Tony Vials reports seeing our first Black-tailed Skimmers at Bedford Purlieus, but as there is little water here I suspect they came from the nearby Yarwell Quarry which is an excellent site for them.
We took a cruise up the Nene from Oundle to Fotheringhay on 20 May, and I counted dozens of emerging Scarce Chaser - I could see them taking first flights or perched above their exuvia. The river also had 50+ Hairy Dragonflies hawking around the margins over the same route, again with exuviae visible.
My favourite Scarce Chaser sites at Lilford and Wadenhoe have been producing more Chasers, where I stalked 6 into the buttercup meadow. I have been visiting Lilford every morning looking for emergees, and have recorded a few, along with some beautiful dew-covered Demoiselles. Scarce Chaser tend to emerge from around 0700hrs, so you have to get there early - fortunately I can go on my way to work.
Julia Rushton sent some shots to our facebook group of a large emergence of Common Blue Damselflies seen from the boardwalk at the new Rushden Lake shopping complex.
Finally, I visited Finedon Pocket Park and found it to be flooded after the extensive winter rains. That didn't stop 12 Broad-bodied Chasers buzz around along with Large Reds, Azures, Four-spotted Chasers and a single Hairy Dragonfly. Most of the Willows that contain Willow Emerald eggs are now submerged and I am a little concerned that this has harmed the eggs. I'll check with Adrian Parr of the British Dragonfly Society.
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| Female Banded Demoiselle, River Nene Lilford |
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| Male Broad-bodied Chaser, Finedon Pocket Park |
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| Female Broad Bodied Chaser, Finedon Pocket Park |
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| Emerging Scarce Chaser, River Nene Lilford |
