Miltary Might

Two vivid displays of might this morning. Firstly from this little muscle-man, a Common Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva).

Very commonly seen on all sorts of Flowering plants during the summer, they are ferocious predators of other smaller insects. They hunt often in full view, on the tops of flowers during the daytime so are easily seen. Their spectacular orange-red colouring making them even more conspicuous.

On our way back from our walk, Malcolm and I were subjected to a more obvious display of might. From out of the blue came a roaring, throbbing machine hovering right above us at about 100ft.

The Police helicopter is an all too familiar sight around here, but to have it hovering directly above you is a little disconcerting. Our unease only grew as it followed us along the path before flying off for a few minutes. It returned to have another good look at us as we came off the Nutbrook Trail and into the estate again. Once again it flew off a little way but our concern grew even more as we got home and found it hovering directly above our house! It stayed there for several minutes after we went indoors. I suspect it was actually looking at something going on in the industrial estate behind our street but we couldn't help thinking we were about to get the Police SWAT team burst through the windows and doors, and haul us off for questioning. Thankfully the helicopter departed and peace broke out once more.