Our photography group at Paxton Pits decided on an early start yesterday as very warm temperatures were forecast (and arrived; officially 32 degrees at Bedford aerodrome). We started at 7am in the Meadows as the Dragons and Damsels got moving including the Green-eyed Hawkers resting in the grass and hedges along with lots of hawking Hairy Dragonflies, Black-tailed Skimmers and 4-Spot Chasers. I was attempting to use the strong directional light to throw shadows behind any perched insects as with these mating Common Blue Damsels.
After refuelling we spent a bit of time in the Cobham Hide where there were hundreds of damselflies, dragonflies and their exivia. En route we were delighted to find a Grizzled Skipper in another new location so they really have a strong presence at Paxton now.
