Today was perhaps the warmest of the year so far with a reading of 28C on the car temperature gauge.Another trip to Bouldnor Forest in anticipation of the first Southern Emerald Damselfly proved to be too optimistic and I suspect that all being well, the first should be seen within the next week.The two breeding scrapes were as much as they usually are at this time of the year.Both still showing patchy water in their centres.
At the other shallow ponds of this site, Broad-bodied Chasers were of course the main event.However my first Emperor Dragonfly was a welcome sight as I observed an adult male patrolling one of the ponds.Along with the male Broad-bodied Chasers was also an adult male Four-spotted Chaser.He regularly vied with the male Broad-bodied Chasers for the best position on the pond.Although common on the mainland the Four-spot is rather restricted on the Isle of Wight and not seen all that often.
At the other shallow ponds of this site, Broad-bodied Chasers were of course the main event.However my first Emperor Dragonfly was a welcome sight as I observed an adult male patrolling one of the ponds.Along with the male Broad-bodied Chasers was also an adult male Four-spotted Chaser.He regularly vied with the male Broad-bodied Chasers for the best position on the pond.Although common on the mainland the Four-spot is rather restricted on the Isle of Wight and not seen all that often.
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| Maturing male Brosd-bodied Chaser |
I also saw my first Emperors yesterday on my local patch in the west London suburbs. Had 10 species which was good for the time of year. Also my first Red-eyes. Been a good year for Hairys locally & stunned to see a Downy Emerald.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the Southern Emeralds- still to catch up with this in the UK.
As always thanks for your comment.That is a good total of species and hopefully many more to be seen this summer.
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