the Flower Show

It's not all about butterflies. Our local flower show is always well supported, and takes a huge amount of effort from the organisers. The vegetables have done well this year despite or because of the wettest of wet Julys. Ann Craig, seen below, setting out the prize winners trophies has been the secretary for 34 years. At least the sun shone on this her last show.