A muggy afternoon at Yarmouth today with little activity around the forest ponds. Emperor Dragonflies were the main attraction with several males patrolling the ponds that are all now full of water following periods of heavy rain this month. However, I was glad to see an immature male Emerald Damselfly Lestes sponsa which is a first sighting of the year for this species.
Not surprisingly dragonfly activity has increased markedly in the last few days at the ponds in Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth. Since my last visit there are noticeably more Black-tailed Skimmers on and around the ponds, vying with the male Broad-bodied Chasers and Emperor Dragonflies. However I was pleased to see up to a dozen teneral Common Darters fluttering away to safety, as they were easily disturbed from the grass tussocks around the pond edges.
It seems that summer has arrived at last following one of the wettest months of May on record. Today at Yarmouth two first of the season species were seen; four Black-tailed Skimmers(one male and three female) and three patrolling male Emperor Dragonflies with one ovipositing female.
It was a retracing of steps today with another visit to Bouldnor Forest ponds. The main attraction yet again, were the Broad-bodied Chasers with six adult males, two females, and another two ovipositing females. Large Red and Azure Damselflies completed the count.
At Brighstone Mill stream the first mature adult male Beautuiful Demoiselle was 'dancing' over the stream with just one female seen away from the water. However a female Banded was also noted at the water's edge.
