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Dec 4th	PT	Norfolk
I’ve been told there were 2 Common Darters (both fairly pristine) still active at Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk on December 4th.

Dec 2nd	DJT	Cheshire
One male Common Darter present at Delamere Forest, Cheshire on 2nd December.

Dec 2nd	SM	Hampshire
Brief views of an orange darter sp. - probably Common Darter - along the Canal Path at Titchfield Haven, Hants on Sat 2 December.

Dec 2nd	JWS	Berkshire
Singleton male Common Darter, still in good condition, sunning itself on a post at Swinley Brick Pits at 2.00 pm.

Nov 26th	MMcG	Glos.
Still at least four Common Darter at WWT Slimbridge today (26th) a pair in tandem and ovipositing this morning.

Nov 19th/23rd	MMcG	Glos.
Late dates at WWT Slimbridge wetland reserve in Gloucestershire include Common Darter on 23rd November and Migrant Hawker on 19th November.

Nov 20th	MRH	Surrey
London Wetland Centre (Barnes, Surrey) Sunday 20 November 2006: Common Darter pair in tandem reported and a male seen by me.

Nov 19th	DP	Hampshire
At least six Common Darters were on the reserve at Titchfield Haven last Sunday 19 November including two pairs in tandem. All were looking fairly fresh.

Nov 19th	JWS	Surrey
On Puttenham Common (SU912468), morning of 19th Nov at 1145 a fine male Southern Hawker flying strongly over bracken and grass on the Common. It was clear blue sky, temperature not a lot above 10deg C. Recorded by David Lloyd.

Nov 11th	RJS	Middx.
One Migrant Hawker at London Wetland Centre, Barnes on Sat 11 November. Hawking around hedgerow near the WWF Hide.

Nov 15th	RG	Essex
Meadowfield Nature Study Centre. Hockley, Essex: 1 Common Darter, male.

Nov 9th	CC/LH	Devon
30 plus Common Darters at Bystock Pools, Near Exmouth. Four plus tandem pairs. Although some of the Darters were "getting on a bit" most of them were quite fresh looking.

Nov 9th	IR	N. Ireland
In bright calm weather (though rather cold, possibly only 8 deg. C.) I saw 3 Common Darters (1 female and probably 2 males) at Peatlands Park, North Armagh, at about lunchtime today (9th). They seemed to be in good condition. None however were seen in the "Bog Garden" where I saw several earlier this month.

Nov 5th	DP	Hampshire
A Common Darter was seen on the afternoon of Sunday 5 November at Easton (near Winchester) in Hampshire.

Oct 24th/Nov 2nd	DMcG	Lancs.
The following 2 sightings are from different areas of Blackpool 24th October - male Common Darter at Marton Mere LNR 2nd November - single Migrant Hawker at Holyoake Avenue/Crematorium area

Nov 5th	JRu	W. Sussex
Today (5 November) have seen a large (emperor type) dragonfly darting around rapidly at roof top level in my garden in West Sussex near East Grinstead in late morning. I thought the dragonfly season was over, especially as there have been 2 frosts here this week but it would appear not. Don't know if this is unusual or not, hopefully you will know if it is noteworthy. Outside temp 11deg C today.

Nov 4th	IR	N. Ireland
Starting about mid-day I spent about 2 hours at Peatlands Park, North Armagh. Weather was bright with hazy sun and a light wind, but despite earlier frost (c. -2 deg. C.) it was somewhat warmer than yesterday. As expected I saw both Common Darter (4) and Black Darter (1) in the "Bog Garden"; there were also 2 Common Darters and 4 Black Darters in the areas outside the Garden (mostly between the Turf Cutting area and Annagarriff Wood), making 6 Common Darters and 5 Black Darters respectively altogether, or 11 Dragonflies altogether. The Black Darters and all but one of the Common Darters seemed to be males, and any seen closely were in mature condition but with wings in excellent state; when disturbed they flew strongly. Nearly all were seen initially sunning themselves on paths or wooden walkways. I have regularly seen both species during the first few days of November at this site in recent years (sometimes a little bit later), but I think this is the largest number I have seen on a November day. There were probably at least a few others in other parts of the park (which is too large to cover completely in 2 hours). Weather in October was very mild but cool, though dry, northerly winds set in one the last day and have lasted until the present, though it has been bright.

Oct 29th	CW	Oxfordshire
On a calm, sunny afternoon 3 male Common Blue Damselflies were keeping company at one end of a lake at Caversham, Reading. This is the same number that were present on the 27th last year. 7 Common Darters included 2 ovipositing pairs, but I didn't notice any Migrant Hawkers.

Oct 15th	JM	Kent
One or two Brown Hawkers were enjoying the unseasonable sunshine a Milton Manor gravel pits west of Canterbury along with Migrant Hawkers. Further up stream on the banks of the Stour, two Common Blues Damselflies were on the wing.

Oct 12th	A&TS	Essex
Today at Fishers Green nr Waltham Abbey Essex, OS166 TL377032. We saw several male Common Blue damsels near the Crannum Hide, no sign of any females present. I believe this is unusually late.

Sept 24th	BL	Merseyside
Update to Leeds-Liverpool Canal Litherland records centred on SJ336991, along 3/4 mile stretch. A. mixta still putting up a good show with 19 males plus a female ovipositing, A. grandis were fewer with 5 individuals, I noted one was a female apparently looking for suitable places to lay eggs amongst the canal's floating vegetation, but not staying still long enough to oviposit. Also, mainly resting on the towpath, 16 male S. striolatum and a few dozen Blue-tailed damselfly were also recorded. Further to the north-east where the canal just briefly strays into the higher 100Km square (centred on SD354001), all the above species were seen in slightly lower numbers. With the exception of Ischnura, there were lower numbers of above on Whabbs Tip/Rimrose valley - SJ335992.

Sept 25th	PHS	Lancs.
As often happens at this time of year, we have had a small influx of Black Darters (Sympetrum danae) to the Sefton Coast about 40km from the nearest peatland breeding site. Single males were at Ainsdale NNR on 15th September and Hesketh Golf Course on 24th, while two appeared at Birkdale Sandhills on 25th September.

Sept 23rd	IR	N. Ireland
I saw a male Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta) towards the NW end of Lough Money near Downpatrick, Co. Down (J523457, near the sewage works) on 23rd September; it was latish afternoon and conditions were not ideal as it was windy (though bright) and the adjacent quarry (where insects tend to congregate) was in shade. This was probably one of the individuals seen by David Nixon or Laurence Morgan on 15th and 16th September respectively. I also looked for the species without success the same afternoon at Carrickanab near Clough (J4538), where I thought I saw one on 7th October 1995, and a lake at Ballygargan about 3 miles east of Carrickanab (J4833386), but only Common Darters were seen at these places, and on 24th (when the weather was less suitable) at Ballydugan Lake near Downpatrick (J460428); only a single male Common Blue damselfly was seen here. On 19th September there was a rather late Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) at Milltown Reservoir near Warrenpoint, Co. Down, with 4-6 Common Darters and 2 or 3 male Common Blue Damselflies; on 22nd September there was a probable Brown Hawker, 4 Common Hawkers (1 or 2 ovipositing), about 6 Black Darters and 10 Common Darters at Peatlands Park, North Armagh.

Sept 17th	PAs	E. Yorks.
At least 200 Red-veined Darter exuvia have been found at East Lea Pool, Filey Dams. Larvae and tenerals are still emerging from the pool. The most tenerals seen at any one time has been 20, most appear to be dispersing fairly quickly, all other counts being in singles figures.

Sept 15th	DN	N. Ireland
On 30th August 06 I stopped for a short time at Lough Money, outside Downpatrick, Co Down, Grid J5345. I saw two smallish Hawkers in flight which I suspected were Migrant Hawkers but was not able to confirm identity. I visited the site again on 15th September and again quickly saw a small Hawker at the carpark at the South of the Lough, but again was unable to clinch identity. I then went to the north of the lough, and walked down the west shore to the sewage works and had excellent views of a pristine male Migrant Hawker at rest along the track. Several 'record shots' were obtained. In retrospest, there is no doubt that the one seen earlier at the carpark was also this species. I understand that Common Hawker is not at this site. Laurence Morgan revisited the site the next day and again saw the male at the carpark. Near the sewage works he saw 2 more males, one in tandem with a female. He captured and photographed one of the males. These are the first confirmed records for N Ireland although there have been several suspected sightings in the past two years.

Sept 10th	ML	Kent
Not exactly hot news as such, but I was certainly pleased to see a male Golden-ringed Dragonfly at Whetsted GP's (West Kent) on 10th September. This is my first record here and was well away from what I would consider normal habitat for this species.

Aug 23rd-Sept 9th	PAs	E. Yorks.
23rd August - 1 Small Red-eyed Damselfly at Bransholme Fishing Ponds, only the second individual logged at this site. 31st August - 3 Small Red-eyed Damselfly still present at Oak Road lake, Hull. 9th September - 20+ teneral Red-veined Darters at Filey Dams, 6 present the following day.

August 6th	SL	Hampshire
Apologies for delayed posting of a sighting of Aeshna affinis seen on 6th August 2006 at Little Wootton Inclosure New Forest (SZ 227 987) by my wife and I. The delay was caused because it was the briefest of sightings and I just managed to grab the shot before it flew off. Having downloaded the image to my computer I hadn’t had the chance, until last week, to look at and start cataloguing this and many other images from last month. We had dismissed it at the time as either Common or Migrant Hawker and only recently heard of Les Stride’s observation at Needs Ore and that another had been seen in Sussex. I admit it’s not the sharpest of images and wasn’t entirely convinced, but I showed a print to Les Stride today and he confirmed it looked the same as the one he had seen at Needs Ore. Is this the 4th UK record or have there been many others? [The photo sent does indeed show A. affinis - webmaster]

Sept 8th	LSo	Cornwall
I spotted 6 Beautiful Demoiselles beside the river camel in Camelford Cornwall in the park .. a beautiful site males and females with butterflies attacking them.

Sept 4th	BL	Merseyside
Leeds-Liverpool Canal Litherland centred on SJ336991, along 3/4 mile stretch. During a brief bright spell, 30+ A. mixta males plus a pair in cop, 8 A. grandis and 14 male S. striolatum (nothing more exotic for Sympetrum....rats!). Lower numbers of above on Whabbs Tip/Rimrose valley - SJ335992.

Sept 3rd	KD/MP	Cambs
Red-veined darters now emerging at Etton Pits Cambridgeshire 3-9-09. I saw 4 including a couple of tenerals, while checking one small corner of the pits, there could be many more as it was virtually blowing a gale while I was there. See my website for photo. www.kevindurose.co.uk

September 1st	RG	Essex
Meadowfield Nature Study Centre, Church Road, Hockley, Essex: Small red-eyed damselfly ovipositing. Out of a total of sixteen recorded, this brings the total of confirmed breeding species at the centre to eleven, plus a further three probable but unconfirmed breeders.

August 30th	SN	Staffs.
At least 4 Yellow winged Darters are present at Gailey Reservoir Staffs. They are showing in a large clover field just north east of the reservoir. As far as I know this is the first record for Staffordshire.

August 22nd-30th	PAs	E. Yorks.
22nd August - 5 Small Red-eyed Damselflies at Oak Road Lake, Hull, including 2 ovipositing pairs. 24th August - 2 Small Red-eyed Damselflies at Oak Road Lake, Hull. 25th August - Male Black Darter on heath at North Cliffe Wood. First site record. 30th August - Teneral male Red-veined Darter at North Cave Wetlands, found along footpath on western edge of reserve. Several adults where recoded through the summer during the influx.

August 27th	GHo	Oxon.
A trip to Aston Rowant NNR in Oxfordshire mainly for Butterflies on Sunday 27th Aug, also turned up a male Yellow-winged Darter, sheltering in the vegetation from a moderate breeze. There were also a few Migrant Hawker on the wing but little else Odonata speaking.

August 27th	JHu	Pembrokeshire
Recent sighting of Southern damselfly at Brynberian Moor, on the northern edge of the Preseli Mountains Pembrokeshire.

August 25th	CRJ	Essex
A male Yellow-Winged Darter was present at the eastern end of the lake at Bedfords Park, Romford (TQ518918), on 25th August 2006, 4.00pm. Seen well, including telescope views. First record for site, completing a memorable year at this location (several Red-Veined Darters in June and July). Still many Small Red-Eyed Damseflies on lake, in probably best ever year at this site - numbers peaked late July/early August, 800+ pairs and approx 1000 unpaired males (6th August).

August 26th	PM	Lancs.
Still 5 males and a female (at least) Yellow-winged Darter in the Aldcliffe area. Please contact me for access at your own risk. No teneral Red-veined Darter in brief search at Middleton IE c/f three seen at Brockholes Quarry, Preston

August 24th	PHS	Merseyside
The male Yellow-winged Darter (Sypetrum flaveolum) reported previously was still on scrape 8 at Birkdale Sandhills LNR on 24th August. It has now been present for at least 26 days; not a bad life-span!

August 22nd	DEG	London/Middx.
Further to DS's report of 11 August in Bushy Park, the same species were seen on 15 August, with the addition of banded demoiselle on channel west of Diana fountain, emerald damselfly on channel east of Leg of Mutton Lake, and on Leg of Mutton lake itself migrant hawkers and ovipositing emperor. Today, 22 August, three pairs of small red-eyed damselflies were ovipositing on pools to east of The Long Water in Hampton Court Home Park. There and at Hampton Wick Pond were also common blue, blue-tailed (inlcuding numerous tenerals) and red-eyed damselflies, common darters, migrant and brown hawker, and emperor.

August 22nd	NW	Notts.
Grantham Canal between Wild's Bridge and Devil's Elbow (SK675321 and SK669317), 22 August 2006: 12 male Small Red-eyed Damselflies and 2 females all perched on floating algae in the middle of the canal. No signs of mating activity but the males were being attacked by male Common Blue Damselflies.

August 17th	PH	N. Yorks.
In the York area there is the usual selection including the Red Eyed Damselfly Erythromma najas (Wheldrake Ings SE694443) and Black Darter Sympetrum danae (Skipwith Common SE661377) but during a visit on to the North Yorks Moors I found two more unusual species; The Golden Ringed Dragonfly Coerdulegaster boltonii (Wheeldale Moor SE885980) and the Keeled Skimmer Orthetrum coerulescens (Fen Bog SE801991). I believe (please correct me if I'm wrong) that the fairly healthy population of Keeled Skimmers at Fen Bog and the surrounding area is an isolated occurance and is the only area in NE England where this species is found.

August 9th	HJV	Devon
One male Lesser Emperor patrolling the south end of the plastic lined storage reservoir south-east of Kingstone on 9th August, at SX 642 469, viewable from the bridleway.

August 15th	RG	Essex
Meadowfield Nature Study Centre, Church Road, Hockley, Essex: First record for small red-eyed damselfy. Other records of interest include: emerald damselfly well in evidence over recent weeks - a good year, brown hawker and ruddy darter.

August 14th	PHS	Merseyside
On 14th August, I was pleasantly surprised to rediscover Sympetrum flaveolum on scrape no. 8 in Birkdale Sandhills LNR, Merseyside. This individual was first seen on 30th July. Also present on the three scrapes searched were: Lestes sponsa, Ischura elegans, Enallagma cyathigerum, Aeshna grandis, Aeshna mixta (4), Anax imperator, Sympetrum striolatum, Sympetrum sanguineum (25) and Sympetrum danae.

August 8th	PAs	E. Yorks.
Hot News from East Yorkshire. First record of Small Red-eyed Damselfly in Yorkshire recorded at Oak Road Lake in Hull. Five where present on 8th August with ovipositing noted, the following day 14 where present. The weather has put a dampener on things at the moment for searches at other location to be carried out. A male Red-veined Darter was at Eastrington Ponds on 9th, this a first for the site. Another site first concerned a male Black Darter at North Cave Wetlands 6th.

August 11th	TC	Norfolk
Took a special trip to Shrumpshaw fen Norfolk today with the hope of Yellow winged Darters. Sure enough I was able to locate them from the good directions given to me by the helpful lady at reception. In less than favourable weather conditions I was able to view at least 5 individual males & one female, although the wings were lacking much colour. Maybe an old specimen. Unfortunately after 20 minutes on the meadow the heavens opened & I had to seek cover. Weather cleared briefly later in the afternoon & was able to see a few Migrant & Southern Hawkers, Black tailed Skimmer, Common Darter, Small Red Eyed Damselflies & Emeralds around the reserve. Also second brood Swallow tailed butterflies were on the wing.

August 11th	IMe	Leics./Rutland
After initial sightings on 22nd July, Small Red-eyed Damselfly has now been found at a total of seven sites in north east Leicestershire and Rutland. More information at: http://www.lrdg.org.uk/latest-dragonfly-sightings.php

August 11th	DS	London
After seeing the small red-eyes on Hot news at Hampton Wick Today between 13:30 and 15:00, more Hot news, 40 + small red-eyed damselflies on the Diana Fountain in Bushy Park, with around 12 pairs in tandem some of which were ovipositing. Also, a few small red-eyes on the feeder channel to Heron Lake, some of which were in tandem, in company with Ruddy and Common Darter, common blue-tailed, azure and common blue damselfly. One solitary Black-tailed Skimmer ovipositing on Heron Lake. Strangely no larger beasts were seen, I would have expected at least an Emperor on Heron Lake.

August 5th	GavinH	Surrey (London)
At least 20 male Small Red-eyed Damselflies are present on Queensmere pond on Wimbledon Common, mostly on Lily pads. This is thought to be an odonata first for Wimbledon Common. Unfortunately, there was no evidence of ovipositing.

August 11th	LSt	Hants.
Just like a bus, you wait ages for one and then another comes along. Aeshna affinis photographed yesterday at the mouth of the Beaulieu River in Hampshire. Shows signs of wear on wings, maybe it's Ray's dragon moving west!

August 8th	CI	Avon
Small Red-eyed Damselfly has reached Bath: http://www.bath.ac.uk/news/articles/releases/damselfly080806.html

August 4th	AK	Cardiff
There was a single male Lesser Emperor flying over a ditch at Lamby Lakes, Cardiff, Wales at 13:30 on the 4th August 2006. It disappeared when the sun came out fully and a number of Emperor dragonflies became active in the area.

August 6th	JWS	Berkshire
Two male Small Red-eyed Damselflies were found at Butter Bottom Ponds (SU848640). This brings to five the number of sites in the Bracknell area where the species has been recorded this summer. Allsmoor Pond (SU885685) and Mill Pond (Easthampstead SU 859682), as well as Englemere Pond (SU907687) and Felix Farm Trout Fishery (SU849744) are the other sites, Ovipositing has been observed at the latter three sites. All the populations are small, the largest count of 17 was recorded at Mill Pond (Easthampstead).

August 6th	MBe	Somerset
This is a list from yesterday, Aug 6. 1 emperor dragonfly / 2 southern hawkers / 2 brownhawker / easy 20 migrant hawker / 1 blacktailed skimmer / common darter easy 30 / ruddy darter 20 / 1 common emerald damselfly / common blue damselflies lots / red eye damselflies about 40 if not more. Site Shapwich Heath Somerset.

August 6th	VD	Sussex
Several Erythromma viridulum encountered at Eridge Park (permit only site) in Sussex, including 2-3 mating pairs. First time recorded at this site, but seems to be part of a trend , with other sightings reported from other parts of Sussex, and Hampshire - any news from Kent? Identification was made easy, as direct comparison wt. E. najas, which has been present at this site for years, was possible.

August 5th	PBo	Gols.
At least 5 small Red-eyed Dasmselflies were seen on pools at Severn Beach , South Gloucestershire today (5/8/6) and a male Lesser Emporer! We managed to photograph one of the Damselflies and even though the Lesser Emporer showed well in flight at few metres range many time it was impossible to photograph in flight.

August 3rd	TL	Cumbria
Watchtree Nature Reserve nr. Carlisle, Cumbria: First recorded sightings at this Reserve for both Ruddy Darter and Emperor Dragonflies. The Emperor was seen snatching a Four Spot Chaser in mid air before carrying it to a nearby stem for lunch ... typically, I did not have my camera. Ruddy Darter seen at a more sheltered pond.

July 13th	RH	W. Sussex
Aeshna affinis - Southern Migrant Hawker (aka Meditteranean Hawker). One of the rarest Dragonflies to be seen in Sussex. It was photographed near the river Adur at Shoreham by Sea on the Adur levels on July 13th 2006. It was discovered on the Adur Levels about a half mile north of the A27 Flyover. The dragonfly was seen in the narrow area of the drainage ditches and pastures between the cyclepath and the River Adur. (TQ 202 075) Image at http://www.flickr.com/photos/raylan/188802460/in/set-72157594227401462/ [Comment from Adrian Parr, BDS Migrant Dragonfly Project co-ordinator] "Congratulations on the Southern Migrant Hawker, Aeshna affinis! This is only the second-ever verified record from the UK mainland, though from the descriptions supplied it sounds as if one was also in Avon about 10 years ago. I'll look after getting the record accepted, though I think we can all assume this will just be a formality! There have been quite a few of this Mediterranean sister species to Migrant Hawker seen in The Netherlands and Poland this year. Indeed they have been having records there for several years - like Lesser Emperor this is a species that has been expanding its range in recent times, probably as a result of climate change. It now appears to be pretty regular on Jersey, and I'm sure it's been overlooked in southern England in the past. Hopefully this will now change following your discovery! Congratulations once again!"

August 2nd	DEG	Middlesex
At Hampton Wick Pond, Middlesex, a stone's throw from Kingston town centre, several small red-eyed damselflies on algal mats, as well as the regular red-eyed. This is the first time I have seen them there.

August 2nd	CBu	Hants.
Southampton Common Boating Lake: At least 60 Small Red-eyed Damselflies today, mostly in tandem pairs. Also Black-tailed Skimmer.

August 1st	KD/MP	Lincs.
Found this evening 1-8-06, two small red eyed damselfly with several dozen sheltering damselflies along the long pond lying between Crowland and Fen Bridge, on the River Welland. I believe these must be the first for Lincolnshire. Grid ref TF230106 see my website for more dragonflies at: http://www.kevindurose.co.uk/

August 1st	IT	Glos.
The first record for Gloucestershire of Small red-eyed Damselfly: 2 males were seen at mid-day today at Coombe Hill Meadows Nature Reserve, resting on tall vegetation in a ditch on a dull and windy day. Pictures were taken, with great difficulty! Diligent searching for more E. viridulum failed.

July 30th	PHS	Merseyside
During a survey of 7 scrapes on the Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve, Sefton Coast, Merseyside, on 30th July I found and photographed a male Sympetrum flaveolum and counted 55 S. sanguineum (a site record).

July 29th/30th	MP/SP	Cambs.
Wicken Fen, Dragonfly Project 29/30 July06: Brown Hawkers, Southern Hawkers, Ruddy Darters, Common Darters, Red Eye Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Variable Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle, Emerald Damselfly, Blue Tailed Damselfly, Emperor, Four Spotted Chaser, Black Tailed Skimmer, Migrant Hawker, SMALL RED EYE DAMSELFLY (First record at Wicken, Comfirmed by four Dragonfly Project Volunteers and photographic evidence)

July 28th	BSt	Cambs.
I found what may be the Peterborough area's first Small Red-eyed Damsels on Friday, 28/7. Plenty of paired insects present and perhaps up to 80 individuals indicating this colony might be a year old already. Location is TL175984.

July 30th	IR	N. Ireland
At Carrickanab Lake near Clough I saw at least 3 Ruddy Darters (1 female caught and 2 mature males seen); several other darters were seen of which at least 1 looked to be Common Darter. Several Emerald damselflies, a male Variable Damselfly and 2 Blue-tailed Damselflies were seen; at Ballydugan Lake near Downpatrick a Common Blue and a Blue-tailed damselfly were seen.

July 29th	SBr	Norfolk
Snettisham 29/07/06: 10+ Small red-eyed Damselflies, 1 Emperor, 1 Black-tailed Skimmer, 10+ Blue-tailed Damselflies, 50+ Common Blue Damselflies.

July 28th	SC	Wilts.
I looked elsewhere - and found 'em! Visited a private site in the SW of Wilts near Shaftesbury on 28th and found at least 80 SRED's. The site is a series of fish rearing ponds converted from derelict cress beds. No fish now - new owners are turning it into a private nature reserve. Only half the ponds visited and the rest are apparently of the same type with lots of Rigid Hornwort. So the potential population could be 250+!! Just need to find some sites in Mid Wilts now.

July 26th	SBr	Norfolk
Strumpshaw 26/07/06: 4 Yellow-winged Darters at Strumpshaw, Norfolk on Wednesday. Also seen: 1 Norfolk Hawker, 3 Brown Hawker, 50+ Common Blue Damselfly, 4 Ruddy Darter.

July 26th	CBe	E. Sussex
A Scarce Emerald Damselfly was found on the Rye Harbour nature reserve on the 26th July. Images have been sent to Adrian Parr and David Goddard, and through them to the Norfolk county recorder, and all tend to agree with the identification. This is the first record for Rye Harbour and East Sussex since 1947. Also present for about the last week a male Lesser Emperor.

July 29th	PM	Lancs.
Aldcliffe area: The Yellow-winged darter total for the maize field and area ponds was estimated at a staggering c20 today (by the original observer, Dan Hayward, who visited more private areas. This included two pairs in cop. Also a few Ruddy Darter. Middleton IE: Not including a probable long-range male Black Darter, 14 definite species (4 damsels, 10 dragons) were seen today including just one YW Darter and the first Migrant Hawkers of the year. c5 Ruddy Darter was a good total for a species which seems to have gradually declined at long-established (1995+) sites in this area. Plenty of Emerald Damselfly. Red-veined Darter are still present at Middleton with up to 5 males and still easily found (within 3-4 minutes) as the Common Darter hordes have not really got going yet. At least 3 Yellow-winged D at Aldcliffe yesterday in poor weather. Many people have been triple-siting the above plus Arnside Knott Fritillaries/Scotch Argus. However, the immediate weather forecast is going to make at least the Red-veinsd hard to find I suspect (even if it 'clears') as they tail off their season.

July 28th	KD/MP	Cambs.
Etton Pits (private) North Cambs - 4 red veined darter, 1 male lesser emperor. Also blue tailed/common blue damselfly, emperor, four spot chaser, common darter.

July 28th	TC	Essex
Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex. At lunch time today I noticed a darter perching on a bush as I looked through my kitchen window as I put away dishes before going back to work. I decided to have a closer look & went into the garden before getting into the car. I couldn't believe it when I saw it was a male Red Veined darter. What a bizzare coincidence to have one in my own back garden. It was only last week I had my first close views of a rvd whilst on holiday in Switzerland. Not to have seen rvd in the UK & one turns up in my garden, Wierd! Unfortunately couldn't view it for long as had to rush back to work. I dont think having a rvd in the garden consistutes a plausible excuse for being late for work!

July 27th	PM	Lancs.
Yellow-winged Darter seen and photographed at Aldcliffe, Lune Estuary by Gary Jones on 27/7/06. Up to 8 have occurred at this site in last two days.

July 15th-22nd	RGr	Dorset
Odonata at a recent trip to Holton Lee, nr. Poole (15-22 July) included 2 ad m. Black Darter and 2 imm. ms., scores of Small Red Damselflies and Keeled Skimmers - lots of the latter on the open heath and at least six ms. on the small Horseshoe Pond, a Ruddy Darter, Emerald Damselflies and lots of Four-spotted Chasers, plus 10 other commoner species.

July 27th	SC	Wilts.
Further to yesterdays news of 3 male E. viridulum at Coate Water, Swindon; today I checked out the model boating lake at the country park and to my amazement there were over 100 present including dozens of pairs either in cop, in tandem or ovipositing. Absolutely amazing!! They must be elsewhere in the county - just have to find 'em!!

July 27th	PM	Lancs.
Dan Hayward located 5 Yellow-winged Darter together this afternoon on the Lune Estuary, Lancashire frequenting rushes and sedges at the edge of a pond. There "may have been more". The Middleton site nearby (with a track record in 1995 & 1999 and loads of suitable habitat) was only given a cursory glance from a car today, which produced 5 male Red-veined Darter over the water on the 'model boat pond' as late as 1650 hrs

July 26th	SC	Wilts.
This afternoon around 5.30pm I found the first Small Red-eyed Damselflies for Wiltshire. The location is Coate Water Country Park on the SE edge of Swindon. I was only able to make a short visit but found at least 3 males. Will be making a more prolonged visit tomorrow [with digiscoping gear!] to see if there are more. There are also E. najas there [and have been for many years] so nice to be able to compare the two species 'side by side'. Grid reference is SU181816 and they are on the small pool attached to the reserve [southern] lake. View the pool which is to the right of the raised boardwalk which leads to the bird hide there.

July 26th	DCu	Devon
Today at Brucklands Lakes, I had:- 11 Red Veined Darters, all males, 30 Small Red Eyed Damselflies, including 2 pair in cop. 1 Male Red Eyed Damselfly, 1 Female and 1 pair in cop.

July 23rd	DMcE	Berkshire
What is believed to be a Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) was seen at Hosehill Lake (just south of Theale) on Friday 21st July 2006 by Adrian Hickman, a very experienced entomologist and field worker. On the strength of his message, my wife and I visited the site on Sunday and found what we think must have been the same dragonfly that Adrian saw – this time on the Butterfly Bank on the southern side of the reserve (grid reference of SU 649694). I know there are a few quite experienced Odonatologists in the Reading area who may be interested, and who might be able to get to Hosehill and confirm the sighting.

July 25th/26th	PAB	Norfolk
26 July - Reedham Marshes, How Hill. 14 Yellow-Winged Darter 25 July - Reports of 8 Yellow-Winged Darter from Strumpshaw Fen RSPB Butterfly Meadow. Several also seen at Hickling NWT.

July 23rd-25th	R&CC	Devon
23rd July - Bystock Reserve, Devon: One male Ruddy Darter seen at Bystock Reserve, on the top ponds. One male Ruddy also seen today (25th July), on the top field of the reserve by Liz Hamling. Also present are Azure damselfly, Beautiful Demoiselle, Blue-tailed damselfly, Common Blue damselfly, Common Darter, Emperor dragonfly, Four-spotted Chaser, Golden-ringed dragonfly, Keeled Skimmer, Large Red damselfly, Small Red damselfly

July 25th	PAB	Norfolk
Over the last five days or so large numbers of Yellow-Winged Darter have been seen in N.E Norfolk. Today 6 at a private site near Stalham (present for the last three days). Nearby at the NWT site Alderfen Broad (TG 353 197) We saw 4-5 more this afternoon Buxton Heath (TG 17 21) 3+ Yellow-Winged Darter present since Friday 21 July Numerous other sightings all over the broads area.

July 25th	MT	Northants.
I have been surveying the Dragonflies at Lyveden New Bield (SP983854), for the National Trust this year and in June dipped what keyed out as Small Red-eye larvae, from the mats for Rigid Hornwort in one of the moats. I returned today with fingers-crossed and was excited to find about 40 Small Red-eyes including about 15 pairs oviposting. This constitutes the first absolute proof of breeding in Northants, and the most northerly and easterly colony so far recorded in the County. Also present, Emperor, "Large Red-eye", Common Blue, Azure, Blue-tailed, Common and Ruddy Darter, Black-tailed Skimmer and a single Banded Demoiselle.

July 24th	StSt	Norfolk/Cambs.
I saw with several others the following:- Buxton Heath, Norfolk (NWT Reserve): Keeled Skimmers - 20+ incl copulation & females laying eggs, 1 male Yellow-winged Darter Hoe Rough (NWT Reserve): 1 male Yellow-winged Darter Maxey Gravel Pits, Cambs: 1 male Lesser Emperor (1 of the finders has put a photo on Surfbirds.com), 1 male Red-veined Darter (at least 5 males had been seen earlier before the wind got up) On the pager there were also reports of large numbers of Yellow-winged Darters & a probable Southern Migrant Hawker in the Broads.

July 24th	NF	Cumbria
3 male RV Darters, 2 male and 1 female BT Skimmer in Cumbria at Tindale Tarn, Nr Hallbankgate. These seem to be more new species for Cumbria coming hard on the heels of a male Lesser Emperor at Boaterby quarry near Coathill, nr Carlisle from 14th-19th of july at least.

July 22nd-23rd	AS	York
Sandburn Hall Golf Club, York - SE 680610: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23rd July: Variable damselfly - many - 30+, Common blue damselfly - many 30+, Blue-tailed damselfly - many 30+, Black-tailed skimmer - 1, Emperor - 3, Common Darter - many 30+, Black darter - 4, Golden-ringed Dragonfly - 1

July 22nd	SH	Leics.
Small Red-eyed Damselfly has finally been found in Leicestershire. 3 males were found yesterday at Priory Water. A more detailed survey today yielded 35 males, 4 females & 4 coupled pairs, 3 of which were ovipositing. [and from Richard Fray] Priory Water is actually in northern Leics, so it seems likely that there are more, as yet undetected colonies further south. Priory Water is a private site, but access can be arranged for those that are very interested - details of visiting, photos and more news on the LRDG news page at http://www.rpf-wildlife-photos.com/LRDG-NEW/latest-dragonfly-sightings.php

July 23rd	SW	Devon
This afternoon a careful count showed 54 Small Red-eyed Damselfies at Lower Bruckland Ponds, with the majority on the top pond. This count included 5 ovipositing pairs, but these 5 females were the only females observed.

July 17th-22nd	BL	Lancs. etc.
17/07/06. Leeds-Liverpool Canal Litherland centred on SJ336991, along 3/4 mile stretch. 54 male Emperors + 13 ovipositing females, much territorial squabbling amongst males. Also, 15 Brown Hawkers patrolling the canal with frequent interaction with Emperors, 12+ Common Darters, many I.e. and a few Azure damsels. 18/07/06. Clocaenog Forest pond SJ037510, few Common Hawkers and a few Emperors with 1 ovipositing. Many Common Blue and Azure damselflies. 20/07/06. Black Lake Delamere SJ537709. Apart from I.e. and Azure Damselflies in good numbers, good species count although most in single figures. Southern Hawker - 1 male, Brown Hawker - 2, Common Hawker - 2 males, Emperor - 4 males 1 female ovipositing, BBC - 1 male, 4-Spot Chaser - 12, Black Darter - 3 male, Common Darter - 7, Emerald damselfly - 1 male. 11 species for the visit and a personal species count for the site now at 15. Nice revamped Info board! 21/07/06. Whabbs Tip / Rimrose Valley SJ335992. Permanent(!) pond near main path, water very low now. 3 male Emperors patrolling grassland near ponds, few Common Darters on the footpath. 21/07/06. Leeds-Liverpool Canal Litherland centred on SJ336991, along 3/4 mile stretch. 30 male Emperors + 10 ovipositing females, 1 pair in cop. Also, 12 Brown Hawkers, 1 ovipositing, 8 Common Darters, many I.e. and a few Azure damsels. 22/07/06. Ironbridge, Shropshire, River Severn SJ673034. Banded Demoiselle - 30 males, 10 females, White-legged Damsel - 7 male 2 female, and a single Ruddy Darter male.

July 21st-22nd	DSm	Devon
At Lower Bruckland Ponds, at least two pairs of Small Red-eyed Damselflies were ovipositing, and one female Red-veined Darter. The owner confirms that no fish or aquatic plants have been introduced to the ponds from outside Devon, so it seems very likely that these species have made their own way to the ponds! At nearby Seaton Marshes, c12 Ruddy Darters on 22nd, with one pair ovipositing. Also surprise news on Ruddy Darter from north Devon: egg-laying at two of five occupied ponds at Braunton Burrows, with over 40 adults counted in total (so it IS breeding in Devon after all!).

July 22nd	ABn	Norfolk
1 male Yellow winged Darter (attached)at Buxton Heath Norfolk this morning also 20+ Keeled Skimmers, 6+ Small Red Eyeds at Snettisham 21-7-06.

July 22nd	DerekE	Suffolk
Whilst not an expert, like many a birder I turn more to "honourary birds" in the summer months and am gaining in expertise over the years. Today in my garden I spotted a sympetrum type perched and took the opportunity to have a good close look from about 2m with my x10 Swarovskis (the wonders of modern optics!) The critter was a female, the usual yellow/brown colouration with a black line down the side of the abdomen, but other than that, no obvious markings. Then I was struck by the prominent, orangey-brown pterostigma with an obvious black border and my thoughts immediately turned to red-veined, there having been a few in this area this summer. But then I noticed the large, yellowy patches at the base of the wings, more so on the hind than the fore wings, and also yellow patches at the wing nodes and that the venation was not red in any way, but black. My thoughts turned in other directions. Paying closer attention I checked out the facial pattern and the leg colour, remembering that these were important but not in what way. Like I said, I'm no expert. Anyway, the legs were black with some yellow on them and the black line above the frons extended down the sides quite extensively although it didn't appear to go all the way down. I then went and checked my guides (Askew, Powell and Brooks&Millington) and I am pretty convinced that I had a female yellow winged darter. The animal was still where I left it and I rechecked all the features. Vulvar scales were beyond me I'm afraid! I then decided to get the camera and you can guess the rest. It flew and I haven't seen it since. So, is this good enough to constitute a record. If so you can have it with my compliments. Location is Reydon Smere, Southwold, Suffolk. TM496784 You might also like to know that in the area today I saw many (sorry I didn't try to count them but dozens) of small red-eyed damselflies, some paired up and ovipositing. The location was still water fish-ponds with lots of "slub weed" and other aquatic vegetation. I am confident of their identification, their short-winged, curved body jizz being quite characteristc before you even notice the extension of the blue at either end of the abdomen. I couldn't find any large red-eyes at the site. The location of this site is Buss Creek, Southwold, Suffolk. TM503768. And finally! At the same Buss Creek site I watched a brown hawker splash into the water quite violently 4 or 5 times before flying into a sallow and hanging there in the usual aeshna fashion. I could see she was a female but surely this wasn't ovipositing was it? I was under the impression that A. grandis laid their eggs directly into aquatic plant stems. At least that's what my book says. Do dragonflies bathe? If it's of any relevance, it was about 1630h and very hot and humid.

July 18th	R&DM	Wilts.
A male (or possibly 2 male) Lesser Emperors at Langford Lakes, Wilts. At least one was by the Robin Hide at Brockbank Lake on 18th July.

July 20th	IR	N. Ireland
On 20th July I looked in vain for the male Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope) at the spot near the islands which is I assume where Brian Nelson saw it on 18th; however shortly after I had a brief glimpse of an Anax. sp. which I think was this species (and possibly the same individual) as there seemed to be a very distinct bluish patch at the base of the abdomen. Later there were about 25-30 Keeled Skimmers including a mating pair at Leitrim Lodge near Hilltown in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down; over half of these were in a fairly wet flush near the road at the SW end, while many of the main flushes were rather dry. Also seen were 2 Large Red Damselflies and 3 Common Hawkers; I also saw 1 of the latter at Argory Estate, Co. Fermanagh, on 18th, and on 19th saw 1 at Marble Arch and a Brown Hawker at Reilly Wood NNR, both Co. Fermanagh.

July 21st	LBa	Aberdeenshire
I live in Stonehaven, a small coastal town some 15 miles south of Aberdeen. This afternoon whilst sunbathing in the garden I became aware of a large insect crashing around on the edge of one of my ponds. I have two large ponds, both with goldfish, and a large colony of breeding frogs. My daughter and I got up to have a closer look and were fortunate to observe a lime green dragonfly ovipositing in our larger pond. She moved about the pond for approx 90 seconds, then few out of the garden over the wall. [I've guessed at a female Southern Hawker, but this is not within the range indicated on the NBN database. Any comments? Webmaster]

July 21st	SW	Devon
What is going on? At the VERY least 20 male Small Red-eyed Damselflies at Lower Bruckland Ponds, Musbury. Also 5+ Red-eyed Damselflies. Nearby 8 Ruddy Darter at Seaton Marshes.

July 20th	SSm	Devon
Small Red-eyed Damselfly (E. viridulum), Lower Bruckland Trout Farm, Colyford, East Devon (20/7/06). A single male showing the whole suite of diagnostics and seen up against E. najas for comparison.

July 20th	DSm	Devon
Following a report of two Red-eyed Damselflies at a new site in SE Devon, Lower Bruckland Ponds, on 19th, four observers saw a male SMALL Red-eyed Damselfly there today, which I think is the first to be seen west of Hampshire. The ponds are also hosting a Lesser Emperor and up to five Red-veined Darters, the latter seen ovipositing.

July 20th	SW	Devon
First for Devon, male Small Red-eyed Damselfly at Lower Bruckland Ponds, also 6 Red-eyed Damselflies (5 males) and the male Lesser Emperor.

July 13th	VJ	Cornwall
July 13th my first sighting of a gold ringed dragonfly ( in my house, trying to get out!) I never knew they existed! Coaxed it quietly into a container and managed to show it to 3 other people before it decided to fly to freedom. St Austell, Cornwall

July 19th	SSt	Warwicks.
We had a male brown hawker in our garden last night. I live in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. I was especially interested as I had never seen such an unusual dragonfly before.

July 18th	PWi	Hampshire
There were over 20 Small Red-eyed Damselflies on the boating lake, Southampton Common, today (18th July) - at least 5 tandem pairs and 10 males. I had difficulty keeping track of them in the bright sunshine and it is quite possible the numbers were double my conservative estimates. They seem to be well established at the site.

July 18th	JWS	Berkshire
Today, at Englemere Pond, 4 male and an ovipositing pair of Small Red-eyed Damselfly were recorded. This is the site where the first Berkshire records were obtained last year, so early indications are that the species has successfully established itself here.

July 18th	RW	Yorks.
Rodley Nature Reserve Trust, Rodley ('twixt Leeds & Bradford). Open Wednesdays & Weekends Only. The Dragonfly Ponds (partially sponsored by BDS) are coming along leaps & bounds. Large numbers of Common Blue and Blue-Tailed Damselfly. Occasional sight of Large Red. Good numbers too of Ruddy Darter, Brown Hawker, Migrant Hawker, Black-Tailed Skimmer and Broad-Bodied Chaser. Occasional Golden-Ringed in the locale.... Many species of Butterfly around also. Well worth a visit now in the hot sun, really good views on offer.

July 17th	MJ	Northumberland
A few male banded demoiselle are flying on the river Aln in Northumberland adjacent to Alnwick Castle, 17th July. Can be seen from riverside walks and bridges. This is further north than previous records (the River Coquet, where it runs through Rothbury) and includes sites checked in previous years when none were seen, so looks like another hop northward.

July 15th	SB	Essex
Hadleigh/Benfleet Marshes and Two Tree Island (W of Southend): Day windy but mostly sunny, improving and becoming hot. 3 Scarce Emerald Damselflies on the Marshes – pair copulating and extra male interfering. Also 12 Black-tailed Skimmers, 8 Common Darters, 2 Ruddy Darters, 1 Broad-bodied Chaser ovipositing, 2 Emperor Dragonflies (pair – female ovipositing), 8 Blue-tailed Damselflies and 27 Common Blue/ Azure Damselflies – most certainly Common Blue but two definitely Azure. Also 10 Marbled White Butterflies – not exactly an East Anglian/ London area characteristic species! Small ditches running North – South between creek and edge of woods better than other water bodies in the area.

July 17th	SC	Wiltshire
Another Anax parthenope male has been found at the Cotswold Water Park just over a month since the last one. This one is at a more accessible site, namely the Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts reserve of Swillbrook Lakes on the western edge of the water park. Entrance to the reserve is at SU017938 and the dragonfly has been patrolling the northern shore of the pit nearest the road. Given the size of the water park [it's area equates to the size of Jersey!!] there are probably more waiting to be found - maybe even a female/pair/! Also Ruddy Darter about there in good numbers at the moment.

July 15th	RG	Essex
An exceptional visit to Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve with twelve species observed: - Emperor Dragonfly, Southern Hawker, Brown Hawker, Four-spotted Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer, Common Darter, Ruddy Darter, Scarce Emerald Damselfly, Small Red-eyed Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Azure Damselfly. Also at Roman River Valley Nature Reserve: Banded and Beautiful Demoiselle still in reasonable numbers, plus Blue-tailed Damselfly.

July 16th	MT	Northants.
We took a nice shady walk through the woods at Irchester Country Park, and were dazzled by about 50 Brown Hawker 'swarming' in the open areas along the rides. We stopped off for some more dragonfly spotting at the Big Foot Pond, where there were more Brown Hawkers, including 3 oviposting females, 2 Emperors plus 1 oviposting, 1 Southern Hawker, around 15 Four-spotted Chaser plus 1 oviposting, a handful of Black-tailed Skimmer many Blue-tailed and Common Blue Damselflies, 1 Emerald Damselfly and around 10 Ruddy Darter. I scanned the mats of Rigid Hornwort and quickly located in excess of 40 oviposting pairs of Azure Damselflies. The highlight was around 6 Small Red-eyed Damselfly males - a first for this site after 3 years of searching, and the second new site for this species this season!

July 16th	SW	Devon
Male Lesser Emperor at Lower Bruckland Ponds, Musbury, 10:40, and again at 11:35, also 2+ male Red-veined Daters still. Male Lesser Emperor still present this afternoon and showing well at Lower Bruckland Ponds, mainly on the lowest pond. Nearby 5 male Ruddy Darters at Seaton Marshes.

July 9th, 14th-15th	DSm	Devon
9th July: Despite cool wind, cloud and showers, the BDS/DWT meeting at Prewley Moor, Dartmoor, located good numbers of Southern and three Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfies. 14-15th July: On 14th, Small Red and (6) Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies at Lydford. On 15th, a male Red-veined Darter and 3 Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies at a Bovey Basin site with no public access; also a female Black-tailed Skimmer with white tip to the abdomen due to clay deposit, looking superficially like White-tailed Skimmer Orthetrum albistylum! Also, on Dartmoor, 4 Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies in flushes above Walla Brook at Riddon Down but only one at nearby Corndonford Bog.

July 9th	BO	Devon
Grand Western Canal, 3 miles E of Tiverton, by the picnic area. Female Lesser Emperor ovipositing.

July 15th	PM	Lancs.
Red-veined Darters still prominent at this site (near Heysham, Lancs) with the average time taken to see one in sunny conditions about THREE seconds! Photographs also easy to obtain, especially as there are still only a few Common Darter. No huge counts but certainly 15+ males and at least three ovipositing females. However, we have fallen foul of Great-crested Newt legislation and cannot do any of the proper management work in the foreseeable future. It is inappropriate to rant on on this site - & will be edited anyway! However, I wonder if anyone else involved in trying to manage a wetland area where inactivity (even for one autumn) would lead to problems with invasive species has fallen foul of GCN leglslation taking priority over all other initiatives? Please e-mail pbmarsh@btopenworld.com Thanks.

July 14th	BH	Norfolk
Snettisham Coastal Park: Late morning visit in windy and partly cloudy conditions produced Small Red-eyed Damselfly 1 male flying around marginal vegetation, Red-eyed Damselfly 1 male flying over aquatic vegetation in open channel, Blue-tailed Damselfly 100's, Common Blue Damselfly 100's, Emperor 3, Black-tailed Skimmer 5, Four-spotted Chaser 3, Ruddy Darter 2, Common Darter 20.

June 17th	PWa	Hampshire
Scarce Chaser female in the Ringwood Forest, Hampshire.

July 11th	ROM	Surrey
Thursley NNR 2 - Male Black Darters which I thought were early until we saw a pair ovipositing. Many Small Red Damselflies, Keeled Skimmers, Black-tailed Skimmers and 1-Ruddy Darter. Water levels look sadly low.

July 11th	SN	Staffs.
There are now 3 LESSER EMPERORS at Belvide reservoir Staffs 11th July. 2 males and a female including a pair ovipositing along the south east bay. Is this the first time more than 2 have been seen at one site? I have set up a view point for anyone wanting to see them. It is located off the main footpath along the south east bay. Also 3 male Red veined Darters still.

July 8th	BH	Lincs.
Crowle Moor Lincs Wildlife Trust Reserve: Black Darter 100 (mostly tenerals). Also present were common darter, brown hawker, southern hawker, emerald damselfly, blue-tailed damselfly, azure damselfly and common blue damselfly.

July 7th	EdithP	Shropshire
In the last 2 weeks there have been about 30 banded damselflies by the River Bridge at Waters Upton on the A442 in Shropshire. They disappeared on 6th July with several dead ones spotted on the pavement.

July 6th	BL	Lancs.
Update from previous posting. Whabbs Tip / Rimrose Valley, SJ335992: Permanent pond near main path. 1 Male BBC patrolling pond, mated with 2 different females, one female with touches of blue on abdomen. Both females ovipositing. Male BBC seeing off male Emperors (2) and male grandis (2). Few I.e. present. Now no water in other temporary pond. Leeds-Liverpool Canal Litherland SJ336991, 04/07/06, along 1/2 mile stretch 26 male Emperors + 3 ovipositing females, many I.e., few Azure damsels and 1 male Banded Dem.

June 29th/July 2nd	MN	Berkshire
In response to the request by TE for sightings of Brilliant Emerald, I saw a single male at the pond at Aldermaston Court, Aldermaston, Berks on 29th June. I have also observed Downy Emerald throughout June on this site, up to a maximum of 7 males. A visit to Oval Pond on the Englefield Estate on 2nd July failed to turn up any Brilliant Emerald, but Downy Emerald were well into double figures, plus Four-spotted Chaser in similar quantities. A single male Brown Hawker was also present plus 2 male and 2 female Emperor, the latter ovipositing.

July 6th	IR	N. Ireland
This afternoon at Brackagh Bog NNR near Portadown, Co. Armagh, there were probably about 30 Darters. Nearly all looked like Ruddy Darter, and 2 mature males and 2 immature males were caught and identified as this species, though I also caught a female Common Darter. Also seen were a Common Hawker, about 50 Four-spotted Chasers mainly around newly created or opened pools, several Blue-tailed Damselflies, about 20 assorted Coenagrion species (at least 1 Azure and 1 Variable damselfly were present) and a female Banded Damselfly. The latter has been recorded occasionally and generally singly at Brackagh Bog over the years and this like the others was probably a stray from the nearby Newry Canal, Cusher or Bann River which lie within a half mile or less from the site. On a walk earlier in the afternoon near Dynes Bridge on the River Bann about a mile away I saw about 25 Banded Damsefllies and a Darter which looked like it was a Ruddy Darter, and thus a stray from Brackagh Bog!

July 6th	MD	Somerset
I have a small oval garden pond appx 9' x 6', less than 2' deep in the middle, containing several tall plant species and with a small pumped waterfall switched on occasionally. So far this year I know of at least 55 hatchings of southern hawker dragonflies. Today there were at one time eight preparing for flight, two of which have remained all day. Some have hatched and departed by the time I manage to take the first look of the day. By observing them on and off during each day I have found that there has been a failure rate of approximately 10% - one had only three wings, several fell into the water, one failed to develop properly. I noticed the same failure rate last year. Prior to the mass hatchings last year (again about fifty) I had no knowledge of dragonflies and the pond was not built for the purpose - just generally as a wildlife pond. Most of the pond is in shade for probably three quarters of the day, a huge volume of leaves fall into the pond and have accumulated as a mass of silt at the bottom - but the dragonfly nymphs appear to love it! I saw a female ovipositing in the moss on the sandstone rocks at the side of the pond today - as I also saw last year. Sadly I am going to have to leave the pond as I expect to be moving withing two weeks - and will have to build another pond at the next house. The saddest moment was on watching one dragonfly struggle to hatch - almost falling in the water - and when on its tentative maiden flight it was snatched out of the air by a bird! The bird was in my line of sight so briefly that I had no chance to identify the species of bird but it was undoubtedly a small garden bird.

July 5th	IR	N. Ireland
At Peatlands Park, North Armagh, in very warm weather on 5th July I saw 2 Brown Hawkers and about 4 Black Darters, which I think are the first reported in Ireland so far this year. I also saw about 8 Common Hawkers (having seen my first on 30th June near Randalstown, Co. Antrim), about 6 Four-spot Chasers, 1 or 2 Common Darters, several Emerald and Variable Damselflies, and a Blue-tailed Damselfly.

July 5th	RS	Lancs.
Fleetwood Marsh Nature Reserve: All the RVDarters were on the new pool that has the bridge over it, they were just sat around the edge on stones and pebbles. RVDarter 16+, BT Skimmer 10, Emperor 1, Blue T Damselfly 10, Azure 1, Common Blue 1, Other blues 20+. Cypress Point: This is a series of pools in a housing estate in St.Annes, Emperor 1, Broad Bodied Chaser 1

July 5th	SimonH	Lancs.
At least 9 Red-veined Darters and a similar number of Black-tailed Skimmers at Fleetwood Nature Park (SD 355466) today (R. Stinger, S.J. Hayhow). We think the RVD are the first for the Fylde area of Lancs

July 2nd	MikeH	Cleveland
It has been an unprecedented couple of weeks for odonata migration in Cleveland with Red-veined Darters found at four or five widely scattered sites including South Gare, the Tees Estuary and Billingham involving at least 10 individuals. At least one could still be seen found at Teesmouth on 2 July. Black-tailed Skimmer has been threatening to break through to the region for the last few years with the odd sighting over recent years, though breeding was suspected at Stillington pond last year when a pair was found. This year, a male has been found at Hartlepool (30 June), the coastal location strongly suggesting a migrant. Up to double figures around the Tees Estuary (end June) suggests a southerly movement into the region propelled by global warming. Likewise, too, Broad-bodied Chaser which, until three years ago was an extreme vagrant, but now seen annually in ones or twos. This year a pair on a pond near Darlington (1 July), and another at Stillington Pond (2 July) taking that site's tally to a remarkable 17 species, suggests that that this species is now poised to take the region by storm as both Four-spotted Chaser and Emperor have done so successfully before it in the last five years.

July 4th	AS	Notts.
Pond immediately to the north of Roehoe Wood adjacent to the A46, Grid Ref: SK 653302: Pyrrhosoma nymphula - Large Red Damselfly - 1 Enallagma cyathigerum - Common Blue Damselfly - 20+ including many tenerals Coenagrion puella - Azure Damselfly - 10+ with many tenerals Ischnura elegans - Blue-tailed Damselfly - 5+ Aeshna juncea - Common Hawker - 1 male Libellula quadrimaculata - Four-spotted Chaser - 1 male Sympetrum striolatum - Common Darter - 2 tenerals

July 4th	KatieF	Beds.
Went to see the Red-veined Darters at Broom gravel pits, Beds, today (1pm). At least six males were present, though 38 individuals [not sure of precise male/female numbers] were reported by Mark Ward in very warm conditions on Saturday 1st, including a mating pair. Large numbers of Black-tailed Skimmers also present at the site today. The R-vDs were first reported at Broom on 23 June.

July 4th	JWS	Berkshire
Today, at Felix Farm Trout Fishery, a large lake north of Bracknell, there were two male Small Red-eyed Damselflies, the second site in Berkshire where this species has been recorded. A mature male Brown Hawker was also on the wing, the first of the season in this area. A single male Brilliant Emerald was recorded at Swinley Brick Pits on 2nd July.

July 4th	DW	Gtr. Manchester
Two 'colonies' of this species have been found on the River Roch in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Before today this species was conisered a very rare migrant, in the last few years this species has been looked for on the River. Today 3 males and female were on the Roch behind Back o'th Moss in Heywood and 6 males and 3 females were on the Rochdale at Queens Park. Lets hope this species continues to increase. More inforamtion on the Dragonflies of Rochdale can be found at www.wildlifeofrochdale.co.uk

June 24th-July 2nd	PD	Highlands
Azure Hawker dragonfly, Aeshna caerulea, was of course the highlight and a new species for me. The first one was observed in Glen Affric for a maximum of twenty minutes on a log allowing good close scrutiny through close focussing 8.5x42 Swarovski binoculars. The second was on the trunk of a Scot’s Pine at the Bridge of Grudie for somewhat longer and also allowed close scrutiny through bins. The third one (probably the same one), was flushed in the same patch of pine trees the following day at the Bridge of Grudie and landed on a rock nearby. It allowed exceptionally critical scrutiny for up to an hour, initially with bins from various angles and then at point blank range with the naked eye. I gently touched the tip of its abdomen which it just lifted into the air. Eventually it flew off a short distance and I left it in peace – thoroughly satisfied. 24/6: Loch Airkig, Ailt Mhuic Butterfly Reserve: 1 Four Spotted Chaser dragonfly (Libellula quadrimaculata) 25/6: Glen Affric: 9+ Downy Emerald dragonfly (Cordulia aenea). 3/4 Golden ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii). 7/8 Common Hawker dragonfly (Aeshna juncea) 20+ Four Spotted Chaser. Large Red, Common Blue and Blue tailed damselflies 26/6: Glen Affric, Pollan Bui: 4+ Downy Emerald. 20+ Four Spotted Chaser. 12+ White Faced Darter dragonfly (Leucorrhinia dubia). 1 Male Azure Hawker dragonfly (Aeshna caerulea). 1 female Golden ringed Dragonfly. 1 Common Hawker. 27/6: Glen Affric, Pollan Bui: 25+ White faced Darter. 2 (male/female) Golden ringed Dragonfly. 4+ Downy Emerald. 40+ Four spotted Chaser. Plodda Falls: 4 Common Hawker. 28/6: Bridge of Grudie by Loch Maree: 2 (male/female) White faced Darter. 5+ Northern Emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora arctica). 2 Golden ringed Dragonfly. 4+ Common Hawker. 1 male Azure Hawker (A.caerulea). 6+ Four spotted Chaser. Large Red and ‘Blue’ damselflies etc. 29/6: Bridge of Grudie: 1 male Azure Hawker (A.caerulea). B.E.N.R.Centre:1 Golden ringed Dragonfly, 1 Northern Emerald 30/6: Lough Coulin: 6+ Golden ringed Dragonfly. 1 teneral Common/Highland Darter dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum/nigrescens). 01/7: Bridge of Grudie: 2 Northern Emerald. 4 Golden ringed Dragonfly. 4+ Common Hawker. Beinn Eidhe Reserve: 2 Northern Emerald. 6+ Golden ringed Dragonfly. 6+ Common Hawker 02/7: Black Wood of Rannoch: 2 Golden ringed Dragonfly. 1 Four spotted Chaser.

July 4th	NJ	Hampshire
Two adult male Small Red-eyed Damselflies on our garden ponds in Romsey today (first record was a male last year for one day). Also 400+ Azure, 100+ Blue-tailed, 40 Large Red, 12 Small Red, 10 Common Blue, six male Red-eyed and two male Emerald Damselflies, two male Banded and two male Beautiful Demoiselles, a male and three female Emperors, two male Black-tailed, one male Broad-bodied and 15 Four-spotted Chasers, a male Golden-ringed Dragonfly plus a male Ruddy Darter.

July 4th	PM	Lancs.
Middleton, Lancs. Red-veined Darter numbers increased today to an absolute minimum of 23 - all flying over the water and including a pair in cop. There were almost certainly several others basking around the edge of the "model boat" pond. Also on the site as a whole, c130 4-spotted Chaser, c25 Emperor, c32 Black-tailed Skimmer, 2-3 Brown and one Common Hawker. Common Darters are just about ready to start mixing with Red-veined over the "model boat" pond so RVD estimates are going to be difficult in an day or two. There was also a dragonfly seen very briefly which may have been a male Lesser Emperor but it could not be relocated in a oppressive heat and general dragonfly hyperactivity. It was at the back of the "model boat pond" and appeared to disappear towards the "No Swimming" pond but was not on there when checked.

June 15th-30th	RA	Sussex/Surrey
From mid- to end of June: Old Lodge nature reserve: Broad Bodied Chasers, Four Spotted Chasers, Black tailed Skimmers, Downy Emerald, Emperor Tilgate Park, Crawley: Downy Emerald, Emperor, Broad Bodied Chaser Maidenbower, Crawley: Beautiful Demoiselle on stream at junction of Pallingham Drive and Lucerne Drive. Banded Demoiselle and Black Tailed Skimmer on flood pond by Billinton Drive. Reigate Castle ponds: Emperor, Broad Bodied Chaser.

July 2nd/3rd	AS	York
Sandburn Hall Golf Club, Just outside York Grid Ref: SE 680610: Habitat - several man made lakes. Species seen on 3 July 2006: Emperor 1 male, Emerald damselfly (Lestes sponsa) several 10+, Common Blue damselfly 10+, Azure Damselfly several, Blue-tailed damselfly 10+. An unidentified darter type - couldn't get a view - very mobile not like usual darter behaviour when they return to favourite perch, any guidance on this species would be appreciated. Big emergence of the damselflies - many tenerals on the wing on Sunday morning 2 July 2006. During the early part of the year I also saw at this site: Large Red damselfly, Four-spotted chaser, Brown Hawker.

July 3rd	JSt	Lancs.
This afternoon on the Lancaster Canal south of Hest Bank, Lancashire: 2x male Emperors, 1x male Beautiful Demoiselle. OS Grid ref roughly SD 467 654.

July 2nd	BH	Lincs.
2 July I saw a male Lesser Emperor at Whisby Nature Park, Lincoln, at 16.00. I believe a pair had been seen there the previous day.

July 2nd	GF	Hampshire
I made an interesting observation on July 2nd 2006 at Longwood Warren near Winchester. A Golden-ringed Dragonfly was observed resting on Hogweed along a hedged bridleway on the site - Grid ref SU520261. I wondered how unusual this was as this is a dry site on the chalk downs south-east of Winchester? The nearest waterbody being the River Itchen a couple of miles to the west, which is a chalk river of course. I look forward to any comments.

July 2nd	BP	Tyne & Wear
Two new species for Gateshead Tyne & Wear today. Lesser Emperor, a female apparently egglaying at Kibblesworth. Also seven Four spotted Chasers and a Banded Demoiselle there. Male Red veined Darter at Crawcrook Quarry (private site). Also male Emperor there.

July 2nd	AshB	Northants.
Saw a pair of WL Damselflies at Burton Latimer, Northants this pm.

July 2nd	GHo	Lincs.
The monthly task of checking water levels was rewarded on Saturday 1st July, when I found a tandem pair of Lesser Emperors with the female ovipositing at Whisby Nature Reserve, 8 miles south west of Lincoln. The pair were from the only viewpoint which overlooks Willow Lake on the Willow Walk. The male was seen today (Sunday 2nd July) patrolling the western side of Willow Lake, but there was no sign of the female. This is a Reserve and I believe a County first.

July 2nd	SW	Devon
4 male and 1 female Red-veined Darters at Lower Bruckland Ponds, Musbury. Nearby 50 White-legged Damselflies at Kilmington.

July 2nd	DEG	Berkshire
Brown hawker today 2 July at Sunninghill, Berks. Also common darter.

July 1st	SN	Staffs.
Just to let you know there is a Lesser emperor at Belvide Reservoir Staffordshire today. It showed well between the Bryant hide and Gazebo bay. This is a first for the reserve. Also at least 40+ Red veined Darters today with several pairs ovispositing. There have been 20+ for over 2 weeks now. Another first for the reserve. Also seen today were 100+ Black-tailed Skimmers.

July 1st	RG	Essex
Hadleigh Marshes/Benfleet Downs, Essex: Good numbers of Scarce Emerald Damselfly, plus a few Blue-tailed and a handful of Common Blue. Also Emperor Dragonfly and Ruddy Darter.

July 1st	SW	Devon
Been at least three male Red-veined Darters at Lower Bruckland Ponds, Musbury, Devon for a few weeks now. Observed a pair ovipositing last week.

June 24th-30th	JWS	Berkshire
Responding to TEs request for further information on S. metallica. It seems to have been very late on the wing around Bracknell, but males have now been observed at four sites. First seen at Butter Bottom on 24th June, this was followed by a sighting at Englemere Pond on 28th June. Yesterday, 30th June, a group of 5 wildlife enthusiasts had prolonged views of 2 males at Forest Pond, and later, a single male at the Upper Star Post Pond. Incidentally, a single male C tenellum was observed at Englemere on 28th June, after zero records for this species there in 2005. This species has also been seen at Casars Camp Pond, Crowthorne Woods and Gormoor.

June 30th	CC/LH	Devon
River Otter ( White Bridge to Otterton), Devon 4+ white legged damselfly, 2 x golden ringed, azure damselfly, large red damselfly, 40+ banded demoiselle.

June 25th	R&CC	Devon
The Lesser Emperor (male) was seen at Squabmoor Reservoir, Near Exmouth, Devon today at approx 3.30 p.m by Liz Hamling. We did see the Lesser Emperor (male) on 25 June patrolling the at the dam end of the reservoir. Also seen: four spotted chasers, downy emeralds, golden ringed, red-eyed, emperor, black-tailed skimmers, common blue, azure, blue tailed and beautiful demoiselle.

June 27th	BH	Cambs.
Cambourne, Cambs: The various waterbodies around the Cambourne development site held Southern Hawker (just emerged from exuvia), Emperor 4, Black-tailed Skimmer 5, Four-spotted Chaser 2, Common Darter 15, Blue-tailed Damselfly 20 and Common Blue Damselfly 1000's.

June 27th	TE	Hampshire
Good nos of Downy Emeralds on the two man made pools along the stream at Warren Heath near Hartley Whitney Hants (aprox SU783588). The less vegetated upper pool held c6+ while the lower lily covered pool hosted at least 2. Also present good nos 4 Spot Chaser, and assorted Damselflies. No sign of any Brilliant Emeralds. If anyone has news of any sites currently hosting this species in the south and could post details I would be very interested.

June 11th	PM	Lancashire
Middleton Ind. Est. Lancs.: Poorer coverage than usual so far this year due to people searching elsewhere for migrant Red-veined Darter! Visit on 11th June by Colin Whittle revealed 4 male Red-veined Darter in the 'usual area' (as per the last six years). The next bout of suitable weather/observer availability was today and revealed 4 prob 5 males on settled territories in close proximity in the north-west corner. The problem is that we have had not had time to search for nymphs or exuviae, have not seen any obvious immatures and therefore have no idea whether these are partly or wholly the on-going breeding population or migrants. Black-tailed Skimmers number c18 (2+ females), Emperors 18-20 and 4-spotted Chasers c70-90. A single female Broad-bodied Chaser on 11th June on the nearby Heysham Nature reserve unfortunately the only sighting so far at this north-western outpost.

June 25th	PaulB	W. Yorks.
On June 25th a male Lesser Emperor was still present at Moorhouse Lane Ponds, just east of Anglers Country Park, SW of Wakefield in West Yorkshire. Had been present for several days on the pond nearest to the metal gate, first reported on 17th June. Also 4+ Emperors, a pair of Broad-bodied Chasers and a large hatch of Common Darters (providing food for the Emperors!).

June 22nd	IR	N. Ireland
I saw 1 or 2 immature female Emerald Damselflies (Lestes sponsa) at Peatlands Park, North Armagh, on 22nd June; this is I think the first report of the species in Northern Ireland in 2006.

June 25th	CH	Worcs.
On Sunday 25 June, three Common Darter successfully emerged and flew from my small garden pond in Kempsey, Worcestershire. Unfortunately, one further emergence was unsuccessful. The dragonflies flew out of the garden between about 9.30 and 10.30am. The pond was newly constructed in Spring 2005 and my children and I were very excited to see these dragonflies emerge. I collected four exuviae (on various vegetation between 3 and 8 inches above the waterline) and have noted that there are several further larvae in the pond. They seem to prefer the shallower water, where they have been visible for some time.

June 24th	ChrisB	Hampshire
Hatchett Pond, Hampshire on Saturday 24th: Western End – 2 Beautiful Demoiselle, Small Red Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser, Keeled Skimmer, good numbers of Southern Damselfly, at least 2 Scare Blue-tailed Damselfly. North Eastern corner – Four-spotted Chaser, BT Skimmer, BB Chaser, Emerald Damselfly.

June 24th	JWS	Berkshire
At Butter Bottom Ponds, south of Bracknell, over 40 White-legged Damselflies were counted, including 1 teneral and 11 mating pairs, of which 8 were ovipositing. Altogether 11 species were on the wing, including 1 Brilliant Emerald and several Downies. Following last year's sighting of 4 mating pairs of White-leggeds at Butter Bottom, there is now strong evidence that this species has become established in recent years at this still water site. This record increases to 24 the number of species of Odonata resident in Bracknell Forest Borough.

June 24th	MartinG	I. of Scilly
Porth Hellick pool, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly. 24th June: 2 male Black-tailed Skimmer ( Orthetrum cancellatum), 1 male Lessser Emperor (Anex parthenope). Present all day.

June 24th	JPH	Suffolk
The recently formed Bungay Local Group of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust held a dragonfly day today. Although only six members attended, we spent the morning watching photos by John Harrold that illustrated anatomy, lifecycle and behaviour, and local species, then went to Outney Common in the afternoon for field work. Along the dykes, pools, gravel pits, and river Waveney we saw at least ten, possibly 11 species of dragons and damsels, including Aeshna isosceles, Erythromma najas, and hundreds of males Calopteryx splendens. What was very noticeable was the very few female C. splendens – any that did venture forth was immediately pursued by several males. Is this common? There were also a few E. najas on the floating river vegetation, and some newly emerged common toads along the ditches – must be very early. This is obviously a good spot, combining a number of suitable and different habitats, and would repay closer study. I would expect at least a further five species later in the year.

June 17th	MP/SP	Norfolk
Carlton Marsh 17/06/06 Warm and Sunny: Azure Damselfly 8/10, Large Red Damselfly 2, Blue Tail Damselfly 8/10, Norfolk Hawker 10/12, Variable Damselfly 10/12, Four Spotted Chaser 10/15, Emperor 6/8, Hairy Dragonfly 4/5. Also found 3 Norfolk Hawker Exuvia. Winterton Dunes 17/06/06 Warm and Sunny: Emperor Male and Female (Laying) 3/4, Four Spotted Chaser 6/8, Azure Damselfly 6/8, Blue Tail Damselfly 6/8, Broad Bodied Chaser 4. Also Found 2 Emperor Exuvia.

June 20th	JT	Somerset
The side stream just downstream from French Weir in Taunton (right outside my office) is a regular site for Banded Demoiselles, which are present again this year. About a week ago I thought I had seen both male and female Beautiful Demoiselles there, and was able to confirm that today (20 June). Stuart Holdsworth and I found a few Beautifuls present alongside Bandeds at Bishops Hull, about a mile upstream last year, but these are the first records of Beautiful Demoiselle for this site.

June 17th/18th	KR	Devon
At least six Red-veined darter were reported at Mansands, South Devon over the weekend of 17-18th June.

June 20th	DW	Lancs.
A male Red-veined Darter was present today (20/06/06) in Rochdale, Manchester at the BMX Track Pool at Queens Park. It was seen around 13:45 for half an hour, landing a number of times, before seeming to fly off in a north-west direction, was not seen again by 14:45. This is the first record for this area, but I see there were 6 males at Pennington Flash a few days ago so who knows perhaps Manchester will have good numbers of this species as the year goes on. Also present were 5 male and 1 female Broad-bodied Chaser. More information on the dragonflies of Rochdale can be found at www.wildlifeofrochdale.co.uk

June 20th	NJ	Hampshire
First adult Emerald Damselfly of the year on the main pond in our garden in Romsey. Also, 500+ Azure, 50 Blue-tailed, 50 Large Red, 10 Common Blue, 6 Small Red and 6 Red-eyed Damselflies, plus 2 Emperors, 10+ Four-spotted Chasers, a Downy Emerald and a male Broad-bodied Chaser. Also, a male Golden-ringed Dragonfly on our small stream.

June 20th	BL	Lancs.
Update from previous posting. Whabbs Tip / Rimrose Valley, SJ335992: Small temporary water body next to permanent pond near main path. 1 Male BBC still patrolling pond. Very breezy, water getting pretty low now in both ponds.

June 16th	BH	Norfolk
SNETTISHAM COASTAL PARK, NORFOLK: In superb conditions noted 15 Hairy Dragonflies, 50 Four-spotted Chasers, 12 Black-tailed Skimmers, 5 Emperors, a very brief view of a red coloured darter, 1000's Common Blue Damselflies, 1000's Blue-tailed Damselflies, 10 Large Red Damselflies and 2 Red-eyed Damselflies.

June 17th	DavidF	Herts.
6+ Red-veined Darters at Wilstone Reservoir, Herts on 17 June.

June 17th	TC	Essex
Hadleigh Marshes, Essex. My earliest visit to this particular site. Nice to see all the ditches filled to the brim after last years visit in July when they were down to a few puddles. What drought! Hundreds of Emerald damselfies were present at the ditches & ponds, which hasn't been the case before when visited in July when Scarce Emerald is in the ascendancy. Even though the Emerald males looked like they could be Scarce by the presence of S1 & 2 being one & half coloured by the powder blue pruinescence, the insects didn't look chunky enough. Concluded that the pruinescence was developing on these immature Emeralds. Did however find two insects that were chunkier & the photographs did reveal the longer ovipositor found on these two immature teneral female Scarce Emeralds. The main emergence time for the Scarce Emeralds is probably about 10 days away. Also had a good sighting of my first Darter of the season a teneral Ruddy Darter. Other sightings through the afternoon, included, 3 Black tailed Skimmers, 2 BB Chasers, 2 Hairy Dragonflies & 7 Emperors. Plenty of Blue tailed & Azure damselflies concluded the afternoons count.

June 18th	RM	Norfolk
Haddiscoe New Cut Norfolk grid ref 435447: One male Lesser Emperor Anax parthenope basking on bare dried mud at edge of newly excavated dyke. Also Red eyed damselflies Erythromma najas and Emperor dragonflies Anax imperator colonised this area this year for the first time. Large numbers of Black-tailed skimmers Orthetrum cancellatum here too, and a few Norfolk Hawkers Aeshna isosceles.

June 17th/18th	TE	Hants/Herts
17/06/06: 1 Scarce Blue tailed Damselfly Hatchet Pond NF also 1M Emperor, 1 Keeled Skimmer and plenty of Black Tailed Skimmers. 18/06/06: 3 Red Veined Darters at Wilstone Reservoir Tring Herts. Seen walking SW from the car park to the overflow. Also good numbers of Black Tailed Skimmer and assorted Damselflies.

June 16th/18th	ROM	Surrey
18th June 2006: Esher Common - Black Pond - At least 1 male Brilliant Emerald photographed flying over the water and rushes, several male Downy Emeralds, 4-spotted Chasers, Keeled Skimmers, Large Red and Common Blue Damselflies. (Not sure if the Brilliant Ems can breed here as most of the sheltered tree covered area is where the dogs and children were seen playing in the water) 16th June 2006: Thursley - signs of approx 10 previously emerged Brilliant Emeralds at Forked Pond but access to waters-edge to see if any were flyiin was severely restricted by several groups of fishermen who were trying to catch carp. (Can anything be done to encourage the owners not to stock this pond with carp and thus give the Brilliant Ems a greater chance of improved breeding?). On the heath to the west of the pond a good number of white-legged damsels were seen amongst the bracken together with Black-tailed Skimmers, Beautiful Demoiselles, the odd 4-spotted chaser and a couple of curious Golden-ringed dragonflies who came close to inspect us before quickly disappearing over the bracken before I could get the camera focussed!

June 17th	DP	Hampshire
A trip to the New Forest on Saturday 17 June was quite rewarding. At Hatchet Pond there were Emporer, Downy Emerald, Black-tailed Skimmer, Keeled Skimmer, Broad-bodied Chaser, Four-spotted Chaser, Azure, Blue-tailed, Large Red and Small Red Damselflies. One or two Black Darters were found on Beaulieu Heath. Along the Crockford Stream there were Gold-ringed Dragonfly, Southern Damselfly and Beautiful Demoiselle.

June 17th	IP	Essex
Large numbers of Scarce Emerald damselflies in ditches at Fobbing Marsh Essex Wildlife Trust site this afternoon; Mostly males with a few females; also an Emperor M; a Common darter F and Blue tailed & Azure damselflies.

June 8th	IJW	Gwynedd
Male Emperor in the dune system at Morfa Harlech. Later in the day visited one of the Cors Ceirch sites and had several Keeled Skimmers, Broad-bodied Chasers and Four-spotted Chasers. Also photographed a female immature Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly.

June 17th	DSm	Devon
Male Lesser Emperor at Little Bradleys Ponds; also 3+ Downy Emeralds. The Lesser Emperor follows one on 16th at Exminster Marshes. There were 2 Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies each at Chudleigh Knighton Heath (new site record) and Bovey Heathfield.

June 16th	GB	Oxon.
Thames at Goring ; 6 Club Tailed @ territory + 1 female Club Tailed in the Little Meadow, 3 Black Tailed Skimmer male, 2 Emperor ovipositing + 4 @ territory, 20+ White legged m & f, 50+ Red eyed, 100s Banded Demoiselle.

June 15th	PL	Hampshire
At Mill Lawn Brook, Burley in Hampshire today (June 15th), several male Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies in the boggy patch between the car park and the stream. Didn't manage to positively identify any females.

June 15th	PA	Lancs.
I found at least 6 male Red-veined Darters frequenting a relatively new pond (only constructed a few years ago as part of a reclamation scheme) adjacent to the main lake today 15/06/06. As far as I am aware this is a new species for the site. Managed to get some photos. Also at least 15 Black-tailed Skimmers at the same location. Location details: Pennington Flash Country Park, Leigh, Lancs SJ636993.

June 13th	SS	Essex/Suffolk
Goldins Hill Epping, warm and sunny, 6 Emperor, 10+ Four Spooted Chaser, black Tailed Skimmer, Azue Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly and Red Eyed Damselfly. Carlton Marshes Suffolk, warm and sunny, 10+ Norkolk Hawker, Hairy Dragonfly, Four Spotted Chaser, Blue Tailed Damselfly (Rufus form), Azue Damselfly, Commom Blue Damselfly and Black Tailed Skimmer.

June 10th	LW	Hampshire
On June 10th I was searching for Dragonflies at the Western end of Hatchet Pond in the New Forest, when I encountered at least one (possibly up to 3) red-abdomened Libellulid that showed features of Red-veined Darter. This is my first year of looking closely at Dragonflies so I may have got it wrong ! I eventually had good views of one individual under good lighting conditions as it rested on the mud at the edge of the lake, near where the stream run's into the lake. The veins along the leading edge of the forewings were strikingly red (not just the costa ), the pterostigma was mustard yellow with a well defined black border, and the bottom half of the eyes were slaty-blue. This individual did not however exhibit a yellow patch at the base of the hindwings that the Lewington guide mentions is normally present in Red-veined Darter. The Lewington guide is the only book I have as a reference, and Red-veined Darter seemed to be the only species that fit, though it did seem a bit silly that it should be my first Darter species ! I would welcome any confirmation or other opinions from more experienced folks out there. Also of note were 2 Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies among the Blue-taileds, a Downy Emerald and a couple of Red-eyed Damselflies on the small pond next to the car park.

June 13th	NJ	Hampshire
On the River Test at Romsey saw first teneral Common Darter of the year.

June 9th/12th	TC	Suffolk
June 9th, North Cove nature reserve & Barnby, nr Lowerstoft, Suffolk: Today took a trip to one of my favourite sites. Perfect weather & perfect Dragonflies. A busy day. The list included the site speciality, the Norfolk Hawker, around 15 individuals, including a pair in tandem. 20+ Hairy Dragonflies, Scarce Chaser 30+ by river Waveney & in reserve, numbers were down on previous years *(PLEASE NOTE.. Restricted access along footpath, alongside River Waveney, because of works). All the usual smalls, including, Red eyed, & Variable. Large numbers of Banded Demoiselles. Also had good views in the reserve of 1 teneral Black tailed Skimmer, 1 Broad Bodied Chaser, 2 immature Emperor's, including one taking a female Banded Demoiselle, & settling to devour its large meal. The suprise of the day was when a immature Southern Hawker came bustling past, its larger size obvious after viewing Hairy Dragonflies during the day. June 12th, River Stour, Stratford St Mary & Dedham: Started the afternoon by walking along the river from Stratford St Mary in The Higham direction. Very good numbers of Banded Demoiselles & all the usual smalls. 30+ Black tailed Skimmers, mostly in their brown/yellow, black teneral colours. 2 Hairy dragonflies & pleased to find 4 Scarce Chasers, all males. When came back to S.S.M walked the stretch to Dedham. Numbers were definately down on this stretch for the smalls & B.Ds. Only found 5 black tailed Skimmers, although 3 were blue males. Two Male Emperors completed the day.

June 13th	NJ	Hampshire
Two adult Small Red Damseflies seen on our garden pond today in Romsey. Also, over 350 pairs of Azures in cop, plus Downy Emerald, Emperor, Four Spotted and Broad-bodied Chasers, Large Red, Common, Blue-tailed and Red-eyed Damselflies.

June 7th-12th	ROM	W. Sussex/Surrey
June 7th, W. SUSSEX: Burton Mill Pond - many male and female Scarce Chasers and mating pairs. 1 pair of variable damselflies. Newbridge - Several male Hairy and 1 female who kindly sat for a couple of minutes for photos! 3 female and 4 male Scarce Chasers. Several Beautiful Demoiselles. June 8th, SURREY: Thursley Moat Pond - Good number of active Downy Emeralds - seems a good year. A number of recently emerged 4-Spot Chasers and exuvia in reeds. June 12th, SURREY: Thursley Forked Pond - Lots of male and female Beautiful Demoiselles in woods near the pond. 1 Gold-ringed flying around the little stream and fields to the north of the pond. 1 female Brilliant Emerald along wooded Northerly pathway from forked pond.

June 11th-13th	JHa	N. Yorks.
11th June, Filey: 40 Red Veined Darters all males bar 3- 4 females seen in tandem and ovipositing 12th June, Burton Riggs NR near Scarborough: 1 Male Lesser Emperor (details sent to Adrian Parr) 20 male Red-veined Darters 13th June, Reighton (between Filey and Flamborough): 50 Broad Bodied Chasers + 2 Red-veined Darters

June 12th	PJC	Suffolk
5 Norfolk Hawkers at Sizewell Belts this lunchtime along the dykes just inland from the Nuclear Power Station. I believe that this is currently the most southerly regular site. Also a Hairy and a couple of Emperors amongst the many 4 spots.

June 12th	SC	Wiltshire
While looking for Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies [unsuccessfully] in the Cotswold Water Park today, myself and Gareth Harris [CWP Biodiversity Officer] found a male Lesser Emperor patrolling a shallow margin of one of the pits in the Wiltshire section. The exact location must remain undisclosed unfortunately due to access problems. On the move constantly so unable to get pics - it also evaded capture! It disappeared when overcast conditions occurred. Also found Downy Emeralds at a new site in CWP.

June 11th	MT	Northants.
Sightings of Downy Emeralds at Yardley Chase continue to increase with over 20 adults now sighted including copulation and oviposting. Although a private site, there have been a steady stream of records from permit holders over the last few years, and no records of Downys have appeared - even from the ponds where they are now being recorded. I have theorised that this is a cyclical population occurring every 3-4 years, perhaps the result of a single female oviposting. As this finding has generated a lot of interest, I am sure next year will yield some interesting results to add-to or disprove this theory.

June 10th	RG	Essex
River Colne, Ford Street, Essex: Abundant Banded Demoiselle, good numbers of red-eyed damselfly, plus many azure, large red and few blue-tailed. Cornard Mere, Suffolk: Late afternoon - 1 female/imm. male Scarce Chaser and few Common Blue Damselfly.

June 12th	FT	W. Sussex
Found your website whilst trying to identify a dragonfly I was photographing on the River Rother, between Stedham and Stedham Mill, located between Petersfield, Hampshire and Midhurst, W.Sussex. I thought I'd send an email because the river on this stretch is positively buzzing with species your members might be interested in. I know nothing about dragonflies, but there are at least 4 different body colours present at an Idyllic spot. [Perhaps someone could report on species from this site? - Webmaster]

June 8th/12th	JWS	Berkshire
At sites near Bracknell, Keeled Skimmer has been on the wing since 8th June, when 1 mature male and 2 tenerals were seen at Wildmoor. Today (12th June) several mature males were holding territory at Caesars Camp Pond and Crowthorne Woods, and at the latter site a pair were in cop. Also today, good numbers of Small Red Damselfly (both mature males and tenerals) were present at Caesars Camp and Crowthorne Woods. Also, all the usual early species were present. The sites were buzzing, with spectacular activity, especially from the Four-spotted and Broad-bodied Chasers, and Emperors.

June 11th	IHal	Lancs.
Female broad bodied chaser flew into my conservatory and decided to rest behind the blinds for the morning. Maghull (10miles north of Liverpool).

June 10th	RPe	Perthshire
Brief visit to Loch of Lowes, Scotland Saturday 10th June - tandem pair of Northern damselflies and 2 other males - in unusual habitat as in amongst scrub at edge of main loch unlike the habitat of small shallow pools with extensive emergent flora in which Ive seen them in previous years. Is this a usual site for this species? Its not far from the Perthshire population.

June 9th/11th	MikeH	Co. Durham
Three male Red-veined Darters near Sunderland on 11th June. This is the second time in three years that this site has held this species. Also of note in the Durham area, an Emperor maturing on woodland near Darlington on 9th June represented the earliest county record so far despite the largely miserable spring.

June 11th	NM	Suffolk
2 male small red-eyed damselflies in Hollesley, Suffolk. Hundreds of Azure, several large red, common blue and blue tailed damsels. Emperor and c. 10 4-spot chaser.

June 9th	FA	S. Yorks.
Barnsley: On Sandhills Golf Course on Friday 9th June at approx 7pm, spotted a large male Keeled Skimmer resting on one of the boundary ropes. The evening was very warm and sunny with a gentle breeze.

June 11th/12th	IR	N. Ireland
I saw at leat 1, probably 2, Keeled Skimmers (Orthetrum coerulescens) at Leitrim near Hilltown, Co. Down, on 10th June. Also seen was a Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata), the first time I have seen it at this site, and about 15 Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula). At Legalough near Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, there was a Commonm Darter in a rushy field along with several Four-spotted Chasers; I also saw at least 1 Hairy Dragonfly. David Nixon reports 2 of the latter at Bohill Forest NNR near Ballynahinch, Co. Down, on 11th June; this is as far as I know a new site for the species.

June 10th	DSm	Devon
At Stover, two sightings of what can reasonably be assumed was a male Red-veined Darter; also Downy Emerald, ovipositing Hairy Dragonfly and 20-25 Red-eyed Damselflies. At nearby Bovey Heath, a pair of Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies at little more than a puddle. Southern Damselflies were on the wing at Colaton Raleigh Common on the 6th (Lesley Kerry) and Scarce Chasers along the Grand Western Canal on the 8th (Simon Mitchell).

June 7th	CH	Worcs.
Eckington Bridge, River Avon, Worcestershire. Time: 6.30 - 8.00 pm, very warm, no breeze: Several Scarce Chasers seen flying and resting in reeds and meadows adjacent to the river, on the east side of the bridge. Both immature and mature males observed, one with mating scars on abdomen. I also briefly saw a Clubtail, as I arrived. Plenty of Banded Demoiselles about feasting on the mayflies.

June 8th	IR	N. Ireland
On 8th June there were up to 4 male Hairy Dragonflies at Drumnahavil Bog near Keady, Co. Armagh, and about 25 Irish Damseflies including several mating pairs, probably 50+ Four-spotted Chasers, c. 20 Variable Damselflies and 1 or 2 Large Red and Blue-tailed Damselflies. At Carnagh Forest near Keady there was another Hairy Dragonfly, and at Straghans Lake not far away, a few Common Blue damselflies, and 1 or 2 Large Red Damselflies and Four-spotted Chasers.

June 8th	PAB	Norfolk
Upton Fen NWT (TG3813): Dragonfly Sightings. 08/06: Hairy Dragonfly 10+, Emperor Dragonfly 1, Norfolk Hawker 10+, Four-Spotted Chaser 20+, Black-Tailed Skimmer 15+, Broad-Bodied Chaser 1, Common Blue Damselfly 1, Azure, Blue-Tailed, Large Red & Variable Damselfly present. Also 1 Swallowtail Butterfly.

June 7th/8th	BL	Merseyside
07/06/06: Whabbs Tip / Rimrose Valley, SJ335992: Small temporary water body next to permanent pond near main path. 1 Male BBC being chased off every time it got near to any one of 3 roosting Four-Spot Chasers. Cracking sight through binos! Also, Leeds/Liverpool Canal alongside Rimrose Valley SJ336991, many dozen Blue-tailed damselflies, some in cop, some ovipositing. 08/06/06: Whabbs Tip / Rimrose Valley, SJ335992 : Small temporary water body next to permanent pond near main path - it's starting to look nice this water body considering it's a seasonal pond! 1 Female Broad-bodied Chaser, ovipositing, 1 male BBC (strangely taking no notice of female!), 1 male Emperor, 5 Four-Spot Chasers making nuisance of themselves to everything else by trying to chase the other dragonflies off!

June 7th	CB	London
I've got two pairs of (mating) red damselflies at my tiny inner London (Wandsworth) pond this morning. (I had to clear away the spiders' web so they could land!) On Monday there were just singles flying about, Tuesday one pair laying and several others flying about, today two pairs laying - others about - tomorrow an orgy?! They stayed for a couple of hours in the heat of the sun yesterday.

June 6th	IR	N. Ireland
Kenny Murphy reports Banded Damselfly(ies) Calopteryx splendens on the River Callan at Aughinlig near Loughgall, Co. Armagh, on 31st May and also one flying past his home on 6th June. On 6th June in Co. Fermanagh I saw about 8 males and 14 females along the Sillees River at Sligo Road, Enniskillen. Earlier on 6th June I had seen about 20 Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura pumilio) at Tonnagh Quarry near Derrygonnelly, also Co. Fermanagh (this has also been recorded this year from Co. Clare and Co. Wicklow); there were 3 mating pairs, one female aurantiaca and one mature female, and the rest males. One Ischnura elegans and a few Pyrrhosoma nymphula were also seen. At Monawilkin near Derrygonnelly there was a female Hairy Dragonfly. Four-spotted Chaser was seen at Carricknagat Bog near Belcoo, with Pyrrhosoma also here and at Braade Bog near Derrygonnelly.

June 5th	MP/SP	Cambs.
Castor Hanglands (Near Peterborough): A quick visit between 5.30 & 7.30pm on a warm sunny evening. The following were flying : Hairy Dragonfly (6/8); Four Spotted Chaser (8/10); Large Red damselfly (2); Blue Tailed Damselfly (5.); Common Blue Damselfly (8/10); Broad Bodied Chaser (1 sunning itself in the sunshine).

June 6th	RG	Essex
Meadowfield Nature Study Centre, Hockley, Essex: Broad-bodied Chaser - 2 males, 1 female; Black-tailed Skimmer - 1 recently emerged female (2/6); Four-spotted Chaser - first record for the site; Many damselflies: Azure very numerous, plus a few blue-tailed and red-eyed.

June 4th	MT	Northants.
I have received reports of 2 male Downey Emerald at Yardley Chase. This is a permit only site with no public access. A single territorial male was recorded here in 1995, and despite regular recording this species has not been seen since. Only time will tell whether this is part of a small undiscovered breeding colony or more vagrants from the nearby site in Bucks. [Follow-up from Steve Cham] The species has been discovered in Beds as well. Single adults were seen at two sites first and now one of the local birders has found another site that looks to be the breeding site. Amazing co-incidence!!

June 2nd	SCo	Moray
First sightings this year of Large red male (1) and 5 male teneral blue-tailed damselflies in the Cairngorms near Grantown-on-Spey on 2 June. Warm, sunny day with a bit of breeze saw damselflies in amongst vegetation or flying below vegetation at a large pond in Revack Estate opposite the Strathspey Smokehouse. (Vice-county 95, Moray)

June 4th	ROM	Oxon.
River Thames at Goring: In the late morning, saw 6 exuvia of previously emerged club-tailed dragonflies which were carefully collected so that any new larvae could easily be spotted. Then much to the delight of myself and several other enthusiasts, my wife located 1 emerged club-tailed dragonfly which was keenly photographed. Then later, from 1230hrs to about 1530hrs another 9 club-tailed larvae were then seen leaving the water, 8 of which went on to emerge with the tenerals then flying into nearby trees and the remaining larva was sadly washed back into the river from the outwash from a passing river launch. It was amazing how quickly the afternoon nymphs came from the river up the rendered wall and were able to maintain sufficient grip to enable emergence with some emergees flying off in about 1 hour. I suspect that there may have been more after we departed.

June 3rd/4th	DMcE	Berkshire
Sunday 4th June 2006 Theale, Berkshire: Two male Downy Emerald dragonflies (Cordulia Aenea) were seen at 3.00pm this afternoon on the south side of Hosehill Lake LNR, a few miles from Theale. The insects stayed close to the margins where there was ample shade from overhanging willow, marginal vegetation and algal growth on the water. Their presence came as a something of a surprise as Hosehill Lake is a popular and well-watched site, and there has been no previous indication of Downy Emeralds being present. Incursion is the most likely possibility, but the nearest population I'm aware of is at Paice's Wood near Aldermaston, some 6 miles away. However, previous entries on this site do seem to suggest that Downy Emeralds are having a very good year in 2006! With the recent spell of warm, dry weather there are literally thousands of Common Blue damselflies present at Hosehill at the moment, ranging from newly emerged individuals to breeding pairs. In some places the reeds are crusted with empty larval cases (sometimes two or three layers deep, where the emerging larvae climbed over others). Red-Eyed Damselflies are also present with counts in the hundreds, and there are smaller numbers of Large Reds, Azures and Blue-Tailed Damselflies. The first Black-Tailed Skimmers are also flying, along with 8 immature Emperors. Hosehill Lake also has a breeding colony of Black-Headed Gulls, and several of these were seen to be flying low over the centre of the lake and picking at the surface. There were pairs of Common Blues and Red-Eyed Damselflies oviposting in the same area. Is this a coincidence, or would Black-Headed Gulls predate breeding damselflies? Saturday 3rd June 2006 Kennet and Avon, Southcote: The Variable Damselfly colony previously described by CW is still going strong, with over 80 adult males seen amongst the Common Blues, Azures, and both Banded and Beautiful Demoiselles (the Demoiselles including several breeding pairs). Whilst there was no sign of any Club-Tails or White-Legged Damselflies, there was plenty of compensation provided by the sighting of 18 x Four-Spotted Chasers (Libellula Quadrimaculata) flying over the nearby gravel pit at Searle's Lane, just to the south of the Kennet Offshoot.

June 3rd	LB	Surrey
Two pairs of large red damsels in the little pond in my back garden on Sunday 3 June mating and then depositing eggs.

June 3rd/4th	IR	N. Ireland
On 3rd June at Aughnadarragh Lake near Saintfield, Co. Down, there was a single Hairy Dragonfly, probably a male. There was also a mating pair, one female and one male Common Blue damselfly, the first Northern Ireland specimens I have heard of this year, and a female Azure Damselfly. Today (4th) there were about 4 Large Red Damselflies at Stoneyford Reservoir and also at the so-called "Rumbling Hole" Quarry at Colin Glen near Belfast, Co. Antrim.

June 2nd/3rd	C&RC	Devon
Friday 2 June 2006: Bystock Pools, Nr Exmouth, Devon: 2 x Emperor flying in the top field. Large red damselflies, Common Blue damselflies and 1 four spotted chaser. Saturday 3 June: Aylesbeare Common (RSPB), Devon: Emperor, Broad bodied chaser, hairy, four spotted chaser, large red, common blue, azure, blue-tailed. Bystock Pools, Nr Exmouth, Devon: Hairy, common blue, large red, four spotted chaser. Squabmoor Reservoir, Nr Exmouth, Devon: Downy Emerald (two males sparring), hairy, red-eyed x 3, common blue.

June 3rd/4th	MarkW	Glos.
We have been lucky enough to have had a number of large, red dragonflies coming to our pond to mate. At any one time there must have been about 10 couples flying about the pond and landing on the plants and surrounding foliage. Standing still some even landed on my shoulder! They are truley beautiful!

June 2nd	DSh	Essex
2nd June 1200 - 1300. On a short walk along the River Wid in Essex from White's Bridge to the A12 I found about 20 Banded Demoiselles and 8 newly emerged White Legged Damselflies in the fields adjacent to the river.

June 2nd	TC	Essex
Much warmer today than of late, although not much sunshine. Decided to vist the river Chelmer/Blackwater, Langford, nr Golf course,Essex, late afternoon.Rewarded by good views of 22 Scarce Chasers. The meadow alongside the river was alive with 100s of damselflies amongst the tall vegetation. Mostly tenerals of White legged & Red Eyed, with Blue tailed, Azure & common Blue. Good three figure counts in the vegetation alongside the river of Banded Demoiselles & a scattering of Large Reds.

June 3rd	JasonB	Derbyshire
Female Broad Bodied Chaser seen whilst walking through a wildlife nature reserve in my area of Derbyshire, Amber valley near codnor castle.

June 2nd	IR	N. Ireland
Today (2nd June) was a sunny and warm day in the low 20s C. and Odonata were very much more abundant at Montiaghs Moss NNR near Aghalee, Co. Antrim. Irish Damselfly was easily the most abundant Odonata species, with probably at least 50 seen. These were mostly mature males flying over the bog pools, but there were 2 or 3 mating pairs. Variable Damselfly though common was barely half as abundant. Hairy Dragonfly was as common as I have ever seen it there; as well as a mating pair and an ovipositing female (in Potamogeton spp.) there were probably 6-8 males; to see this in double figures is unusual. Four-spotted Chasers were however even more abundant, with probably at least 40 (counts should be regarded as approximate and possibly a considerable under-estimate). A few Blue-tailed damselflies and Large Red Damselflies were also seen. There may have been a few Azure Damselflies also, but I did not [catch] any to check.

June 1st	GB	Oxon.
Goring, River Thames: 10 immature Club Tailed Dragonflies (8f + 2m) 2 emerging Club Tailed in rain 11am; 10 + White Legged Damselflies;50+ Banded Demoiselle; 1 Large Red Damselfly. Overcast, showers 12c changing to sunny intervals 17c.

May 28th	MP/SP	Cambs.
Paxton Pits ( Near Huntingdon Cambs): Despite weather being cold, wet, windy Species seen were Scarce Chaser (8/10 females) Common Blue Damselfly (20/30) Banded Demoiselle (M/F 10/20) Red eyed Damselfly (20/30) Blue Tailed Damselfly (10/15)

May 28th	TC	Cambs.
Angelsey Abbey, NT, Lode Mill: Spotted one male Hairy Dragonfly on the stretch of water by the mill. Plus good nos of Large Red, Blue tailed, Azure & Common damselflies. Afternoon went to Wicken fen, NT. Good views of at least 10 Hairy Dragonfly in sunny sheltered spots out of the wind, amongst the tall vegetation. Also 12 or so Quads & the appearence of a beautiful fresh unmarked blue male Broad bodied chaser, simply stunning. All the usual smalls, including Variable.

May 31st	JWS	Berks.
Walking through grassy area at Wildmoor Heath, near Bracknell, flushed an immature Emperor Dragonfly. At two different ponds on the site, also saw two ovipositing females, one Four-spotted Chaser the other Broad-bodied Chaser. Several males of both species about, as were Large Red and Azure Damsels. Earlier in the week (28th) mature male Downy Emerald over water at Englemere Pond.

May 30th	IR	N. Ireland
Ballykilbeg Fen near Clough, Co. Down, seems to be a regular haunt for Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) as I have seen it there in small numbers for several years. Today was no exception as there were up to 6; a female, one presumed teneral and 4 males were seen. There were also 15-20 Large Red Damselflies. Earlier I had seen several Azure Damselflies and 1 Large Red Damsely. Finally a male Variable Damselfly was seen at Carrickanab Lake near Clough.

May 29th	D&GE	Worcs.
Today we have found 13 exuviae in our garden wildlife pond. Two Emperors seen drying out, but finding it hard going in the rain and wind. We assume all emerged dragonflies are the same species as exuviae identical. Still more larvae in the pond to come!

May 26th-29th	MT	Northants.
26th - I came across the first teneral White-legged Damselflies on the River Nene along with hundreds on Banded Demoiselle, Red-eyes and Common Blues. 28th - Chris & I went "Scarce Chaser hunting" around the site where Darryl first recorded the immature specimens in the week. We added 6 new 1km squares to the distribution map, including a couple of sites that were surveyed last year without them being seen, and one site with over 50 immatures! 29th - Immature male & female Beautiful Demoiselle flying between the frequent showers and hail storms, along the River Tove near Towcester.

May 25th	EvaR	Oxon./Bucks.
Marsh Gibbon pond. Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator): 1 emerging and 2 exuviae.

May 11th-25th	PAB	Norfolk
11 May '06: Reedham Marshes (How Hill) TG 365 192; Large Red Damselfly 4, Blue Tailed Damselfly 6+, Variable Damselfly 6+, Azure Damselfly 5+, Red Eyed Damselfly 2+, Hairy Dragonfly 3+, Four-Spotted Chaser 1. 23 May ‘06: How Hill TG 373 194; Black Tailed Skimmer 1. 25 May ‘06: Gillingham Levels TM 415 906; Four-Spotted Chaser 1, Scarce Chaser 2 (Fems.), Broad-Bodied Chaser 1.

May 25th	CW	Berks.
Crowsley Park Woods, north of Reading... I wasn't looking for Dragonflies there, no ponds or streams close by, so it was a nice surprise to see a male Downy Emerald, and an immature female Common Clubtail which was eating a Crane-fly. Closest site for the Clubtail's emergence would be the Thames, 3.5 km away.

May 24th/25th	IR	N. Ireland
I saw a male Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense) at Killywoolaghan, Ardboe (near the Co. Tyrone shore of Lough Neagh at about H932723) on 24th May. The only other Odonata species seen that day were 2 Large Red Damselflies at Milford Railway Cutting near Armagh. Today (25th May) was dry and a good bit warmer and less windy of late, though with increasing high cloud in the afternoon. At Montiaghs NNR near Aghalee, Co. Antrim, I saw a slightly teneral male Irish Damselfly (Coenagrion lunulatum) after considerable searching. About 15 or so mature coloured Variable Damselflies (Coenagrion pulchellum), at least 1 (female) Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella) and about a dozen Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) and Four-spotted Chasers (Libellula quadrimaculata); there were were however no Hairy Dragonflies (Brachytron pratense) to be seen though I had seen 1 in Co. Tyrone on 24th May.

May 24th	DS	Northants.
No less than twelve recently emerged Scarce Chasers on a stretch of the River Nene in Northamptonshire were seen around 12:45 on 24 May 2006, by two members of the Northampton Dragonfly Group, thus confirming the breeding status of the species in our region. I now have pictures over two years of a probable father and son! If you need to know the precise location may I suggest purchasing an excellent copy of "The Dragonflies of Northamptonshire," details of which are found in that illustrious publication "Dragonfly News."

May 21st	GavinH	Kent
No hot news from Kent so far this year has prompted me to report my Stodmarsh NNR and Marshside (near Herne Bay) sightings on a very inclement & windy 21st May. I only saw a few Variable, Blue-tailed & Large Red Damselflies (no Hairy Dragonflies at all) in a two hour visit to each site.

May 19th/20th	TC	Essex
May 19th; Visited Roman River valley, Layer de la Haye, nr Colchester, Essex this afternoon.Lucky to see my best count of Beautiful Demoiselles, well in excess of 200. Most of the males were in the very attractive immature colour combination of blue abdomen/body & female colour bronze wings. Interestingly only counted 4 banded Demoiselles. Supporting cast of 12 Large Red Damselflies, & a scattering of Azures & Blue tailed. May 20th; Marks Hall estate, nr Coggeshall Essex. A walk round the ponds on the estate produced over 40 Quads exuviae, with 5 with the nearby freshly emerged adult. Also fair counts of common blue, Large Red, & Azure. Also i convinced myself i saw a solitary teneral Emerald Damselfly, but i was unable to be sure, as it flew into grass & i couldnt pick it up again to view closely & photograph.

May 23rd	TJW	W. Sussex
Tottington Wood, near Edburton today produced 10 Broad-bodied Chasers, 6 Hairy Hawkers, 1 Beautiful Demoiselle and 30 Azure Damselflies.

May 23rd	GB	Beds.
5 Teneral Scarce Chasers (1 male, 2 female, 2 ?) + 1 immature flying (?); 10+ Banded Demoiselle (m & f) ; 10+ Large Red Eye ( m & f ) - Great Ouse near Wyboston Lakes. Sunny and windy with heavy showers (13 c) causing the 5 teneral Scarce Chasers to stay in reeds near to the river sheltering - still there when I left the site at 18.30.

May 23rd	MT	Northants.
A break in the dismal weather was capitalised by the dragons at Ditchford, with 100+ Red-eyed Damselflies, many newly emerged and still emerging. Several were already with mature colouration. Common Blue, Azure & Blue-tailed were also in evidence although greatly outnumbered by the Red-eyes. I encountered a single male Hairy Dragonfly hawking the hedges - still with immature colouration although I noticed that the blue spots were appearing from the base of his abdomen upwards. Four-spotted Chaser were also present including several emerging, although from an exuvea count, there are still many more to come. A single Large Red completed the set.

May 18th/20th	C&CL	Cambs.
On the 18/05/2006 we had our first Broard Bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) from our oldest established pond (11 years since creation). Between the 18th and 20th we had four more. One of them is still in the carport and due to the inclement weather hasn't flown. The Larvae had an epic journey for a start by exiting the pond walking 11 feet across a gravel driveway, then climbing 3 feet up the garden fence to emerge! I think they have all been females. Our newest pond is about 18 months old now and will be completing its first breeding cycle for Odonata this year. It has rewarded us with a plethera of Blue Tailed Damselflies since the 11/05/2006. I think this was the only species to emerge, I have yet to study the exuvia I have collected. It will be interesting to see what else emerges from this pond this season. Our Garden is in the village of Fen Ditton in Cambridgeshire (OS ref. 603487).

May 20th/21st	AW	Surrey
Visited a private nature reserve in Holmbury St Mary, Surrey (TQ 114 442), many recently emerged Blue-Tailed and the occasional Azure. Three newly emerged Four-Spotted Chaser with plenty more exuvia around too.Visited again the following morning and found one of the Four-Spotted Chasers still in the same spot and also found 3 teneral Downy Emerald, a first for the site. Also visited a pond at the top of Holmbury Hill, near Dorking Surrey (TQ 101 430) and found the first Broad-Bodied Chaser of the year, albeit a very weak looking male that I doubt will last long in the current weather.

May 20th	SH	Leics.
The following species were recorded at Priory Water today, Four-Spotted Chaser, White-Legged Damselfly, Variable Damselfly, Red-Eyed Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Blue-Tailed Damselfly, & Large Red Damselfly.

May 18th	TJW	W. Sussex
A newly emerged Hairy Dragonfly in Tottington Wood near Edburton.

May 18th	JSt	Lancs.
Blue-tailed Damselfly, female rufescens type, at Heysham Nature Reserve. (Heysham, Lancashire). Looked like it was not long out of the water. On reeds next to the viewing platform at the southern end of the pond, sunning itself. OS ref is roughly SD407599.

May 16th/18th	ROM	W. Sussex
16th May 2006 Buchan Country Park, W. Sussex Saw 1 recently emerged male Downy Emerald with exuvia on a fence post some 6 metres away from nearest water and about 4 metres above water level - quite a marathon journey! There was also an empty Downy Emerald exuvia nearby from an earlier emergee together with another empty exuvia in reeds much nearer the water. Cold weather gave good photo opportunity. 18th May 2006 Moat Pond, Thursley, Surrey. Saw Downy emerald recently emerged with exuvia on tree stump close to waters edge. Also 1 female Downy emerald sheltering in reeds trying to get warmed up enough to fly in the dull and windy conditions but allowed for some photos between the gusts of wind. Hope someone may find this useful if the are looking to see downy emeralds.

May 17th	DSh	Essex
Today May 17th on the River Wid at White's Bridge in Essex I saw 3 male and 2 female Banded Demoiselles and 1 Large Red Damselfly.

May 17th	MT	Northants.
The weather was overcast today, but that didn't stop good numbers of Large Red, Banded Demoiselle, Azure, Blue-tailed and Red-eyed Damselflies emerging onto the rapidly growing emerging vegetation on the RiverIse. I am always amazed to see Red-eyes emerge from this site, as I have never seen adults here. Lots of exuviae were collected from all the above species!

May 16th	RPch	Channel I.
Jersey C.I. May 16th First Beautiful Demoiselle Fm. for 2006.

May 16th	GV	Oxon.
First exuviae (for 2006) of Gomphus vulgatissimus seen at Shiplake, River Thames, Oxfordshire bank of river. Calopteryx splendens now fairly common on river.

May 13th	AW	W. Sussex
Visited Newbridge on the A272 between Billingshurst and Wisborough Green in search of Hairy and Downy Emerald dragonflies. Sadly nothing found but there were 10+ Banded Demoiselle on the wing and also 6+ Azure Damselflies.

May 14th	TC	Essex
River Blackwater/Chelmer, Langford, Essex. Weather quite a bit colder & overcast today. Not really conducive to Dragonfly activity. Did however find 3 Large Reds, 2 Azure & interestingly 1 Red Eyed damselfly, I think my earliest personal sighting.

May 14th	DSm	Devon
At Little Bradley Ponds, a total of 52 Downy Emerald exuviae (10 with adults emerging) were found over 12-14th; also a male Hairy Dragonfly seen on 14th. At Bystock Reservoir, Rick and Clare Carter found two Downy Emerald exuviae and at nearby Squabmoor Reservoir, one Downy Emerald exuvia - the first proof of breeding for both sites! Dave Smallshire, Clare and Rick Carter, Simon Mitchell, Lesley Kerry, Pete Gotham

May 14th	R&CC	Devon
Visited Squabmoor Reservoir (Exmouth) early this morning and saw one Downy Emerald exuvia, plus a few Large Red Damselflies. Followed on later to Bystock Pools about 16:00. One Downy Emerald exuvia and another emerging Downy Emerald on the boardwalk. There were still a few Large Red damselflies on the wing.

May 13th	PV	Hampshire
Single Beautiful Demoiselle teneral adult male seen at Bartley Heath, North-East Hampshire, on Saturday 13th May.

May 11th	IR	N. Ireland
On Thursday 11th May, a very warm day with bright though hazy sun, I visited Brackagh Bog NNR near Portadown, Co. Armagh, and Montiaghs Moss NNR near Aghalee, Co. Antrim. At the former, I saw 3 or 4 Large Red Damseflies, 3-4 Azure Damselflies and 2 Fours-spotted Chasers; at the latter 2 Variable Damselflies, 3-4 Large Reds, and 3 Four-spots. I had hoped to see Hairy Dragonfly which occurs at both sites but none were seen.

May 11th	BH	Lincs.
River Witham near Lincoln: Banded Demoiselle 1 female, Large Red Damselfly 2, Blue-tailed Damselfly 2, Azure Damselfly 10.

May 13th/14th	DSm	Devon
A total of 26 Downy Emerald exuviae (plus 3 emerging adults) found around the old and "new" Little Bradley Ponds. Also good numbers of Four-spotted Chasers and Azure Damselflies emerging, Beautiful Demoiselle, Blue-tailed Damselflies and lots of Large Red ovipositing.

May 13th	PT	Norfolk
Overcast day following several of warm sunshine. Several Large Red and Variable damselflies at both Catfield Fen and Cockshoot Broad, including a few pairs. Also the first handful of Red-eyed Damselflies and a few Azure Damselflies braving the cool conditions.

May 6th/13th	TC	Essex
Last week 6th, visited Wake valley pond Epping, with the hope of Downy Emeralds, but to no avail, but did find 3 Hairy Dragonfly emerging, plus a dozen or so Large Red damselflies. Went on to Waltham Abbey Cornmill meadows & found 2 Banded Demoiselles. (Please note, as far as I am aware, Beautiful Demoiselles are not present at this site, as mentioned in an earlier report.) 13th May. Today just back from Wake valley pond, Epping. Downy Emeralds in profusion. Counted in excess of 115 exuviae, which around 30 had the newly emerged adults alongside. The rest probably emerged yesterday or maybe wednesday & Thursday. Interestingly it was noted that all the exuviae today were emerging in the reeds, 0.75 to 1.5 metres up. Whereas in previous years I have visited the site I have found them emerging some great distances away, usually in beech trees, with the record distance travelled last year of 7.5 metres. Poses the interesting question Why? Does temperature, weather conditions, impending weather, atmospheric conditions have a bearing on the exuviae choice to travel or not. Perhaps this years batch are a lazy bunch! Also counted 27 Hairy Dragonfly exuviae, & a dozen or so large reds. Also saw a very large Terrapin/Turtle (dinner plate sized) basking on a floating log. I hope it doesnt like Dragonfly larvae in its diet!

May 11th	EvaR	Bucks/Oxon.
Ponds in Marsh Gibbon area. Broad-bodied Chaser: 6 emerging, 4 tenerals and collection of 17 exuviae. Large Red Damselfly: 2 ovipositing pairs, 2 males and 1 female. 1 Blue-tailed Damselfly.

May 9th/11th	RJ	Lincs.
On the 9th May good numbers of Blue-tailed Damselflies out at Messingham Sand Quarry, with smaller numbers of Azure and Common Blue newly emerged on the 11th. Also 2 Red-eyed on lily pads and some Large Red Damselflies showing in the woodland ponds on the 11th.

May 6th/10th	AN	Bucks.
At last things are moving Hairy Hawker reported at Willen on 6 May and I noted 3 immature Banded Demoiselle on the River Thame nr Thame - Bucks on 10 May

May 9th	CW	Berkshire
Just one Clubtail exuvia found along the one-kilometre Thames-side Promenade upstream of Caversham Bridge, Reading.

May 7th/10th	IR	N. Ireland
On Sunday 7th May, a fine sunny day, I saw Large Red Damselflies (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) at the following sites in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland: 2 at Sharvogues Bog near Randalstown; 3-4 at Frosses Bog near Cloghmills; 1-2 at Black Lough, Loughguile; 4 at Cabragh Bog, Ballymena; 1 at Killybegs Bog, Ballymena. I also saw what I think was one today (10th May) at Craigavon Lakes, North Armagh.

May 9th	MT	Northants.
Numbers of Azure Damselflies are building well, if a little slowly, at Wilson's Pits, where I recorded over 100 immature males and females today flying around the hedges. A few Blue-tailed, Red-eyed and Common Blue Damselflies were also present, but were vastly outnumbered by the Azures.

May 7th	AW	Surrey
During early morning visit to a private nature reserve in Holmbury St Mary, Surrey (TQ 114 442) I found at least 20+ Large Red damselflies, many recently emerged. No sign of any other species at this time.

May 7th	DSm	Devon
The first BDS Devon Group meeting of the year succeeded in finding 12 Hairy Dragonfly exuviae around Stover Lake, of which six had newly-emerged adults nearby. Teneral and emerging Broad-bodied Chasers were also in evidence, along with a few Blue-tailed and many Large Red Damselflies.

May 7th	SE	Essex
On the 7th May 2006 I visited Cornmill Dragonfly Sanctuary near Waltham Abbey. Of particular interest were plenty of Beautiful Demoiselles, plus two dragonflies (one of which was dead, apparently having failed to emerge properly). My dragonfly identification isn't too good so I attach the pics with this e-mail. [The dragonfly in the photos is Hairy Dragonfly, Brachytron pratense. Also see report for May 6th/13th re Beautiful Demoiselles.]

May 6th	MP/SP	Cambs.
Visit to woodwalton Fen. Species seen: Hairy Dragonfly, Large Red Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Variable Damselfly (Female). Mick & Sue Parfitt, Henry & Lynn Curry

May 6th	PT	Norfolk
First really good dragonfly day of the season. Over 50 Four-spotted Chaser and over 20 Hairy Dragonfly exuviae found within two pond areas on Upton Fen. Almost half still had their emergents pumping-up nearby. There was a report of one "large dragonfly" seen yesterday, but no ID. Also present today were lots of Large Red Damselflies (over 40 exuviae found in 10 minutes) and the first few Azure Damselflies.

May 5th	CW	Berkshire
2 Teneral Beautiful Demoiselles at Clayhill Brook near Reading, with a few Large Red Damselflies. At nearby Searles Lakes were more Large Reds, one Common Blue and 20+ Variable Damselflies. Foudry Brook in Reading is a sorry sight ... vegetation mown down again by developers ahead of any agreed management plan. No Club-tail exuviae evident yet by the Thames at Caversham.

May 5th	DK	Cheshire
Today at Little Budworth Common (56Y SJ584661) there were plenty of Large Red Damselfly emerging. At the dipping pond at Anderton Nature Park (67M SJ651751) there were the same species recorded on 3rd May [Large Red, Common Blue and 4-spotted Chaser] plus several Blue-tailed Damselfly. Both Large Red Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly were seen ovipositing. [From Cheshire Dragonflies]

May 5th	CW	Berkshire
2 Teneral Beautiful Demoiselles at Clayhill Brook near Reading, with a few Large Red Damselflies. At nearby Searles Lakes were more Large Reds, one Common Blue and 20+ Variable Damselflies. Foudry Brook in Reading is a sorry sight... vegetation mown down again by developers ahead of any agreed management plan. No Club-tail exuviae evident yet by the Thames at Caversham.

May 5th	SF	Northants.
Daily monitoring of the school pond, here at Wollaston, Northants (SP913629), has today resulted in my first record of the year of 4-spotted chaser. I disturbed a teneral from some iris leaves, which then flew into some nearby bushes. As I stooped down to collect the exuvia, I disturbed a teneral Large Red Damsel too :-)

May 4th	JWC	W. Yorks.
At Pontefract park/race course (4-5-06) I watched 2 Large red damselflies hanging! around trees at the irrigation pond.

May 3rd	MT	Northants.
At last, the Dragons have arrived in Northamptonshire! This lunchtime at Ditchford, the first Hairy Dragonfly of the season was emerging - I had just finished setting up my camera for a shot and she flew! With a consistently chilly April, this is about 4 days later than last year. Also emerging were Large Red Damselflies and Common Blue Damselflies, with several of both species taking their maiden flights.

May 2nd	AN	Bucks.
At last a single Large Red Damselfly, mature male, in North Bucks today 2nd May, that’s around 10-14 days later then previous years.

April 30th	DSm	Devon
First Hairy Dragonfly emerging at Stover CP today (Simon Mitchell per Dave Smallshire).

May 1st	CI	Avon
1 Large Red Damselfly sitting on a marsh marigold leaf by my garden pond in Midsomer Norton, Avon, today (1 May).

April 29th	C&RC	Devon
Bystock Pools, Nr Exmouth: 18+ Large Red Damselflies. Mostly teneral. Plenty of Large Red Damselfly exuviae on the struts of the boardwalk. Watched 1 emergence.

April 27th	DK	Cheshire
With strong sunshine but a cold wind blowing I decided to have a look at some sheltered areas at Newchurch Common. Here there were plenty of teneral Large Red Damselfly to be seen along with seven species of butterfly. Maybe spring really is here now.

April 27th	NJ	Hampshire
Romsey, Hampshire: A teneral Blue-tailed Damselfly was seen at our garden pond today in Romsey, Hampshire.

24th April	RL	Cornwall
3 species of damselfly already! 30 x Lg.Rd.Dams; 20 x Comm.Bl.Dams and c.5 Azure Dams!

April 22nd	CW	Berkshire
One male Banded Demoiselle today at Reading's Foudry Brook

April 22nd	SCh	Beds.
I visited a small Nature reserve in Bedfordshire around midday today and had Large Red Damselflies emerging. The season has started.

April 21st	IR	N. Ireland
Today was ideal (sunny, warm and with a light wind) and during a visit to Derryloiste Bog near Lough Neagh, North Armagh, I saw and filmed a male Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula); the colours were reasonably red indicating it was not quite freshly emerged.

April 22nd	PT	Norfolk
Spent three hours at Upton Fen searching for dragonflies. Found larvae of Black-tailed Skimmer and Brown Hawker close to the water surface, but nothing on the wing. Returned home to find the first dozen Large Red Damselflies had emerged from my own garden pond, not far from the south side of Hickling Broad.

April 21st	JWS	Berkshire
Large Red Damselfly: Teneral at Cobblers Hole Bog

April 14th	DSm	Devon
Stover Country Park, Devon: First Large Red Damselfly of the year.

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