2008 Hot News!



Recent items of hot news about Odonata are published here frequently. The most recently received items of news are at the top of the list. Each entry has the date, county and observer's initials (with a link to the observer's website, where appropriate). Observations more than 45 days old drop out of this page (and into the "Cold News"!).  Check back here frequently for information about the progress of the dragonfly season. If you have observations you think would be of interest to others, please send them to me. I can't promise to publish them all, but will do my best!

First and Last dates are collated by Adrian Parr. Please copy these directly to him at adrian.parr@btinternet.com

If you have observed some particularly unusual sightings or behaviour, please send any relevant information to Mark Tyrell. These data may be reported in the BDS Newsletter, "Dragonfly News".

Disclaimer: Hot News is presented as it comes in and has not necessarily been verified by the BDS.

July 5th
Essex
RJ
There is a small colony of Scarce Emerald Damselflies at Rainham Marshes RSPB, in small temp. pools by the old shooting mantlets. I have counted several dozen in recent weeks and observed them mating and egg laying into reed stems yesterday. They were present at the same site last year hope this is of some interest.
July 3rd
Lincs.
SRo
While visiting Snakeholme Pit Butterfly Conservation reserve today to look for any interesting Dragons or Butterflies, I came across at least 33 Small red-eyed Damselflies on the small pit here, they where mostly males, but I managed to find 4 females, 3 of these where paired up with males and ovi-positing. This is a new site for Lincolnshire, and as far as I am aware,the earliest record to date in the county.
July 2nd
Newport
Helen
Last year, I decided to build a wildlife pond in my garden. I followed the advice available from various websites, including yours, and created a medium sized pond and bog garden. Within a few weeks of completion, even though the pond at the time looked like little more than a water filled bin-liner with a few plants stuck around the edges, I saw a female common darter laying eggs there. Damselflies too. Much more wildlife was to follow. This spring I was thrilled to observe palmate newts moving in, and have approximately 6 pairs breeding in the pond! There are water measurers, diving beetles, water boatmen, newts, frogs - I'm constantly amazed by the diversity that the pond attracts. As for dragonflies and damselflies, I've had on average six damselflies emerging per day, Large red, azure and blue-tailed have been in abundance. This morning I counted seven emerging common darters! Three weeks ago the pond was visited by a female broad bodied chaser, much to my delight - I'd never seen one before. She was just passing through - but it was so wonderful to see. It's fantastic to watch this all happening in my own garden, and to think that my pond has given so much to the natural world in just one year since it was created. I would recommend pond-building to everyone!
July 1st
Cumbria
ICa
Scaleby Moss weather hot & sunny the White faced Darters were out in really good numbers mainly males very few females, 12 Four spot Chasers and many Blue tailed and Large Red Damselflies only found 1 Emerald Damsel, 1 Emperor Dragonfly present.
July 1st
Norfolk
JCe
1 male and 1 female Emperor dragonfly spotted near Buxton heath. Female was ovipositing but took time out to eat a small tortoiseshell butterfly. Incredibly fast, agile and manoeuvrable catching the butterfly, brings it into perspective about the wing configuration and why. Numerous Azure, Variable, Blue tailed, large Red eyed and one Broad bodied chaser also spotted.
July 1st
Lancs.
PM
In the first suitable weather (and even then too windy), a single male Red-veined Darter over the water on the Middleton Industrial Estate model boat pond represents the first record here this year.
July 7th
Shropshire
ST
Maesbury to Aston canal section: 15+ black-tailed skimmers, 1 male emperor patrolling, 1 brown hawker, 2 broad-bodied chaser, 10-15 beautiful demoiselles, 20+ large red-eyed damsels plus numerous azure damsels.
June 30th
Hampshire
IMcC
Spent 3-4 hours at Crockford Stream. Lots of Southern Damselflies, Keeled Skimmers and Beautiful Demoiselles, and a fair number of Large Reds, all more or less as expected. But I was surprised to see only one Golden-ringed, just fleetingly, and no Small Reds.

NOTE: It seems likely that the insect I reported as a Lesser Emperor [June 23rd] was in fact Anax Imperator. It did have unusual protuberances at the back of the eyes, but I am advised that these are different from those which are diagnostic of Anax Parthenope. I remain puzzled, though, as to what they are.
June 30th/July 1st
Lincs.
SRo
30/6: A trip out to Messingham Sand Quarries nature reserve today to see if there was any Hawkers on the wing yet, didn't disappoint, with 4 species being seen. Here is the full list of species observed: 348 Common-blue Damselfly, 134 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 12 Black-tailed Skimmer, 8 Four-spot Chaser, 4 Brown Hawker, 2 Hairy Dragonfly, 1 female Emperor, 1 teneral female Southern Hawker, 1 male Red-eyed Damselfly and 1 Large-red Damselfly.
1/7: A visit to Crowle NNR today recorded the following species: 2 Southern Hawker, 11 Four-spot Chaser, 44 Large-red Damselfly, 7 Azure Damselfly, 1 Emerald Damselfly, 4 Common Hawker, 1 teneral male Black Darter, 1 teneral male Ruddy Darter, 1 Brown Hawker, 1 male Blue-tailed Damselfly and 3 Common-blue Damselfly. In general, the emergence dates and numbers of species in North Lincolnshire seem to be at least 2 weeks later than last year.
June 30th
Beds.
KFu
RSPB The Lodge: Brown Hawker and a female Broad-bodied Chaser resting in brambles/nettles not far from the hide. On the edge of the heath was a Common Darter resting on some bracken. Lots of teneral damselflies on the heath itself, too.
June 24th
Dorset
BSp
Late news I know but computer was broken. At my local dragonfly patch, Granby Ponds, Weymouth, grid ref:654798, the first of the Small Red-eyed Damselflies were noted on 9th June with many, including lots of tandem pairs and egg laying noted on 24th June.
June 29th
Devon
DSm
A dozen people came along for Devon BDS Group's final meeting of Dragonfly Week, to brave a cool, breezy morning at Prewley Moor. We managed to find 67 Southern Damselflies sheltering, plus a few Keeled Skimmers. We also found exuviae of the latter and one of Common Hawker. A slightly brighter afternoon at Lydford Station revealed disappointingly few dragonflies, though these included teneral Keeled Skimmer and Common Darter. (The highlight here, though, was a Devon cream tea, courtesy of the owners - many thanks, Barry and Fiona!) A final, unplanned, visit to Cadover Bridge revealed 6 Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies in the later afternoon sun - a nice end to Dragonfly Week!
Cadover Bridge: 6 Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies
June 28th/29th
Hampshire/Surrey
SRo
28.06.08, New Forest Sites: Latchmore Brook. 9 Southern Damselfly, 15 Scarce-blue tailed Damselfly, 26 Small-red Damselfly.
Mill-lawn Brook. 9 Southern Damselfly, 4 Small-red Damselfly.
Hatchet Pond. 1 male Downy Emerald, 1 male Southern Damselfly, 5 Small-red Damselfy.
Matley Bog. 13 Small-red Damselfly.
29.06.08, Thursley Common. 1 female Golden-ringed Dragonfly, 3 Small-red Damselfly, 2 male Downy Emerald, 1 male Brilliant Emerald.
June 28th
Hampshire
DH
Ipley Pond, New Forest. 3 Black Darters, almost fully mature males.
June 28th
Devon
DSm
30 people turned up for the BDS/Exeter City Council/Devonshire Association meeting at Countess Wear this morning. In dry but windy conditions with sunny spells we found 3 Red-eyed and 10 White-legged Damselflies, 2 Black-tailed Skimmers, 1 Beautiful and a few Banded Demoiselles, plus lots of Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies. At Exminster Marshes there were 2 unmated male Scarce Chasers, 5+ Hairy Dragonflies, Four-spotted Chaser and lots of Emperors (plus a Hobby as we left). The numbers and variety were disappointing, perhaps because of the fresh wind but more likely a result of the indifferent weather in recent weeks.
June 27th
Middx.
JPH
Visited Bushy Park (prompted by earlier Hot News)and found, amongst other damsels, large nos. of Erythromma viridulum (?) around the Heron Pond and along the dykes. Also surprised to find Platycnemis pennipes (only one) near the dyke furthest from the pond/s. Photographed them if anyone needs confirmation.
June 24th/26th
Cornwall
NW
Tuesday 24th June: Trebah Gardens: Female Emperor ovipositing with male present plus two male Broad-bodied Chasers on Dinky's Puddle. One teneral male Southern Hawker in the Bamboozle.
Thursday 26th June: Trevarno Estate: 12+ male Beautiful Demoiselles plus one female above the cascade. One male and one female Emperor on the lake.
June 27th
Kent
CP
A single Emperor Dragonfly male was seen sunning itself on a pond near Singleton Lake, Ashford. I have a photo.
June 26th
Surrey
SE
Nutfield Marsh Nature Reserve: good range of species - Emperor*, Broad-bodied Chaser*, Black-tailed Skimmer, Four Spot Chaser, Ruddy Darter. Banded & Beautiful Demoiselle, Large Red, Common*, Azure* & Blue-tailed Damselflies.
(*denotes observed ovipositing)
June 20th
Shropshire
JBl
I have recently observed (and photographed) the Scarce Chaser at a couple of sites near Attingham, Shropshire. I have been in touch with the Shropshire Dragonfly Group, and have been led to believe that this is a first for Shropshire. I guess that would make it hot news! (Photo)
June 20th/22nd/26th
Norfolk
JCe
20th: belated report (had to make sure of ID)
10+ single scarce chasers and 2 pairs in wheels observed today (Sunday) at Whitlingham park; South Norwich. Numerous Azure, Blue tailed and red eyed damsels around lakes along with Banded Demoiselles around the drains. Huge numbers (100+) of azure and blue tailed sheltering in one area in full sun but out of the wind. Fantastic site to see.
22nd: 4 black tailed skimmers flying around a drainage pond for a main road. (The sediment in this pond when disturbed has a very strong smell of hydrocarbon contamination, which is expected when considering the water derives from a busy road junction). Also noticed blue tailed and red eyed damsels along with a a large hawker, but unable to ID Hawker. Found Exuvia among iris stems in my back garden for Southern hawker today. No sign of adult!
26th: 15+ four spot chasers vying and defending territories noticed today along with one common darter, a number of red eyed and azure damsels and two southern hawkers working the tree lines. A number of the 4 spot chasers had wing damage suggesting either numerous "clashes" or longevity.
June 23rd
Devon
DL
5 Adult Scarce Chasers at Lower Brucklands. A pair were in cop. and the other 3 were all unmated males, with no abdominal markings.
June 23rd
Kent/Sussex
THa
Kent: Returned to cliff marshes. Definitely ID'd Lestes dryas. Photos can be found at my flicker page.
Sussex: Rottingdean village pond. The chasers have been displaced by a hoard of Emperors. Mating and ovipositing observed. Several teneral common darter also seen. Azure and blue tailed still in residence.
June 22nd
Somerset
LMcC
In vegetation (mainly ferns) by Westhay hides lots of common blue, blue tail and possibly an azure damselfly (have photo). Also 1 male Red eyed Damselfly - the first one I have ever seen. Weather very windy with intermittent showers.
June 23rd
Wiltshire
IMcC
Female Lesser Emperor in Savernake Forest. Photograph taken.
June 23rd
Dorset
SW
Located one male Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly and at least seven male Small Red-eyed Damselflies at a site near Weymouth. Interesting seemingly no sign of any SRED's over the border at Lower Bruckland Ponds in Devon as yet.
June 14th/22nd/23rd
Oxon/N. Bucks.
AN
Oxfordshire RSPB Otmoor 14 June: Common and Ruddy Darters emerging in good numbers. Many other species of damselflies in good numbers
North Bucks 22 June: Brown Hawkwer at HESC (G Walker)
and today 23rd Emerald damselfly
June 20th
Somerset
LMcC
Despite rain and overcast conditions at Priddy Mineries (Pool nearest road) saw 4 Blue Tail Damselflies and 1 Variable Damselfly male in vegetation around pond. No activity over water.
June 19th
Wiltshire
IMcC
Teneral Common Darter in Savernake Forest.
June 19th
Kent
THa
Cliff marshes. single female Lestes. Didn't get close enough before it flew off for definite ID but I would make an educated guess at Dryas.
June 19th
Wiltshire
IMcC
Spent three hours by the Avon in rural location at Whaddon. Large numbers of Banded Demoiselles and White-legged Damselflies as expected. Several male Scarce Chasers and one female. But far fewer Blue-tailed Damsels than I have seen here in previous years. And the large quantities of litter, both in the river and on the banks, was quite appalling.
June 19th
Gwynedd
JWe
male emperor dragonfly on Conwy Mountain pool along with 3 four-spotted chasers and male broad-bodied chaser plus several large red and blue-tailed damselflies.
June 19th
Surrey
ROM
Esher Common - Black Pond, 3 to 4 Male Brilliant Emerald seen fighting for territory with the victor being photographed on patrol, despite the numerous dogs which often occupy and disturb the same stretch of water. This sighting maybe an encouraging sign for Don Tagg's BDS visit on July 13th, especially as I did not see any Brilliant Emerald dragonflies there last year!
June 18th
Cumbria
ICa
3 Male Banded Demoiselle on the banks of the River Eden in Rickerby Park Carlisle no sign of any females yet.
June 17th
Kent
JM
Sandwich Bay: 1 male Hairy Dragonfly in dune slacks and female Black-tailed Skimmer on dune path.
June 17th
Essex
TC
Wake Valley Pond, Epping Forest, Essex: My first Small Red Eyed Damselflies were seen today on the lily pads. Good numbers of Downy Emeralds all round pond. Proved very entertaining with the males clashing & also territorial battles with Four spotted Chasers. Several were also seen pairing up in wheel & flying high into the trees. A few Emperors were seen as were a few teneral Black Tailed Skimmers on Sunshine Plain.
June 17th
Notts
NW
Unfortunately it looks as if the winter dredging of the Stroom Dyke at Langar has had a serious impact on the Banded Demoiselle population. Since my last report on 29th May there have only been two further sightings, each of a lone male.
June 16th
Tyne and Wear
CR
Gateshead. There has been what I now know to be an Emperor Dragonfly on my gate for the last two days. It is alive but has not moved since I noticed it last night. I have not seen this type of dragonfly in this area before.
June 16th
Glamorgan
WRJ
Recorded the first Downy Emerald seen in Glamorgan for several years this morning, when seven individuals were seen on the wing at a woodland lake in Hensol Forest.
June 16th
Cumbria
LS
Many teneral and some slightly more mature Lestes sponsa on the wing at Watchtree Nature Reserve, North Cumbria.
June 16th
Devon
GS
Have checked your website, I think I have just seen a golden ringed dragonfly, I have never seen one before. Location is very urban, in the Efford area of Plymouth, a long way away from any stream or water. It was hovering around the hedge.
June 15th
Sussex
RL
Visited The Black hole at Burton Mill Pond, nr Petworth - 5 Scarce Chasers seen, along with 8 Four-spotted Chasers, 3 Hairy Dragonflys and two Golden-ringed Dragonflys one of which posed willingly for its picture to be taken! Also present were numerous damselflies of various sorts.
June 15th
Devon
DSm
The Devon BDS Group/Axe Vale Conservation Society meeting to the Axe Valley managed to avoid rain, but paucity of sunshine kept activity down. On the river near Colyford we found 3 or 4 Scarce Chasers (plus one exuvia), lots of White-legged Damselflies and Banded Demoiselles, with a few Beautiful Demoiselles, Blue-tailed, Large Red and Azure Damselflies. At Lower Bruckland Ponds, a Scarce Chaser was seen, and later we located a single Red-veined Darter, 5 Red-eyed Damselflies, and a scatering of other species. The total for the day was 14 species. [Incidentally, the unknown species in Cornwall below sounds like a female Broad-bodied Chaser - see under Libellula depressa in the "UK Species" list.]
June 14th
Hampshire
RL
Visited Shortheath Common, conditions were cloudy with sunny spells. Saw the normal Emperors, Four-spotted Chasers, Broad Bodied Chasers, Black-tailed Chasers, Downey Emeralds along with various Damselflies including 2 Banded Demoiselles. However there was 1 immature Southern Hawker present which posed happily for photographs.
June 14th
Cambs.
TC
Was passing through Cambridgeshire & made a division to Wicken Fen NT for a flying visit early evening. Proved worthwhile with my first Ruddy Darters of the year (10) tenerals. Also a solitary Hairy & a nice young male Scarce Chaser in colour transition from orange to blue. Also interestly observed a pair of Red eyed damselflies in tandem with the female egg laying. Started above water on a Iris stem, but then gradually climbed underwater to a depth of 6 inches where the remained for 10 minutes. The male then surfaced with the female still sitting on stem underwater. Not sure how long she remained there as i had to move on. I had never before observed this behavior which I had read about in the past.
June 13th
Somerset
LMcC
At Westhay on the gravel track to Reception Hide - 10+ Male Black Tailed Skimmers, 1 pair Copulating Variable Blue Damselflies. Reasonably windy so saw more activity away from water in sheltered areas.
June 11th
Yorkshire
TM
Good pictures of a female broad bodied Chaser resting inside an electrical panel building facility at post code S25 2JZ (Dinnington Rotherhan). Photos indicate to us a larger than usual size according to what books we have consulted. Photographed alongside a plastic ruler. After resting for sometime the dragonfly was eased gently on a sheet of paper taken to the door where she flew of very high directly north.
June 10th
Surrey
SSe
Ashington Community Woodland Pond. 2 Four spotted Chasers and a possible female Broad Bodied Chaser but they are extremely rare up here so I may be mistaken. Common Blue, Azure, Blue Tailed and Large Red Damsels about too.
June 9th/10th
Surrey
ROM
Thursley SSSI
9th June - 3 Brilliant Emerald exuvia found.
10th June - 2 more Brilliant Emerald exuvia found and a Male Brilliant Emerald seen and photographed close-up in flight.
June 4th
Oxfordshire
BOB
Broad Bodied Chaser male and female. Over new pond created in the garden. Female seen laying eggs (I assume, all new to me) Seen on several evenings since, wonderful colours, first I have ever seen, thanks to the website for being able to identify them.
June 11th
Cornwall
MAld
Never seen one before. Length of body about 2.5 inches, wingspan about 3.25 in. Body very wide (0.3 in) and short (1.0 in), colour greeny brown with four luminous-type spots each side. Body curves up at tail. Wings usual size, with black tips to ends at front, black/orange patches at roots. This is a very "heavy-looking" dragonfly, so much so that I originally thought it was a large flying cockroach. Caught it in a net in conservatory- still have it, alive, in a large jar! WHAT IS IT ?? [Concensus of opinion is that this is a Broad-bodied Chaser - Webmaster]
June 11th
Norfolk
AR
At Thompson Common today. Numbers of Scarce Emerald Damsel numbers appear to be well down on last year. Only c20 seen. All males still appear to be 'sub-adult'. Most remarkable record was that of a freshly-emerged female Ruddy Darter. The presence of an early Large Skipper butterfly was equally surprising. Also seen were: 100+ Azure/Common Blue Damsels (not the myriad noted in my last report!); 10+ Large Red Damsels; 1 Common Blue Damsel; 10+ Blue-tailed Damsels; 1 Emperor; 1 Black-tailed Skimmer; 2 Hairy Dragons; 3 Four-spots. www.enterprise-io.co.uk
June 8th
Bedfordshire
SCh
Dozens of Downy Emeralds patrolling small lake at private site near Leighton Buzzard. I have never seen so many even at major strongholds in counties in SE England. On occasions 4-5 males were clashing at once. Females ovipositing and to avoid male aggression they drop down into bankside vegetation and sit and wait until males fly off. I filled up 8GB of memeory cards with inflight photos!! The sites in this area are part of the range expansion seen in recent years.
June 8th
Kent
JM
Westbere Lakes, nr Canterbury: Upto 6 scarce chasers along a 200m stretch, also seen were 1 male hairy dragonfly, banded demoiselle, azure, common blue & blue-tailed damselflies.
June 10th
West Glamorgan
PH
Neath canal, (Melin) and nearby square pond. Several large red damselflies, 100 + blue tailed (many in cop), 150+ azure (many in cop), 50+ variable (some in cop), 2 female emperor dragonflies (both egg laying), 10 + emperor males, 1 broad bodied chaser male, 5-6 black tailed skimmer males, 1 female hairy, 4-5 hairy males, 4-5 four spotted chaser males and one grass snake!
June 9th
Staffs
DTa
1 male Beautiful demoiselle photographed with phone camera at belvide reservoir,staffordshire flying over fast moving water on the outflow side of the reservoir.
June 8th
Staffordshire
CJ
First dragonfly of the season for me. Teneral Southern Hawker over river Trent. Couple of dozen Banded Demoiselle on show. Fortnight earlier at Doxey Marshes occasional Beautiful Demoiselle.
June 8th
Norfolk
HJV
Strumpshaw Fen: 1 Norfolk Hawker - near pumping station, Hairy Dragonfly ovipositing, Four-spotted Chaser, Broad-bodied Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer, Banded Demoiselle, Azure, Blue-tailed, Red-eyed and Large Red Damselfly
June 8th
Berkshire
DMcE
Beautiful weather encouraged us to have a long-overdue walk along the Kennet Offshoot, just E of Burghfield Bridge, mainly to check on the colony of Variable Damselflies at SU686708. Numbers were a little lower than this time last year, with just over 50 males and 15 females being found, but these proved particularly obliging and sometimes allowed a very close approach & even examilation in the hand. Also had vast numbers of ovipositing Common Blues and Red-Eyed Damsels - so many they seemed to form a haze over the surface of the water (must've been at least 5000+). There were also good numbers of Large Reds, Blue-Tails, Azures, 4-Spotted Chasers (including one teneral) and a Downy Emerald laying her eggs just a few feet away in the shallows.
June 9th
Northants
MT
At Ditchford this lunchtime: Two recently emerged Brown Hawker taking their maiden flights, one with a badly crimpled wing. Several Black-tailed Skimmer emerging, a few Four-spotted Chaser at territory along with Hairy Dragonfly and the usual Damselflies. Numbers of all species were quiet low considering the 26 degrees sunshine.
June 7th
Hampshire
THa
Visited Crockford and saw Southern Damsel. :) Thanks for the tip. Then on to Eyeworth pond where Black Tailed Skimmer and Downy Emerald were ruling the roost. Plenty of Common Blue and Azure as well as Large Red.
June 8th
Hampshire
THa
Odiham. Broad Oak Lane. In the field near the car park. 3 or 4 female White Legged Damsels. Couldn't find any males but had limited time.
June 8th
Surrey
THa
Thursley Common. Downy Emerald on the Moat Pond in large numbers. Four spotted chasers on the marsh in the hundreds. Various damsels.
June 7th - 9th
Hampshire
T&NL
3 consecutive daily sightings of female broad bodied chaser near garden pond (male seen 1 week ago); 12 mating large red damsels, several common blue pairs, and 2 blue tailed
June 10th
Greater Manchester
TJH
I saw a very impressive male Broad-bodied Chaser on a small pond on the Chorlton Ees nature reserve in the Mersey valley in Manchester. I watched it for about 20 minutes during which it rested on a reed very close to me a couple of times so I got a very good look at it.
June 9th
Norfolk
RWi
Dersingham Bog: 20+ Four Spotted Chaser, Azure Damselfly, Common Blue
June 9th
West Sussex
SMi
A hot sunny day in Broadbridge Heath brought the Scarce Chasers out, I observed 26 single males, 2 single females and 9 pairs in cop. One mating pair were so desperate to get a prime perching spot by the river that they landed on top of another pair, much to their disgust. You never have the camera handy when you need it, do you!

Link to mating Scarce Chasers picture.

http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/Lizzysue3/?action=view&current=IMG_1462.jpg

http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e235/Lizzysue3/?action=view&current=IMG_1485.jpg

A new sighting for me were 3 Downy Emeralds. There were still over 100 Banded Demoiselles around, 1 pair observed in cop, approximately 20 Large Red Damselflies, again 1 pair in cop, approximately 20 White Legged Damselflies, a couple of Blue Tailed and a couple of Azure Damselflies.
June 9th
Oxfordshire
AEDH
Dry Sandford Pit, BBOWT reserve, NW of Abingdon. About 20 Southern Damselfies seen well in Fen area. All mature so must have emerged at least a week or so ago. Also seen: Broad-bodied Chaser, Four Spotted Chaser, Azure, Common Blue and Large Red Damselflies. Also reported and photographed by another observer was imm male Keeled Skimmer, apparently the first for the site for many years.
June 7th
Hampshire
PWi
Made a short morning visit to Ober Water. Eleven species seen including two Downy Emeralds, a few each of Keeled Skimmer, White-legged, Small Red and Southern Damselflies and a single Banded Demoiselle with the masses of Beautifuls near the footbridge to the west of Clumber Inclosure (c.SU260033).
June 9th & 10th
Cornwall
CMo
9 June: Boscathnoe Res. nr.Penzance. Several male Emperors, 1 observed ovipositing female. 3 4-Spot Chasers of which 1 ovipositing female. 1 male Broad-bodied Chaser, briefly. Many male & female Black-tailed Skimmers. Azure & Blue Tailed Damsels.
10 June: Trengwainton NT Garden. 1 male Golden-ringed Dragonfly (first seen this year). 3+ Beautiful Demoiselles. Numerous Damsels including Large-red.
Boscathnoe Res: as day before but no Chasers seen today.
June 10th
Hampshire
R&CM
Two Common Darter tenerals seen leaving our garden pond this morning. Two Small Red Eyed tenerals were seen on the 8th from same pond.
June 9th
Berkshire
JWS
Visited two Crowthorne sites with restricted access, Wellington College Lakes and Butter Bottom Ponds (fished by Broadmoor Staff Angling Club). Saw four Brilliant Emerald on the wing, two at each site, my first records for the species this year. Good numbers of Downy Emerald were also present at both sites (this species seems to have done very well round here this spring). Several Emperors were flying at both sites. All the usual damsels about.
June 9th
Norfolk
BH
Snettisham Coastal Park, Four-spotted Chaser 20, Black-tailed Skimmer 1, Common Blue Damselfy 1000's, Azure Damselfly 100's,
Blue-tailed Damselfly 15
June 8th
Essex
TC
River Chelmer/Blackwater,Maldon Golf Club, Langford Essex.
At last the Scarce Chaser has emerged here after a couple of ealier visits had drawn a blank. Huge numbers of lovely orange immatures were everywhere, nettle beds being their favourite perches. I gave up counting after 100, there must easily been over 200. Also found 2 immature Black Tailed Skimmers, including one sad specimen that had just emerged. Unfortunately it had picked the wrong emergence support, a strong main line of a Spiders web! It had manged to fully emerge from its exuvia but one of its wings was badly damaged & entwined. Good views of Hairy Dragonfly (7) & plenty of Damsels, White Legged, Azure, Large Red, Red Eyed, Blue Tailed & huge amounts of Banded Demoiselles.
Finished the afternoon of with a good view of a early Southern Hawker feeding by the trees near the small car park bridge.
June 8th
E. Sussex
CBo
Iden Moat near Rye. Downy Emerald-two males clashing plus three other sightings of males patrolling/hovering. Azure, Variable, Blue tailed, Red eyed, White legged Damselfly - various/ovipositing.
June 8th
Swansea
WR
A four spotted chaser, female, flew into my conservatory today. Observed it and caught it and let it fly away. Lovely to see.
June 8th
Cleveland
MHo
Broad Bodied Libellula on my large garden pond.
June 7th
Oxfordshire
IMcC
Failed to find any mature Club-tailed at Goring either today or on previous visit on 30th May. Have seen emerging insects on previous visits, and plenty of exuviae. But where are they breeding? The river is in spate after recent rain: could this be a problem?
June 7th
Norfolk
JOw
Despite overcast and cool conditions, spotted a solitary Norfolk Hawker on Hickling Broad.
June 7th
Devon
SW
Two immature male Red-veined Darters at Lower Bruckland Ponds, at least the third year in a row they have been present at this site. Photographed by Karen Woolley.
June 7th
Worcs./Shropshire
SRo
At the Wyre Forest the following species where observed: 11 Broad-bodied Chaser, 2 Azure Damselfly, 5 Large-red Damselfly, 16 Beautiful Demoiselle and 2 Emperor. At Alvely, on the river Severn, large numbers of White-legged Damselfly with at least 350+ being seen, other species were at least 50 Banded Demoiselle and smaller numbers of Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies but no Club-tails sadly.
June 7th/8th
Wiltshire
IMcC
7th: One hawker seen in flight in Savernake Forest. Apple-green thorax. Presumed immature Emperor. The forest has ten ponds: Broad-bodied Chasers observed at all ten - large numbers on several of them. Also large numbers of Azure Damselflies, some Large Reds and a few Four-spotted Chasers.
8th: Mature male Emperor in Savernake Forest.
June 7th
Devon
KWo
Two immature male Red-veined Darters at Lower Bruckland Ponds.
June 7th
Cumbria
IJW
A visit to the Bowland Bridge area produced a first for myself today. 3 Downy Emeralds were continuously circling a small body of water. Also seen was 1 male Beautiful Demoiselle, a dozen or so Four-spotted Chasers and countless Large Red, Common Blue and Azure damselflies.
June 5th
Cambridgeshire
DRa
Fowlmere Nature Reserve: Hairy dragonfly ovipositing. Emperor first date.
June 6th
Devon
SW
Five newly emerged Scarce Chasers on the west bank of River Axe just south of A3052 along with large numbers of White-legged Damselflies. A further two immature Scarce Chasers at nearby Lower Bruckland Ponds.
June 6th
Norfolk
JCe
Female anax imperator observed today near Blickling lake. flying between the showers. Also anax imperator exuviae (2) found in reeds.
June 6th
W. Sussex
RA
Beautiful Demoiselle on small stream flowing through new Barratt Housing development at Maidenbower, Crawley. Seen a few in other locations on the network of streams around Maidenbower but first in this area. Special for me as it was right outside my front door!
June 5th
Hampshire
MD
Just outside Odiham and near the Basinstoke Canal I saw several White Legged Damselflies.I think that they are new to the area.
June 5th
Lancs.
DMcG
Female 4-spotted Chaser ovipositing in one of the ponds at the recently created Lawsons Wetland in Blackpool.
June 5th
W. Sussex
RL
Visited the Black Hole, Burton Mill Pond, West Sussex today at least 10 Scarce Chasers present. There was also a several four-spotted Chasers and a Hairy Dragonfly present along with numerous Damselflies. Went to near by pond on Lords Piece 5* Downy Emeralds, 2 Four Spotted Chasers, 7* Broad-bodied Chasers along with a lone Emperor Dragonfly. Also present were numerous Damselflies.
June 1st-5th
Cornwall
CMo
Seen at Boscathnoe Reservoir, near Penzance.
1 June: 1 male Emperor, numerous Azure Damsels, few Blue-tailed Damsels.
3 June: 4-Spot Chaser, Emperor, briefly. Damsels as before.
5 June: Black-tailed Skimmer, male and female in tandem, female ovipositing. Damsels as before.
June 4th
Lancs.
JGi
Darcy Lever Gravel Pits Bolton, Visiting the Gravel Pits 4th June many Azure and Large Red Damsels were Ovipositing, also observed on the wing were Female Broad-bodied Chasers and Four-spotted Chasers, highlight of the day was when I collected the first of the seasons Exuviae of the Emperor Dragonfly from one of the ponds a beautiful specimen at 56mm long. Steve Cham's Field Guide is an excellent identification tool building up my collection of exuviae and observation records.
June 4th/5th
Wiltshire
CBr
Late morning on 4th June in the reeds in my pond I saw an emperor emerging and taking its first flight. We have a dozen large exuviae attached to the vegetation in our pond. A teneral scarce chaser was also seen on 4th as well as many assorted damselflies. Today - 5th June a male broad bodied chaser was seen briefly visiting the pond.
June 4th
Glamorgan
PH
Margam park, Port Talbot. 30-40 azure damselflies, many in cop. 10-12 blue tailed damselflies. One hairy dragonfly male. 10 or more broad bodied chasers male. Two pairs of broad bodied chasers in cop.
June 4th
Denbighs.
LWS
Spotted on vegetation alongside River Elwy in St Asaph, 3 male black/electric blue Beautiful Demoiselles.
June 4th
Wiltshire
SC
Beautiful Demoiselles still in good numbers on the R. Biss south of Trowbridge where they were discovered two years ago. Teneral male Black-tailed Skimmer [first of year in Wilts for me] at the Semington Bypass balancing ponds. No Scarce Chasers evident there yet though. Maybe they breed elsewhere and use the ponds for feeding only.
Also photos of an emerging female Emperor sent to me taken at the recorder, Maggie Worthington's, pond at the weekend. The first reported this year for Wilts.
June 4th
Hampshire
PWi
There was an immature male Red-veined Darter at Cherque Farm Lake (Lee-on-Solent) late morning. Red-veined Darters were seen up to early November 2007 at the site.
June 3rd
Glamorgan
PH
Neath canal, Melincryddan. 150-200 blue tail damselflies (many pairs in cop). 100+ azure damselflies. 50+ variable damselflies. 10+ large red damselflies. 15+ hairy dragonflies, all males.
June 1st/2nd
N. Ireland
IR
Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly: About 3 mating pairs, 1 or 2 female (aurantiaca) and about 6 males, varying from teneral to fairly mature, in pools at Tonnagh Quarry near Derrygonnelly. Blue-tailed Damselfly: 1 at Tonnagh Quarry near Derrygonnelly. Common Blue Damselfly: 1 female on roadside at Kinarla near Enniskillen. 2 or 3 males at Meenameen Lough in Lough Navar Forest. Large Red Damselfly: 2 or 3 at Callow near Derrygonnelly. 1 at Tonnagh Quarry near Derrygonnelly. Four-spotted Chaser dragonfly: 1 or 2 at Callow near Derrygonnelly. 8-10 including mating pairs and ovipositing female(s) at Tonnagh Quarry near Derrygonnelly. Perhaps surprisingly, no Hairy Dragonflies were seen.
On 2nd June I visited Drumnahavil Bog (briefly) near Keady in Co. Armagh and also Navan Quarry near Armagh and made the following observations: Irish Damselfly: c. 20 males and 2-3 mating pairs seen. Blue-tailed Damselfly: c. 4 at Navan Quarry. Azure Damselfly: 1 male at Navan Quarry. Variable Damselfly: A few noted at Drumnahavil Bog and Navan Quarry. Large Red Damselfly: 1 on Co. Armagh side and 1 on Co. Monaghan side of Drumnhavil Bog, and 2 at Navan Quarry. Four-spot Chaser dragonfly: Several at Drumnahavil Bog and Navan Quarry. Hairy Dragonfly: 1 male at Navan Quarry; I saw 1 a few hundred yards some days ago.
May 31st
Hampshire
MGi
I saw my first Southern Damselflies of the year on a visit to Burley in the New Forest, around 6 were seen. Also seen were 6 Broad-bodied Chasers, 40+ Beautiful Demoiselles,3 Azure Damselflies, 20+ Large Red Damselflies.
May 31st/June 1st
Essex
TC
May 31st: Hadleigh Castle Marshes Country park. Found good numbers of Scarce Emerald Damselflies today 30+. Also 3 Emperor dragonflies on the wing & 2 fully coloured up male Broad Bodied Chasers. Good numbers of Azure & Blue tails with a scattering of Large Reds.
1st June, Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex.
Main drive pond had 35 Emperor exuviae & 15 Four Spotted Chaser including one which hadn't emerged at 2.30pm. Went back an hour later & watched it pull itself from upside down to upright. Had to leave it at 4.00pm, still had a way to go pumpimg its wings fully. Plenty of Azures, Blue tails & Large Reds.
May 29th/31st
Glamorgan
PH
29th: Margam Park, Port Talbot. Two male broad bodied chasers, 1 female. 2 male beautiful demoiselles. 7 or 8 large red damselflies. 2 female hairy dragonflies (egg laying observed). 20 + blue tailed damselflies. 15 + azure damselflies.
29th: Tennant canal, Llandarcy, Neath. 500 + variable damselflies. 3 large red damselflies. 30 + azure damselflies. 20 + blue tailed damselflies. 2 hairy dragonfly exuvia found.
31st: Park Slip, Bridgend. 1 female beautiful demoiselle. 1 pair of azure damselflies in tandem.
May 27th
Yorkshire
JMa
Broad bodied chaser female, at Great Givendale. GR SE822535
May 22nd
Northumberland
HTE
A freshly emerged male Broad-bodied Chaser was observed near a pond in the Wark Forest, Northumberland by Duncan Hutt an official of The Northumberland Wildlife Trust. This specimen was photographed and viewed by both myself and Dave Clark. A photograph of a nymph in the same pond has also been identified as belonging to this species. Although there are several sightings of mature specimens of this species in both South Northuberland VC67 and Co,Durham V.C.66, this is the first time this species has been proven to have been breeding in either county.
June 1st
Somerset
PCl
Female broad bodied Chaser spotted at Steart Point Bridgwater Bay and photograph taken.
June 1st
Norfolk
JCe
Numerous (30) blue tailed damsels sheltering in tall grasses along side a pond today. Including 6 of the colourful form "rufescens". Also (20+) mix of Common Blue, Azure and Variable spread throughout the area. 2 banded damsel in the river riparian zone near the site.
I went back to get pictures of the "Rufescens" variant observed earlier and discovered 4 Red eyed damsels which when I checked with my key found to be small Red eyed damsels. Peculiar habit of dropping further into foliage when approached. Assumed to be recently hatched as not flying over water surface as so often cited that they do.
May 31st
Norfolk
AR
One teneral Keeled Skimmer at Buxton Heath. Yesterday three Scarce Emerald Damsels at Thompson Common. Also a myriad of Azure Damsels. Visit enterprise-io.co.uk.
May 31st
Hampshire
T&NL
1 male broad bodied chaser flying from perch near garden pond in Southampton; also 2 pairs large red damselflies ovipositing & 1 common blue damselfly resting
May 31st
Kent
JM
Stodmarsh NNR: A brief search produced 20+ Variable Damselflies in ditch-side vegetation. A probable Hairy Dragonfly also shot through.
May 31st
W. Sussex
SMi
A walk across the two fields by the River Arun, Broadbridge Heath, produced good results this afternoon. The White Legged Damselflies have emerged, with 50+ being seen. There were 200+ Banded Demoiselles and we saw two pairs in cop. Roughly 20 Large Red, again with a few in cop, 5 Blue Tailed and 2 Azure Damselflies were present and we saw 8 Scarce Chasers.
Here is picture of one of the White Legged Damselflies, you can tell she is immature because she is picking her nose. White-legged Damselfly
May 31st
Suffolk
AE
Norfolk Hawker 1 teneral male (the second I have seen this year, the first being on 24th May at Waveney Forest, Fritton), Scarce Chaser 15+, Banded Demoiselle 1 male. Also small numbers of Variable, Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies.
May 31st
Beds.
KF/DOM
Along River Great Ouse, from end of Ford Lane, Roxton, south to point where Ivel joins Ouse: c250 Banded Demoiselles; 20 Scarce Chasers (one male showing some pruinescence; all others orange); 5 Hairy Dragonflies; 5 White-legged Damselflies (freshly-emerged); 4 Red-eyed Damselflies; plus Common Blue, Azure and Blue-tailed Damselflies. Photos at http://bogbumper.blogspot.com
May 31st
Tyne & Wear
GPo
Single male Broad bodied chaser today at Clara Vale LNR, Gateshead. Also blue-tailed (incl. form rufescens), large red and azure damselflies.
May 31st
Dorset
BSp
At my Dragonfly local patch in Weymouth there were several Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies including a couple of aurantiaca phase females. Also Red-eyed Damselflies seen. A total of 10 species have been recorded from the site so far this year.
May 31st
Northants.
MT
At Yardley Chase we saw 6+ Downy Emeralds, mostly males clashing with Hairy Dragonflies over their shared territories, and one female Downy ovipositing. We also located 5 Downy exuviae. The County's first Emperors had emerged and we located a couple of exuviae along with three still emerging Southern Hawker! This last sighting is the most significant as Southern Hawker have never before been recorded in May in Northants.
May 31st
Gwynedd
JWe
Estimated 28 four-spotted chasers, 15 common blue, 10 large red and 7 blue tailed damselflies plus 2 male broad bodied chasers on three ponds on Conwy Mountain.
May 31st
W. Sussex
THa
River Arun where the A272 bridges it nr Billingshurst. Uncountable Azure damsels many mating. 30+ Large Red. Uncountable Banded demoiselles. 20+ Beautiful demoiselles. 2 Hairy hawkers. 2 Scarce chasers, 1 male 1 female.
May 30th
Somerset
ST
Wick Moor: A single male broad bodied chaser plus 10+ azure damsels in flight this afternoon
May 30th
Gwynedd
JWe
First emergence of common blue damselflies at Conwy RSPB plus several blue tailed damselflies. A chaser reported, likely to be broad bodied.
May 29th
Shropshire
ST
River Perry, Rednal, Oswestry: 15+ Banded demoiselle, 5 Azure damsels and 1 large red damsel along the river.
May 29th
Monmouth.
WRJ
At least 10 Hairy Dragonfly seen today at Newport Wetlands, also first immature Black-tailed Skimmer on the wing.
May 29th
Northants.
MT
A break in the weather caused a flourish of activity at Ditchford this lunchtime: Many male Hairys at territory hunting for females and two lucky ones who found them; hundreds of emerging Red-eyed Damselflies and a few Four-spotted Chaser. Along with Azures, Blue-tail and Common Blue Damselelfies and a single Banded Demoiselle from the nearby River Nene.
May 29th
Lincs.
SRo
A trip out to look for my first Black-tailed Skimmers of the year at Rosper-road Pools LWTR,resulted in me finding 5 teneral males and 1 adult female, other species recorded were 292 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 5 Azure Damselfly and 3 Common-blue Damselfly.
May 21st/29th
Norfolk
AR
21st: One male Downy Emerald Dragon at it's only (?) site in Norfolk.
29th: Delighted to report the finding of Hairy Dragon at the Hawk and Owl reserve at Sculthorpe Moor - a new species for the site. Also today, three teneral Black-tailed Skimmer and several Broad-bodied Chaser. Given the concern over the poor numbers of this species recorded last year, this is particularly encouraging. Three Red-eyed Damsels and a single male Banded Demoiselle added to the excitement. Nine spp in all. See www.enterprise-io.co.uk.
May 29th
Leics.
NW
Grantham Canal,Plungar to Barkestone le Vale: 3 male Hairy Dragonflies, 2 Four-spotted Chasers and large numbers of Azure and Variable Damselflies. Many pairs of damselflies were in tandem and "in cop".
May 29th
W. Sussex
SMi
A walk in the rain near the river Arun at Broadbridge Heath produced 50+ Banded Demoiselles and 10 Large Red Damselflies amongst the vegetation. One male Scarce Chaser in the buttercups. Made me smile on a grey day. Pictures at: Scarce Chaser
Scarce Chaser
May 29th
Notts.
NW
One male Banded Demoiselle on the Stroom Dyke, Langar. Historically,this has been a good site for Banded Demoiselles but was heavily dredged over the winter. Hopefully more will emerge.
May 19th-24th
Glos.
IT
19th May: Twyning, near Tewkesbury, along the R. Avon - 26 Banded Demoiselles, with an occasional Azure Damselfly.
20th May: The Mythe, Tewkesbury - 12 Common Clubtails and 12 Scarce Chasers - all newly-emerged, as well as 200+ Azures, 200+ Blue-tailed, 100+ Red-eyed, 10 Beautiful and 9 Banded Demoiselles and 5 teneral White-legged damselflies. Clubtailed and Scarce Chasers have never been seen in these numbers here before.
21st May: Whelford Pools NR, CWP - about 10 Downy Emeralds and 1 Broad-bodied Chaser, along with hundreds of teneral damselflies.
22nd May: Twyning - 11 freshly emerged Scarce Chasers, and 1 Common Clubtail, which we have never seen at this site before.
22nd May: WWT Slimbridge - a single newly emerged Scarce Chaser - a new location.
24th May: Twyning - 10 newly emerged Scarce Chasers and 2 newly emerged Common Clubtails. Also found were exuviae of these 2 species.
Also lots of damselflies present - various species - on these 2 visits.
May 22nd/26th
N. Ireland
IR
22nd May: Brackagh Bog NNR, Portadown, Co. Armagh (J0251): Large Red Damselfly Pyrrhosoma nymphula (1); Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans (1); Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella (several); Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum (several).
26th May : Milford Ulster Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve near Armagh (H859428): a male blue damselfly was seen but not identified, but probably an Azure or Variable, most likely the former. The only damselfly seen on the site previously is the Large Red. A pond has been created in recent weeks by the Ulster Wildlife Trust and it will be interesting to see what if any Odonata species colonise it. Lough Keelan near Downpatrick, Co. Down (J564453): Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense (2-3, with 1 of each sex identified; 1 of the males was filmed at rest eating an unidentified damselfly, possibly Enallagma cyathigerum); Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura elegans (1); Azure Damselfly Coenagrion puella (at least 1); Variable Damselfly Coenagrion pulchellum (c. 15; Common Blue Damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum (c. 15). Ballykilbeg Fen near Downpatrick, Co. Down (J4440): Hairy Dragonfly Brachytron pratense (1). Has been seen several times before at this site (in at least 1 case several were seen) although there is little open water in summer apart from a boundary ditch.
May 18th
Devon
BI
Broad Bellied libellula, seen at Rosemoor garden
May 14th
Wiltshire
SC
Delayed posting of a report I received via Les Stride, made by Julie Thomas on 14th May. She and friends recorded 20+ teneral Scarce Chasers around the feeder ponds for the Caen Hill flight of locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Devizes. This is a totally new location well away from the original population on the Bristol Avon.
May 13th
Suffolk
RPe
Lakenheath RSPB (Hockwold Fen) Nature Reserve: Hairy dragonfly - 4 males and one newly emerged female still hardening wings. Four-spotted Chaser - at least 10 seen. Common darter - a single male was unexpectedly early. Azure Damselfly - 20+. Large Red Damselfly - 5+. Blue-tailed Damselfly - 2.
May 27th
Wiltshire
RFo
A single Scarce Chaser was on the Conigre Mead nature reserve in Melksham today
May 26th
Berwickshire
ICo
6-12 Azure Damsels, following the emergence of Blue Tailed and Large Red, awaiting Common Blue emergence in usual sequence .... strong NNE wind is hindering things a little. Oldcastles nr Chirnside, railway pond.
May 25th
Devon
SW
Lower Bruckland Ponds mid to late afternoon: 2 Scarce Chaser, 10+ immature Black-tailed Skimmers, 2 immature Common Darters. In previous days up to 6 Red-eyed Damselflies and 5 Four-spot Chasers here.
May 25th
Surrey
LB
Thursley Nature Reserve: Lots of Four Spotted Chasers on the main pond and all along the boardwalks. At least 2 Downy Emeralds at the main pond and plenty of damsels.
May 25th
W. Sussex
THa
River Arun where the A272 bridges it near Billingshurst. Healthy numbers of Azure and Large Red damsels. Also both Banded and Beautiful demoiselles in good numbers. Unidentified skimmer/chaser, immature orange, flying across and into the tree tops. Just one male blue-tailed damsel.
May 24th
Cornwall
BPe
4 empty cases on Iris leaves in my pond. Never saw them emerge, but for the past 2 years we have had visits from brown hawkers and common hawkers.
25th May. One more "shell" on a reed. Slightly larger than the others.
May 24th
Cambs.
PBi
6+ imm male Scarce Chaser, large numbers of White Legged Damselflies and Banded Demoiselle, and one or two Common Blue Damselflies at Houghton Mill.
May 24th
Kent
THa
Large red damselfly and Azure damselfly on private pond in Blean. Large reds mating.
May 24th
Essex
TC
River Colne, Cymbeline Meadows, Colchester. An early teneral Black tailed Skimmer made an appearance here amongst the huge numbers of Banded Demoiselles.
River Colne, West Bergholt. 30 plus immature Scarce Chasers were sunning themselves along sunny side of hedge/nettles about 25 metres from river bank.
Tributary to River Colne (flowing over a gravel/stony bed) towards Hillhouse Wood, 10 Beautiful Demoiselles observed. Only second site for Essex, discovered in 2006. TL9427
River Stour, Nayland, nr Anchor Inn, Heritage Farm. Large counts of immature White Legged Damselflies along this stretch.50 plus Scarce Chasers found in an sheltered sunny spot, out of the strong wind, in nettle beds/hedge by the Lock Pond.
May 24th
Wiltshire
CBr
This afternoon I saw the first dragonfly of the year in my garden - a teneral scarce chaser. These dragonflies have appeared in the garden in late spring for the past two years since we constructed a pond.
May 23rd
Devon
C&RC
Bystock Nature Reserve, near Exmouth - 1 very fresh Keeled Skimmer, 1 female Hairy (ovipositing), 1 male Hairy, 3 Downy Emerald (plus 1 exuvia), 1 male Broad Bodied Chaser, Large Red, Blue-Tailed and Azure were also present. Four-Spotted Chasers had been seen earlier in the day.
May 24th
Lancs.
DMcG
Blue Tailed Damsels emerging this afternoon from my small garden pond in Bispham, Blackpool. The first time this has occured, despite the presence of several large fish (orfe and goldfish) in the pond.
May 24th
Bucks.
DFe
7+ Downy Emeralds on the woodland rides by the heathland area. Broad-bodied Chaser and 4-spot Chaser on the heathland pond. Also Large Red and Azure Damsels.
May 23rd
Essex
TC
Early evening visit to river Chelmer, Maldon Golf Club, Langford yielded very high numbers of immature White Legged Damselflies which had emerged over the past few days. Still no signs of Scarce Chaser here yet.
May 23rd
Shropshire
KP
4 adult White-faced Darters and 8 exuvia collected. Whixall Moss SJ 49, 36
May 23rd
Norfolk
JCe
Numerous Azure, Common Blue and Blue Tailed along with large Reds, all singly and in tandem, within the surrounding area of a small woodland pool. Estimated 25 ovipositing pairs of Azure, 15 of Common Blue, 10 of Blue Tailed, and 15 large Reds. Estimated Total of all species would be in region of 150 - 160. Pond size no greater than 50 metres square, quite surprising. First sighting, for me anyway, of a hairy dragonfly; (Brachytron pratense).
May 23rd
Berwick
ICo
10-15 Blue Tailed Damsels, 1-2 fully mature, mostly emerging. 10+ Large Red in full colours, chasing micro moths in the shelter of hawthorn. All at Oldcastles nr Chirnside .. railway pond.
May 22nd
Berkshire
KL
A lunchtime vist to Decoy Heath BBOWT reseve yielded the following: 50+ large Red Damselflies,many in tandem & ovipositing; 20+ Azure Damselflies; 10 Blue-tailed Damselflies; 3 immature Common Blue Damselflies; 24+ Four spot Chasers; 4 Broad-bodied Chasers; 2 Downy Emeralds. Finally a first for me at this site 1 White-legged Damselfly an immature female of the form Lactea. Not bad for a 1 hour visit.
May 22nd
Northants.
MT
The River Ise produced its first teneral White-legged Damselflies today. Also seen were a male Hairy Dragonfly competing for territory with male Banded Demoiselles and oviposting Large Reds. Hairys are a rare sight on this river and this was a welcome sighting.
May 22nd
Clwyd/Cheshire
JWe
There were at least 4 club-tailed dragonflies and 10 banded demoiselles on the River Dee at Holt.
There were also at least 3 white-faced darters and 2 large red damselflies at Whixhall Moss.
May 22nd
Moray
JMcC
I pictured several Large Red Damselflies in woodland by a small loch - they had a liking for resting on blades of grass near the water.
May 21st
Lincs.
SRo
Another visit to Messingham Sand Quarries LWTR produced some improved numbers on my last visit at the weekend. The following was recorded: 333 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 229 Common-blue Damselfly, 15 Red-eyed Damselfly, 5 Hairy Dragonfly, 109 Azure Damselfly, 13 Large-red Damselfly, 8 Four spot Chaser (including 1 cracking example of the form 'Praenubila').
May 6th
Moray
SCc
First Large Red Damselflies adults seen this year around Grantown-on-Spey after a particularly cool and snowy spring.
May 22nd
Essex
RG
Meadowfield Nature Study Centre, Hockley. 1 male hairy dragonfly - first record for site.
May 21st
Devon
ClareC
Saw 1 Hairy Dragonfly on the Alphin Brook (middle of the Marsh Barton Trading Estate, Exeter).
May 21st
W. Sussex
MikeF
Burton Mill Pond in one location on west side in the coppiced alder Scarce Chaser, dozens of Variable Damselflies, Red eyed damselfly, Blue tailed damselfly - 1 pair plus several individuals, and 3 or 4 Large red damselflies.
May 21st
Sussex
SMi
I saw approximately a dozen or more Scarce Chasers in a field along the banks of the River Arun at Broadbridge Heath this morning. They weren't there yesterday. Also 100+ Banded Demoiselles and large numbers of Large Red Damselflies and a few Common Blue and Blue Tailed Damselflies.
I attach a link to a picture of one of the Scarce Chasers
Scarce Chaser
May 21st
N. Ireland
IR
I saw my first Banded Damselfly of 2008 along the River Bann between Dynes Bridge (c. 3 miles south of Portadown) and White Bridge near Gilford, Co. Down, this afternoon, a mature male.
A couple of miles away at Brackagh Bog near Portadown, there were about 4 or 5 Hairy Dragonflies (most or all males), with 2 Blue-tailed Damselflies, about 8-10 Large Red Damselflies, 25-30 Four-spotted Chasers, and dozens of Coenagrion spp. of which 1 or 2 were identified as Azure Damselfly, though probably the majority were variable damselflies.
May 18th
Devon
C&RC
A visit to Squabmoor Reservoir was fairly successful even though the weather wasn't brilliant. We had 1 Downy Emerald, 4 Red-Eyed, 2 blue-tailed, Large Red and lots of Common Blue Damselflies.
May 20th
Surrey
DS
One male large red damselfly, Bushy Park Heron pond, nothing on the Diana Fountain pond yet, and it looks like the pond weed has been removed from last year!
May 19th
Monmouthshire
WRJ
Nine teneral Club-tailed Dragonfly seen today on banks of River Wye near Monmouth, also thirty plus Beautiful Demoiselle sharing same habitat.
May 18th
Essex
AWa
I saw a lovely four spotted chaser today at Fingeringhoe Wick nature reserve along with green hairstreak butterflies
May 7th
Glos.
KWh
I saw a flying red bodied dragonfly, which I couldn't identify to species level, but which was most likely a Common Darter. Locaton: near the pool at Saul Lodge, Fretherne grid ref: SO744084