Steve Maskell's photos

...soaking up the June sunshine!

...at HWT Blashford Lakes, Hampshire UK

In Swanage, Dorset UK

...(Ophrys apifera) at Blashford Lakes, Hampshire UK The Bee Orchid gets its name from its main pollinator - the bee - which is thought to have driven the evolution of the flowers. To attract the pollinating bees, the plant has evolved bee-like flowers; drawing them in with the promise of love! The bees are naturally attracted to the flowers and fly in to attempt a mating, but as they land on the velvet-textured lip of the flower, the pollen is transferred and the poor bee is left frustrated. Sadly, the right species of bee (Tetralonia cressa and Eucera pulveraceae) doesn't occur in the UK, so Bee Orchids are self-pollinated here.

Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia), with unusual markings, but a real joy to see and very difficult to photograph in this afternoon's strong wind.

A family stroll by Poole Harbour, Dorset

...the whole world seems upside down. And then somehow, and probably, and when you least expect it, the world rights itself again." Meredith Grey - Greys Anatomy

Dock Bug (Coreus marginatus) at HWT Blashford Lakes, Hampshire

Because of all the rain, the shingle islands are very green this year! Sandwich Terns, nesting in Brownsea Lagoon, Dorset UK