Two more species, still one to go.

The Greenway ditch at Irthlingborough is fast becoming this year's favourite site. Despite a slow start on my arrival, it ended up buzzing with 12 species. Two male Emperors hawked up and down, frequently harassed by a few Four-spotted Chasers. One of the males behaved nicely in front of my camera allowing a few good in flight shots. A couple of Brown Hawkers put in an appearance too, but didn't stay too long. I disturbed about 10 emergent Common Darters, but their flitting flight from perch to perch didn't allow any photos. I think they sensed I was stalking them, and as they are vulnerable to predation at this stage, they were keen to avoid being lunch. A single male Hairy scooted low down, with strong flight suggesting he has more life left in him which is good for 9 July. The latest I have seen Hairys is 14 July, which may be beaten this year. On the water's surface, plenty of Blue-tailed Damselflies were ovipositing, joined by a few pairs of Azures with Common Blues in the grasses. I spotted a single male Red-eye and hoped it was the Small Red-eye, but it was the "large" version, however I didn't have to wait long before I found the first of around 10 Small Red-eyes, which is earlier than usual as they normally appear after Migrant Hawkers. Black-tailed Skimmers buzzed around the muddy banks and an Emerald Damselfly flitted from reed to reed. No Broad-bodied Chasers appeared, which is a shame after the numbers seen in the preceding weeks. Still, 12 species for this ditch is a good score.

Rufescens-obsoleta form female Blue-tailed Damselfly ovipositing

Emerald Damselfly

Small Red-eyed Damselfly

Androchrome (male-like) form female Blue-tailed Damselfly ovipositing

Emperor

Emperor

Emperor

Small Red-eyed Damselfly