Willow Emeralds at Fermyn Woods Country Park

I visited Fermyn Woods today with the intention of capturing Southern Hawkers flying around the Big Pit Pond. There wasn't much activity, which was fine because I found two sets of Willow Emerald egg-laying scars, and had a fleeting glance of an adult. I spoke to the rangers who were very excited at the news. 

Those pesky Willows again

Despite a real lack of sightings of the adult Willow Emeralds - my max at one time is four - I am still finding new & fresh egg-laying scars on the willow tress at Finedon. On Monday, I saw two males, and today found three new scar tracts. I've seen many photos on facebook from nearby St. Neots that show good activity and plenty of adults, so I'm really frustrated by ours. I hope that the new sightings at Priors Hall lead to a new colony, and the nearby Weldon pond looks promising too.

I'm posting a picture of today's fresh scars so please keep an eye out for similar scars on branches overhanging the water - these may be the easiest way to spot this elusive species.

Around the County, plenty of Migrant Hawkers, Southern Hawkers and Common Darters are being seen, for example at Sywell Country Park, Barnwell Country Park and Summer Leys. Roland Bogush even recorded Common Blue Damselflies at Sywell.

Male Common Darter

Male Willow Emerald 

Male Willow Emerald

Fresh egg-laying scars

Second Willow Emerald Damselfly site

James Underwood has posted photos of a female Willow Emerald at Priors Hall near Corby. A great second site and one that I hope yields breeding.