Arguably the best site for the Black Darter in this area is Town Common,Dorset.Of course there are several scattered populations in the New Forest as this species is found on lowland heathland particularly in the south.
Last year's visit to the Common was made in the first week of September after a prolonged bout of dry and hot weather.The open heathland was devoid of moisture so it was down to locating any small pools that may remain in the more restricted parts of the common.
Yesterday's visit however was more successful, as although several darters were recorded on the open heath,the same shallow pools and their immediate surroundings had good numbers of both male and female Black Darters.In fact unlike last time there were a lot of females.
Other species in evidence were Emerald Damselflies mainly around the pools, and along the tree lined tracks some Brown Hawkers on the hunt for prey.
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| One of several shallow pools still with water. |
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