2010 Hot News!
First and Last dates are collated by Adrian Parr. Please copy these directly to him at adrian.parr@btinternet.com
If you have observed some particularly unusual sightings or behaviour, please send any relevant information to Mark Tyrell. These data may be reported in the BDS Newsletter, "Dragonfly News". Examples of observations that may be of particular interest include mixed pairings, cannibalism, swarming behaviour and predation.
Disclaimer: Hot News is presented as it comes in and has not necessarily been verified by the BDS.
September 2nd/3rd
Lancs
MFo
Burnley, a small isolated wooded pool to the east of the town had Southern Hawker and Brown Hawker (females of both ovipositing) and Common Hawker and Common Darter. Photos of some are at: http://michaelfoleysnaturalhistorysite.blogspot.com/
September 1st
Suffolk
DAd
Today at 12:45 pm, a pair of Willow Emeralds oviposting into birch saplings, at the edge of the pond on the BT site at Martlesham Heath (private). I also thought I saw a 3rd WE briefly; plus Common Emerald, Common Blue-Tail, Small Red-Eyed Damselfly, Migrant Hawker and Common Darter.
Last summer I just saw one male WE here.
Last summer I just saw one male WE here.
August 30th
Devon
C&RC
Smallhangar (Drakelands): Lesser Emperor seen (male and female) at third pond off the main track. There may have been up to 3 because we also saw a male Lesser Emperor at the pond just before the large gully with the club moss in it. Also saw Keeled Skimmer, Common Darter, Common Hawker, Beautiful Demoiselle, Common Blue, Black Darter, Emerald damselfly, Blue Tailed. Saw Vic Tucker and he verified the sighting. He had seen a Wryneck on the site but unfortunately we never saw it!
August 30th
Suffolk
RP
At Alton Water - thanks to TC for the good directions. Willow Emeralds were as numerous as TC described, possibly more so. We walked for at least half a mile along the footpath and were still finding individuals in sheltered spots, often many metres from the water's edge. The only species additional to those listed on the 28th was a single male Red-eyed Damsel perched up on a willow leaf, found whilst searching for ovipositing Willow Emeralds.
August 28th
Kent
ALw
2 male + 1 female Willow Emerald seen at Reculver, North Kent.
Photos here:
http://www.surfbirds.com/media/gallery_photos/20100828031327.JPG
http://www.surfbirds.com/media/gallery_photos/20100828030715.JPG
http://www.surfbirds.com/media/gallery_photos/20100828030006.JPG
Photos here:
http://www.surfbirds.com/media/gallery_photos/20100828031327.JPG
http://www.surfbirds.com/media/gallery_photos/20100828030715.JPG
http://www.surfbirds.com/media/gallery_photos/20100828030006.JPG
August 28th
Surrey
ROM
Thursley SSSI: Keeled Skimmer, Brown Hawker, several Red-eyed Damselflies, Emerald Damselfly, good numbers of common and Black Darter, several Migrant Hawkers and 3 Golden-ringed dragonflies - a mating pair and one that was hunting and resting close to the boardwalk for several hours.
August 28th
Suffolk
TC
Alton water, Tattingstone, Suffolk.(Lemon Hill Car park/North): Checked out the area immediately adjacent to car park & was pleased to find in excess of 60+ Willow Emeralds including 5 tandem pairs which I was pleased to see for the first time in observing this species over the past two seasons. The first decent sunshine today after days of cloud & rain had obviously induced the breeding activity.
The pairs were found mostly near waters edge in vegetation low down & in over hanging Willows. Good numbers were also found low down in nettle beds alongside the footpath.
My walk was only a 100 metres or so from the car park & was only at the site 45 minutes to observe these good numbers.
Good numbers of Ruddy & Common Darters, Migrant Hawkers,Brown Hawkers & Southern Hawkers were present along this walk. Tandem pair photos can be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tim-pc/
The pairs were found mostly near waters edge in vegetation low down & in over hanging Willows. Good numbers were also found low down in nettle beds alongside the footpath.
My walk was only a 100 metres or so from the car park & was only at the site 45 minutes to observe these good numbers.
Good numbers of Ruddy & Common Darters, Migrant Hawkers,Brown Hawkers & Southern Hawkers were present along this walk. Tandem pair photos can be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tim-pc/
August 18th
Kent
AP
Late news from Kent, where it has come to my attention that a female Willow Emerald Damselfly was photographed near Reculver on 18 August. Clearly observers in other eastern areas besides Suffolk now need to be on the lookout for this species!
August 26th
Tyne & Wear
VHu
At lunch time today a Golden ringed dragonfly flew into the doorway of our kitchen then left after trying to reach the water in our pond (6'x8' in size) The pond is netted to stop cats getting the fish. We are not too far from the Washington Waterfowl Park but not near marshland. Is it unusual to see them in this area as I noticed there were no more observations on your website for the North East?
August 25th
Leics.
BV
Grantham Canal - Dove Cottage to Plungar. A dull day but still 6 Brown Hawkers, 16 Migrant Hawkers, 3 Southern Hawkers and 3 Ruddy Darters. The only damselflies were 1 blue-tailed and 1 Common [blue] Damselfly.
August 24th
Hampshire
HC
Crockford Bridge: With better weather than of late today we saw 5 Golden-Ringed Dragonfly, including a pair in cop, a male Small Red Damselfly, 7 male / 2 female Beautiful Demoiselles, many Common Darters, and a male Migrant Hawker. Later at Exbury Gardens we saw a lone Emperor, more Migrants and plenty of Common plus a few male Ruddy Darters, also Southern Hawker, some Common Emerald and Large Red Damselflies (latter in cop) and a few Azure Damselflies.
August 23rd
Cambs.
RP
Mepal Fen, Main drain, 12.30-14.30: - Emerald Damsels the most abundant species by far with scores present, many immatures in coarse vegetation nearby. Here the species associates particularly with Arrowhead. Also present and surprisingly active in less than perfect conditions were Blue-tailed and a few Common Blue Damsels, Ruddy Darters, 10+ males, 2 Brown Hawker ovipositing, 2 Migrant Hawker patrolling, Common Darter 6+.
August 22nd
Norfolk
DSw
4 willow emeralds observed by wardens at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve on 22 August. Searched for but not observed (generally poor weather) on 23 August
August 20th
Suffolk
PSa
10+ willow emeralds seen during a brief search at Alton Water this morning, along the first section of footpath immediately adjoining the northern Lemon Hill car park. Many individuals perched below eye level in nettles and ruderals, allowing ample photographic opportunities.
August 16th
Essex/Gtr. London
CJu
Bedfords Park LNR, North Romford: 12+ Ruddy Darters, a male Southern Hawker, 3 Emerald Damselflies and 1m Scarce Emerald (now well into maturity) at the Damselfly Pond. 40+ Small Red-eyed Damselflies and a male Emperor over the Lake. Male Southern Hawker near the lake and another over the Round Pond. Also Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Migrant Hawker and Common Darter. It has been a poor summer for most species in the park, particularly Small Red-eyeds; the lowest numbers since the early years of colonisation (2000-02) and way down on the 4-figure counts during 2004-06. I have not checked other sites in TQ59 this year to see if the decline is more general.
August 15th
Essex
PWa
Wake Valley Pond, Epping Forest; 50+ migrant hawkers and almost all on one holly tree. Occasionally, 4-5 brown hawkers would fly at them but with no serious intentions.
August 18th
Essex
JHr
Hadleigh Castle CP: Observation at TQ792858, One Aeshna affinis male seen foraging with a group of A. mixta.
August 16th
S. Yorkshire
AWt
Walking along Burbage Brook in the Peak District National Park, spotted at least 5 Gold Ringed Dragonflies and a couple of Emperor Dragonflies as well.
August 15th/16th
Lancs/Cumbria
MFo
August 15, Brockholes Wetlands (Lancashire) Migrant Hawker (several), Brown Hawker (frequent) Southern Hawker (1), Common Darter (very frequent), Emperor (1), Common Blue Damselfly (frequent). August 16, Foulshaw Moss (Cumbria) Black Darter, Common Blue Damselfly and Emerald Damselfly (all of these very frequent), Southern Hawker (1); Barkbooth tarn (Cumbria) Emerald Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly (both frequent), Southern Hawker (2), Emperor (1). Some photos of these are here.
August 15th
Essex
TC
Vange Marsh, RSPB reserve, Pitsea, Essex.
Thought I would check out this new site for me after hearing S. M. Hawkers had been seen here. Weather was pretty awful & none were found.
Good three figure counts of Small Red Eyed Damselflies made them the most common sighting on this site. Plenty of Common & Ruddy Darters, a few Migrant Hawkers & a solitary Male Emperor, completed the picture except for a most surprising sighting of a male Banded Demoiselle. Seemed most out of place here as more use to seeing them on rivers!
Thought I would check out this new site for me after hearing S. M. Hawkers had been seen here. Weather was pretty awful & none were found.
Good three figure counts of Small Red Eyed Damselflies made them the most common sighting on this site. Plenty of Common & Ruddy Darters, a few Migrant Hawkers & a solitary Male Emperor, completed the picture except for a most surprising sighting of a male Banded Demoiselle. Seemed most out of place here as more use to seeing them on rivers!
August 14th
Suffolk
TC
Lemon Hill Car Park, Alton Water, Tattingstone, Suffolk.
Stopped here briefly on route to Ipswich to check on the status of the Willow Emerald damselfly which I found here last year. Took the footpath immediately adjoining the car park & stopped to look at the first Willow tree I came to. It was alive with willow Emeralds. I counted at least 15 in the tree & some more lower down on the nettles. I had only walked a few metres & the weather wasn't particularly good. Looks very promising for this species here. Just imagine what kind of population could be present? A huge site with hundreds of willow trees?
Stopped here briefly on route to Ipswich to check on the status of the Willow Emerald damselfly which I found here last year. Took the footpath immediately adjoining the car park & stopped to look at the first Willow tree I came to. It was alive with willow Emeralds. I counted at least 15 in the tree & some more lower down on the nettles. I had only walked a few metres & the weather wasn't particularly good. Looks very promising for this species here. Just imagine what kind of population could be present? A huge site with hundreds of willow trees?
August 13th/15th
Devon
LE
Aylesbeare Common. In spite of not too brilliant weather we managed to see, and photograph, 1 Golden-ringed dragonfly, 2 Beautiful demoiselles, (one landed on me!), male and female Southern Hawkers, lots of Keeled Skimmers, (females seemed to prefer the bare stony ground, males preferred the bog), Black tailed Skimmers, Common Darters, Common Blue damselflies, Azure damselflies, Emerald damselflies, and a very late male Broad Bodied Chaser. He was the reason for the return for a second time - I needed a photo as it was so late in the year! Most of these were seen at the group of four ponds and the separate pair of two ponds higher up, but if checking these out be careful, there was an adder right by one of the upper ponds! It was only a couple of feet from us.
August 14th
Suffolk
SRo
A visit to the River Deben at Campsea Ashe today revealed good numbers of species, with the target species Willow-emerald Damselfly reaching a good count of 48 individuals. Other species and numbers recorded included the following: 4 Emerald Damselfly, 5 Azure Damselfly, 30 Common-blue Damselfly, 2 Red-eyed Damselfly, 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 25 Common Darter, 8 Ruddy Darter, 3 Southern Hawker, 5 Brown Hawker, 6 Migrant Hawker and male Emperor.
August 12th
Essex
DWi
2 male Southern Migrant Hawkers seen well in sunny intervals at Hadleigh Country Park between mid-day and 3pm along first wet ditch to East of School Dipping Platform ditch. Also 25+ Scarce Emerald Damselflies.
August 12th
Lancs.
MFo
Hawes Water (near Silverdale): Brown Hawker (frequent), Common Darter (frequent), Southern Hawker (1), Common Blue Damselfy. Dragonfly photos are here.
August 8th
Norfolk
RFa
A male Southern Emerald Damselfly was seen on the north dunes at Winterton, Norfolk on Aug 8th 2010. To see a photo click on this link
August 9th/10th
Lincs.
SRo
9th: Good numbers of Hawkers again present today at Messingham Sand Quarries with the following being seen: 8 Southern Hawker, 13 Migrant Hawker, 22 Brown Hawker, 24 Common Darter and still decent numbers of Common-blue Damselfly.
10th: A visit to Crowle NNR in blustery conditions, revealed the following species and counts: 374 Black Darter, 8 Common Hawker, 8 Southern Hawker, 4 Migrant Hawker, 2 Ruddy Darter, 5 Common Darter, 10 Emerald Damselfly and finally 1 male Azure Damselfly.
10th: A visit to Crowle NNR in blustery conditions, revealed the following species and counts: 374 Black Darter, 8 Common Hawker, 8 Southern Hawker, 4 Migrant Hawker, 2 Ruddy Darter, 5 Common Darter, 10 Emerald Damselfly and finally 1 male Azure Damselfly.
August 9th
Leics.
NW
Grantham Canal - Stathern Bridge (SK755324) to winding hole near Plungar (SK762335): Brown Hawkers were to be found continuously along this stretch with at least 20+ being present including 1 pair in cop and 2 females ovipositing. In addition 10+ Southern Hawkers and 3 Migrant Hawkers were seen. Ruddy Darters were present in reasonable numbers with 2 pairs seen in cop. Only 2 Common Darters (male) were seen.
Damselflies were noticeable by their absence. Only 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 3 Common Blue Damselfly and 1 male Banded Demoiselle were seen.
The stand out sighting was a female Common Hawker at SK756328. This is a first for me along this stretch of the canal. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me but as it was very active and aggressive towards other dragonflies around it do not think I could have recorded it any way. Perhaps others could follow up and confirm my sighting?
Damselflies were noticeable by their absence. Only 2 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 3 Common Blue Damselfly and 1 male Banded Demoiselle were seen.
The stand out sighting was a female Common Hawker at SK756328. This is a first for me along this stretch of the canal. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me but as it was very active and aggressive towards other dragonflies around it do not think I could have recorded it any way. Perhaps others could follow up and confirm my sighting?
August 7th
Suffolk
SB
One male Willow Emerald, Staverton Lakes, excellent view - flew right past me and landed nearby. With many Common Blue Damselflies, some Common Darters and Azure Damselflies, a few Brown Hawkers. Across Rendlesham Forest (Staverton Lakes is on margin of this), Migrant Hawkers were common.
Hadleigh Country Park: at least 4 male and 1 female (possibly up to 8, sightings of 4 individual males and 2 coupled pairs) southern migrant hawkers observed between 1 and 4pm. The second sighting of coupled pair were observed egg laying in mud in drying ditch. Further details here
August 8th
Pembrokeshire
WJ
2 male Southern damselflies on Brynberian moor at SN142344. Also at least 20 Keeled Skimmers in a 500 metre walk across the wettest part of the moor.
August 8th
Suffolk
JLw
Willow Emerald Damselfly, Needham Market, nr Alderson Lake just E of town. 2 present along River Gipping, beyond the first kissing gate (not stile as in message below) past the lake. One in the eastern edge of the brambles, one 10m west of the wildlife conservation area sign
August 8th
N. Yorks.
JBm
Another trip to Harwood dale forest ponds, dozens of Black Darters have hatched mainly males 3 pairs ovipositing 3 Southern Hawkers 3 Common Hawkers 1 Emerald one of the Commons had just emerged today all at the new pond.
Two male Common Darters the first I have seen this year also a lava of a Southern Hawker laying under the surface looks as if it might hatch soon usually find the exuvia when they emerge all on the Lily Pond.
Two male Common Darters the first I have seen this year also a lava of a Southern Hawker laying under the surface looks as if it might hatch soon usually find the exuvia when they emerge all on the Lily Pond.
August 8th
Lincs.
BH
River Steeping area, Thorpe Culvert: Nine species noted during Lincolnshire Naturalists Union field meeting including a new site for small red-eyed damselfly (20 noted including breeding activity. Also noted were emperor 2, black-tailed skimmer 7, Ruddy darter 8 and common emerald damselfly 10.
August 7th
Suffolk
GPl
One male Willow Emerald seen briefly perched on Rosebay Willowherb at extreme NW end of Suffolk W.T. reserve Newbourne Springs. I also saw four males at Candlet Farm on 6.8.2010 - again on nettles.
August 5th
Suffolk
TC
River Deben, Camsey Ashe, Suffolk.
Popped in to have a look to see how the Willow Emerald damselflies were doing yesterday.
Good numbers found on just a short walk from the bridge down from the footpath from Quill farm.In the brighter areas of the river found around 40 to 50 male & females in a short stretch. On a warmer sunnier day I dare-say good three figure numbers could be counted here. Also pleased to find a female teneral Brown Hawker drying off its wings. Good numbers of this species & Southern Hawker were also on the wing.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tim-pc
Popped in to have a look to see how the Willow Emerald damselflies were doing yesterday.
Good numbers found on just a short walk from the bridge down from the footpath from Quill farm.In the brighter areas of the river found around 40 to 50 male & females in a short stretch. On a warmer sunnier day I dare-say good three figure numbers could be counted here. Also pleased to find a female teneral Brown Hawker drying off its wings. Good numbers of this species & Southern Hawker were also on the wing.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tim-pc
August 5th
Pembrokeshire
PGn
Gors Fawr, Preseli Mountains - 1 male Southern Damselfly at SN133295 and at least 20 Keeled Skimmers.
Brynberian Moor-2 male Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies, 1 male Black Darter and again at least 20 Keeled Skimmers.
Brynberian Moor-2 male Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies, 1 male Black Darter and again at least 20 Keeled Skimmers.
August 5th
Suffolk
BT
8 Willow Emerald Damselflies incl pair clasped together primarily on nettles at Candlet Farm..public footpath running north/south east of farm pond. Parking difficult..I parked in a lay-by on the A154..and walked back along the verge to the public footpath steps sign on the north side. Noisy and thundering traffic. From that point a pleasant 5 minute walk through a cornfield to the site. Very obliging and macro photography easy.Beautiful creatures.
August 4th
Norfolk
CJa
Wheatfen, The Ted Ellis Reserve today two large colonies of Small Red Eyed Damselflies.
August 4th
Cambs.
DJP
at just after 10pm tonight a last look at the garden and hanging on from a potted viola is a migrant hawker. I have a lovely picture and hope it will still be there tomorrow morning...an incentive to get up early!
August 2nd
Suffolk
PWt
Willow Emeralds 3 male 4 females along river Gipping near Needham Market same site as recent sightings of 3
August 3rd
Essex
TC
Hadleigh CP, Essex: Another trip to Hadleigh CP today looking for Southern Migrant Hawker after drawing a blank on Saturday. Very pleased to have seen it. One male was showing well on the ditch from the large pond nearest Benfleet from about 11am to about 1.15pm when unfortunately it was netted & taken by a collector. Most of my fellow observers, about 8, left after that. I carried on searching throughout the pm although the weather not so bright. Fortunately found two more males patrolling low over a wide grassy ditch with only a very small amount of water. If coming from Hadleigh CP car park its the next ditch along after the Schools dipping pond towards Benfleet with the tarmac chippings walk bridge. They were difficult to track because of their small size & windy conditions, flying fast & low often clashing with each other.
Photos can be seen on fickr.com under name Tim-PC
Photos can be seen on fickr.com under name Tim-PC
August 3rd
Lincs.
SRo
A visit to Gibraltar Point NNR to try and look for migrant dragonflies failed miserably, but the following species were recorded: 6 Emperor, 11 Migrant Hawker, 9 Ruddy Darter, 15 Common Darter, Blue-tailed and Common-blue Damselfly and finally 30 Small red-eyed Damselfly.
Several Willow Emeralds including a pair in cop along the north/south public footpath at Candlet Farm. People are reminded that the Farm itself and the surrounding grounds are private and the only viewing is along the footpath.
August 2nd
Cumbria
MFo
Foulshaw Moss: Emperor (1), Black Darters frequent, mostly males, Common Darter, Common Blue damselfly (very frequent), Blue-tailed damselfly and Emerald damselfly (frequent). Some photos can be seen at: http://michaelfoleysnaturalhistorysite.blogspot.com/
August 2nd
Lincs.
SRo
Good numbers and variety of the larger Hawkers at Messingham Sand Quarries LWTR today, included the following: 45 Brown Hawker, 4 Southern Hawker, 1 male Emperor, 11 Migrant Hawker, 8 Common Darter and 1 Four-spot Chaser.
August 1st
N. Yorkshire
PTz
Outskirts of Scarborough - 1 goldring flew right past my face and settled on a nearby bush (1st I've ever seen!)
August 1st
Essex/Suffolk/Kent
JT
An unashamed raid today up from the southwest for the goodies in the southeast.
Essex: A male Southern Migrant Hawker seen resting on a small oak tree by the small and not very obvious pond about 200m short of the main pond along the bridleway from Station Road, above South Benfleet station. Present for over an hour to 1130 at least. Another male seen by others by the main pond around the same time.
Suffolk: Two Willow Emeralds, one a male, the other too brief to tell, at Candlet Farm, Trimley c1315, at the start of the north/south footpath, in less than ideal conditions.
Kent: Single male and female Southern Emeralds in the usual ditch, found by Nicky and Matt Prince at about 1410. Female still present to about 1630 and the male still present at 1700 when I left. Also several Scarce Emeralds and Ruddy Darters.
Essex: A male Southern Migrant Hawker seen resting on a small oak tree by the small and not very obvious pond about 200m short of the main pond along the bridleway from Station Road, above South Benfleet station. Present for over an hour to 1130 at least. Another male seen by others by the main pond around the same time.
Suffolk: Two Willow Emeralds, one a male, the other too brief to tell, at Candlet Farm, Trimley c1315, at the start of the north/south footpath, in less than ideal conditions.
Kent: Single male and female Southern Emeralds in the usual ditch, found by Nicky and Matt Prince at about 1410. Female still present to about 1630 and the male still present at 1700 when I left. Also several Scarce Emeralds and Ruddy Darters.
New Lount Nature Reserve, near Newbold Coleorton, NW Leics: Common Hawker would appear to now have a resident population for the first time ever in VC 55. Two males seen 24th July, male and female 31st July and male still present 1st August. Good numbers of Ruddy Darter and Emerald Damselfly also present.
August 1st
Berks.
JSo
I visited Wildmoor Heath/ Owlsmoor Bog near Sandhurst. I saw several brown hawkers, 10+ keeled skimmers and 20+ small red damselfly.
July 29th
Essex
JOw
I dropped into Hadleigh Country Park at lunchtime on 29/07 to have a look for the Southern Migrant Hawkers. At least one male and one female were on the wing but of greater interest are the observations of breeding activity. Other visitors I spoke to reported a pair in tandem and there was a female ovipositing in the mud at the edge of the pond.
Southern emerald damselfly at Wat tyler Country Park, near Pitsea: in a clearing in the Scrub. Details here
July 30th
Kent
PSa
Single male southern emerald damselfly showing well at Cliffe this morning between 11am and midday (after c.10 minutes searching!) in approximately same location as ovipositing female reported a few days previously. Abundant scarce emerald damselflies also noted, but no sign of any southern migrant hawkers despite extensive searching.
Abortive search for odonates at Dungeness curtailed due to strong wind, although abundant teneral migrant hawkers noted in sheltered spots around the Long Pits and both lesser emperor and red-veined darter reported from the Dungeness peninsula (Long Pits and Dengemarsh, respectively) in recent days.
Abortive search for odonates at Dungeness curtailed due to strong wind, although abundant teneral migrant hawkers noted in sheltered spots around the Long Pits and both lesser emperor and red-veined darter reported from the Dungeness peninsula (Long Pits and Dengemarsh, respectively) in recent days.
July 29th
Kent
JLw
Cliffe RSPB, Kent: Southern Migrant Hawker, male patrolling the pool below the radar tower 1100-1115, but not again until 11h45 nor again at 15h. This site is about 1 mile SE of the Southern Emerald Damsel ditches, where a tandeming pair of SMH were seen at the weekend - so presumably a different individual.
Southern Emerald Damselfly: egg-laying female in the first ditch along the track north of the second viewpoint. Photos on www.pbase.com/james_lowen later
Southern Emerald Damselfly: egg-laying female in the first ditch along the track north of the second viewpoint. Photos on www.pbase.com/james_lowen later
July 24th
Essex
SJl
Southern Migrant Hawker single male with a dozen or so Migrant Hawkers at Hockley Woods. Photos are available on flickr.com under name SteveRJ. Also same day saw several Southern Hawkers.
July 28th
Essex
MWi
Southern Migrant Hawker, A. affinis: 10:30 -11:00 - Essex, Hadleigh Country Park, same location as previously. Adjacent to main path (north side), one male A. affinis hanging on shrub at edge of woodland, in shade, c. 1 m above ground. A second male A. affinis, patrolling the woodland edge in the same location. A single Common Hawker also hanging on shrubs. Many dozens of Migrant Hawkers, A. mixta, present.
July 28th
Kent
WS
(with Dick Filby): Female Southern Emerald Damselfly seen after c5hours searching at Cliffe (c3pm). Walk north from 2nd viewing ramp c230yds to second gate/dyke on left. Go through this gate and walk c230yds along the dyke. It was about 20yds beyond the junction with the large, obvious dyke running off to the left (south), ovipositing, but being harassed by male Scarce Emeralds (of which there were dozens). Apparently it was seen 10yds from this spot on Saturday, so she doesn't seem to be moving very fast! Record photos taken.
July 25th
Kent
RoyW
A pair of Southern Migrant Hawkers and a female Southern Emerald Damselfly at Cliffe. Seen by several observers including myself and John & Gill Brook (I believe that it was John Brook who first saw the hawkers).
July 24th
Wilts.
RHe
A Red-veined Darter at National Trust site - Court Gardens, near Bath.
July 25th
Suffolk
ISh
River Deben nr Campsea Ashe (TM315555). 1 male and 1 female Willow Emerald Damselflies. Hopefully there will soon be large numbers here as there were in August 2009.
July 18th
Hants.
ISh
Long boggy ditch to the south of Mill Lawn Brook (SU224034). In less than ideal conditions saw 1 aurantiaca phase female Scarce Blue-Tailed Damselfly, 2 male Southern Damsels plus small numbers of Small Reds and Keeled Skimmers.
July 27th
Essex
RE
One adult male Southern Migrant Hawker at Hadleigh Country Park this afternoon, showing well along the ditch running south from the pond to the railway line. Access by crossing the tracks just east of South Benfleet railway station, then follow the path east alongside the railway for about 1/2 mile.
(Four males were apparently present this morning, as reported by Birdguides)
(Four males were apparently present this morning, as reported by Birdguides)
Three male Willow Emerald Damselflies at Fingerbread Hill Ponds this morning. Grid ref TM268364.I am documenting local Felixstowe sightings on my web Felixstowe Birding. To find google search Best regards, Paul.
July 26th
Suffolk
RR/GV
3+ Willow Emerald Damselflies on the River Gipping at the same site as last year; downstream of Needham Market, past Alderson lake and over the first stile at c.101544. Generally elusive in in bank side vegetation including large bramble patches.
July 26th
Devon
DSm
The last Devon Group meeting of the summer was held at Smallhanger today. Emerald Damselflies and Black Darters were everywhere. The site's two specialities, Small Red and Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies were seen in reasonable numbers. Added to these were plenty of Keeled Skimmers and a couple of Common Hawkers (and an exuvia), making a total of 16 species for the day. We also saw Fairy Shrimps, many Graylings, a presumed fly-by Dark Green Fritillary and lots of Marsh Clubmoss.
July 25th
Herts.
HT
Berrygrove Wood Pond, 30+ Ruddy Darters some in tandem and in cop. 30+ Emerald Damselflies (only males seen).
A visit to the same site a week earlier saw 100+ Ruddy Darters with little waves of tenerals rising from vegetation around the pond. Also seen 6 Emerald Damselflies, males & females.
A visit to the same site a week earlier saw 100+ Ruddy Darters with little waves of tenerals rising from vegetation around the pond. Also seen 6 Emerald Damselflies, males & females.
July 25th
Cornwall
PHo
Tolvaddon near Camborne. At least 50+ Small Red Damsels, still at least 10 Scarce blue-tailed Damsel but numbers starting to reduce (No immatures), 20 Keeled Skimmer and a single Southern Hawker.
July 25th
Cambs.
DJP
At Welney WWT site this afternoon, along the "Summer Walk"
Many "Blue" Damselfly, definitely Common Blue, I am still going through the photos to see if there were any Azures. 4 Blue Tailed Damselfly, 2 Brown Hawkers, 4 Southern Hawkers, 2 Black Tailed Skimmers. Lost count of the Ruddy Darters, both Male and Female.
Many "Blue" Damselfly, definitely Common Blue, I am still going through the photos to see if there were any Azures. 4 Blue Tailed Damselfly, 2 Brown Hawkers, 4 Southern Hawkers, 2 Black Tailed Skimmers. Lost count of the Ruddy Darters, both Male and Female.
July 18th-25th
Bucks.
AN
North Bucks on 18th July 1 immature female Migrant Hawker thanks to R Battell
Also Migrant Hawkers 1 on 19th and 20th at HESC and South Bucks 1 near Burnham 25th July
Also Migrant Hawkers 1 on 19th and 20th at HESC and South Bucks 1 near Burnham 25th July
July 24th
Essex
RoyW
Perhaps as many as 8 mature male Southern Migrant Hawkers, plus at least 1 immature male and 1 female, at Hadleigh Country Park.
Also c15 Migrant Hawkers, c12 Small Red-eyed Damselflies, 100+ Scarce Emerald Damselflies and various other species.
Further details here: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=176708
Also c15 Migrant Hawkers, c12 Small Red-eyed Damselflies, 100+ Scarce Emerald Damselflies and various other species.
Further details here: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=176708
July 24th
Kent
PHo
Cliffe Pools. Spent from 08.00 until 14.00 and managed to find one female Southern Emerald Damselfly Lestes barbarus. Video link attached.
July 24th
Suffolk
DGo
12 Willow Emeralds, male and female, seen today at Staverton Lakes, Suffolk.
July 23rd
Cumbria
MFo
Foulshaw Moss in intermittent sunshine: Emperor (2 males, 1 female), Black Darter, Emerald Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly (very many of the latter). Emperor photos
July 23rd
Cornwall
CMo
Chyverton CWTR: 5 Golden-ringed, mostly immature, feeding over the meadowsweet. 5 Common Darters. 4 Broad-bodied Chasers, pair and ovipositing. 40+ Keeled Skimmers including pairs, ovipositing, immatures and 3 tenerals seen. Damsels: Large-reds, Common Blue, Azure, Blue-tailed, many Emeralds.
Breney Common Pools: 5 Emperors. 1 male Common Hawker. 1 female Southern Hawker. 4 male Black Darters, 1 female, 4 immature. 3 male Small Red Damsels, 1 pair. 4 Golden-ringed. 2 4-Spots, 4 Common Darters. Many Common Blue and Emerald Damsels, some Large-red, Blue-tailed.
Breney Common Pools: 5 Emperors. 1 male Common Hawker. 1 female Southern Hawker. 4 male Black Darters, 1 female, 4 immature. 3 male Small Red Damsels, 1 pair. 4 Golden-ringed. 2 4-Spots, 4 Common Darters. Many Common Blue and Emerald Damsels, some Large-red, Blue-tailed.
July 23rd
Cornwall
CMo
Chyverton CWTR: 5 Golden-ringed, mostly immature, feeding over the meadowsweet. 5 Common Darters. 4 Broad-bodied Chasers, pair and ovipositing. 40+ Keeled Skimmers including pairs, ovipositing, immatures and 3 tenerals seen. Damsels: Large-reds, Common Blue, Azure, Blue-tailed, many Emeralds.
Breney Common Pools: 5 Emperors. 1 male Common Hawker. 1 female Southern Hawker. 4 male Black Darters, 1 female, 4 immature. 3 male Small Red Damsels, 1 pair. 4 Golden-ringed. 2 4-Spots, 4 Common Darters. Many Common Blue and Emerald Damsels, some Large-red, Blue-tailed.
Breney Common Pools: 5 Emperors. 1 male Common Hawker. 1 female Southern Hawker. 4 male Black Darters, 1 female, 4 immature. 3 male Small Red Damsels, 1 pair. 4 Golden-ringed. 2 4-Spots, 4 Common Darters. Many Common Blue and Emerald Damsels, some Large-red, Blue-tailed.