Confrontation Gallery

European Bee Eater - Perched with a honey bee in its bill being approached by a Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) attempting to steal the bee

ROY-381-m
European Bee Eater - Perched with a honey bee in its bill being approached by a Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) attempting to steal the bee
Aragon - Pyrenees - Spain
Merops apiaster
Roy Glen
Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

© Roy Glen/ardea.com

The Blaydon Races - A Study from Life, 1903 (oil on canvas)

TW426500 The Blaydon Races - A Study from Life, 1903 (oil on canvas) by Irving, William (1866-1943); 95x140 cm; Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, UK; (add.info.: The annual Blaydon Races and Fair was a major event on Tyneside in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The attractions shown in this picture include a large open carriage pulled by a team of white horses, men demonstrating acrobatics or boxing, and a sweet stall. The picture was painted by the Newcastle artist William Irving, who included many local characters in it. Towards the front of the picture, Gull Willie of Newburn is being tricked by the card cheat, the Swalwell Cat'. The picture is modelled on 19th century panoramic views of crowds of people;); A© Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums; British, out of copyright

© © Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums / Bridgeman Images

Harlequin LADYBIRD - with 7-spot ladybird (on left)

SPH-3268
Harlequin LADYBIRD - with 7-spot ladybird (on left)
Harmonia axyridis
The Harlequin is a voracious predator and easily out competes our native ladybirds for food. This introduced alien threatens our 46 native ladybird species, as well as many other UK insects, including butterflies and lacewings.
It comes in a range of patterns or colour variations (forms or morph). Originally from Asia, it was probably imported on flowers from Europe.
The Harlequin problem started in North America, where they were thought to be an attractive biological control agent. H. axyridis is still being sold in the USA and continental Europe for pest control.
It s numbers are increasing annually.
Steve Hopkin
Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

© ? Steve Hopkin/ardea.com