Over the last few days Broad-bodied Chasers have been very active in and around my garden pond. More than one female have oviposited in the pond with males visiting and taking station close by. This immature male in particular has spent some time in the sunny flower border outside my back door and as can be seen is maturing.
A visit to the ponds in Bouldnor Forest today was rewarded with the first Common Darter of the year.At least two were observed flying away from the pond edge and into the surrounding gorse. Broad-bodied Chasers were also evident with several males occupying the array of shallow ponds at the site. This male Four-spotted Chaser was seen,patrolling his section of a pond. Other species recorded were Azure,Large Red, and Blue Tailed Damselflies.
With the visit of two female Broad-bodied Chasers to my garden pond a couple of days ago,it is not surprising that today a first male Chaser spent some time at the pond. Although perhaps not fully mature this male is no doubt on the lookout for females.
We are currently enjoying a period of warm,sunny weather and the dragonflies are responding with plenty of activity at my garden pond. Apart from the Large Red Damselflies there were at least two Broad-bodied Chasers seen today in the garden. Both were female and they spent some time in sunny spots and at the pond.
Following a cloudy start to the day the sun appeared around noon and I enjoyed a pleasant walk along the wooded banks of Shalfleet Stream. At a favoured spot there were at least six immature Beautiful Demoiselles to be seen.The first of the year and in all close to twelve individuals were recorded in this short stretch stream today.
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| Immature male |
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| Immature female |
