Dragonflies at Paxton Pits

A visit to Cobham Hide followed by a walk up the Haul Road at Paxton Pits produced a sizeable list of Dragonflies and Damsels etc. The star was definitely the Southern Migrant Hawker, a fairly newly listed species for the UK and my first sighting of one. Otherwise while Brown Hawker (egg laying), Emerald  Damsel, Common Blue Damsel, Ruddy Darter and Banded Demoiselle are still in prime condition, some other species are coming to the end of their brief lives like the Four-spot Chaser and Emperor Dragonfly

A Great Time for Dragons

We spent Friday afternoon at the Dragonfly pools which were teeming with different species. They were all very active in the heat so only managed one flight shot - of Common Darters and this wasn't great! Plenty of Emperors laying everywhere, also more Red-Eyed Damselflies than I have seen before, including battallions on the water ready for take off. Over the fields and along the hedgerows Migrant Hawkers (with Brown Hawkers) were busy catching insects. A real summer idyll showing what can be achieved by organic farming!!

Gamlingay and Lackford on Hot Days

Insects are still in short supply but here are some from a walk round Gamlingay Wood (3 Hoverflies) and Lackford Nature Reserve - Hairy Dragonfly, Banded Demoiselle and female Black-Tailed Skimmer.