More Willows

I counted a record 12 Willows at Finedon (17 Sept), including three ovipositing pairs including this very flexible pair. The pond is now dry and only Willows, a single female Common Emerald, a few Ruddy darters and Migrant Hawkers were present.

Elsewhere, Willows have been seen at Fermyn Woods Country Park. This is great after I found egg scars there last year - this is around the Big Pit Pond. The pond at the Cirby Eurohub now also hosts Willows, and good numbers were recorded at nearby Priors Hall.

Definately the best Willow Emerald year so far.

Ten Willows at Finedon

My last post claimed that I had seen the highest number of Willow Emeralds so far, which I promptly went and beat by seeing 10, including two egg-laying pairs at Finedon. This is looking to be a good year for them, so I expect this to be beaten again soon.

One particular male was very obliging and allowed me to get really close with my 100mm macro lens and I noticed the pale blue mandilbles, something I'd not seen before

Meanwhile, Judy & Terry Wood found another colony on a gravel pit lake adjacent to Oundle Marina, close to Barnwell Mill Lake. They were lucky enough to find two pairs egg-laying together a sight I would love to see.

Photo by Judy & Terry Wood