A return visit this afternoon to Brighstone Mill stream discovered my first sight of a Banded Demoiselle this year. This immature female was the only Banded to be seen, together with just three Beautiful Demoiselles.
Earlier in the day the ponds at Bouldnor Forest produced several Broad-bodied Chasers and a blue form Common Blue Damselfly. With the exception of a few Large Red Damselflies no other species were recorded.
The mill stream at Brighstone is well known for its Banded Demoiselles. A first visit of the year today produced several immature demoiselles, all encountered in a sheltered sunny spot slightly away from the stream. However to my surprise they all seemed to be Beautiful Demoiselles although in the past, I have seen the odd individual of this species with the resident Banded at this location.
A midday walk along a short stretch of Shalfleet Stream today was greeted with dark clouds and a shower of rain. However this proved to be fortunate as I soon came upon my first Beautiful Demoiselle of the year. This immature male was taking shelter very low down on a leaf and was not intending to move until the sun came out again. This individual was the only demoiselle to be seen and I count myself lucky to have come across him.
A good number of Broad-bodied Chasers today at Bouldnor Forest ponds. At least six individuals present near to the ponds and all seeking the sun and the protection of the gorse.
