UK dragonflies and damselflies, 2014 (1 Viewer)

loyalist chris · Jul 13, 2014

A day out in Kent. A trip to Marshside near Reculver at 9.30am yesterday produced quite a few Willow emeralds and amongst the Many Blue-tailed damsels were several Small red-eyes. Then onto Cliffe Rspb. At TQ721 779 we found 8+ Southern emerald, loads of Scarce emerald plus Migrant & Southern hawker. Ruddy darters were everywhere. A great day for dragon hunting. 12 species today.

KEVIN BROWN · Jul 13, 2014

Dawn Balmer said:
We've got a week in Pembrokeshire in the first week of August, based in Broad Haven. Any top tips for sites to visit for Odonata (or butterflies)? Know the birding sites pretty well. Thanks.

Many thanks to all for providing information on sites in particular Mark and John it was very much appreciated. Though we had good weather in general it was a bit windy for dragonflies. Welsh Wildlife Centre near Cardigan was about the best place I tried, I also thought Dowrog Common would have been a place on a better day, but wellies are a must. Found BDS site quite useful for information as well.

Many thanks again.

birdboybowley · Jul 13, 2014

loyalist chris said:
A day out in Kent. A trip to Marshside near Reculver at 9.30am yesterday produced quite a few Willow emeralds and amongst the Many Blue-tailed damsels were several Small red-eyes. Then onto Cliffe Rspb. At TQ721 779 we found 8+ Southern emerald, loads of Scarce emerald plus Migrant & Southern hawker. Ruddy darters were everywhere. A great day for dragon hunting. 12 species today.

Yeah 'twas a good day! Highlights:

birdboybowley · Jul 13, 2014

Also this lovely Red-veined Darter was at Medmerry RSPB, West Sussex on Thursday 10th July late afternoon, at the open end of the ditch westwards from the carpark at Earnley. Went back later and couldn't refind it. There were 3 reported a couple of weeks earlier which I'd looked for the following day and failed to find so it was very nice when this one came and landed at my feet....unfortunately I couldn't get another angle on it

Larry Sweetland · Jul 14, 2014

Southern Migrant Hawker in Essex, per Uk Dragonflies site

Heathy · Jul 14, 2014

Hopefully the first of many records to come, fingers crossed. I hope Cliffe gets a few records in the next few weeks.

Marc

Mouldy · Jul 17, 2014

Anyone out there know of reliable sites in the Windermere area of the Lake District for Beautiful Demoiselle and/or Keeled Skimmer? Preferably with reasonably easy access as I'll have the family in tow.

Thanks

Alan M

prhodes · Jul 22, 2014

I was just wondered if anyone could recommend a good site for Small Red-eyed Damselfly near north London? I was going to try the Lee Valley, possibly around Fisher's Green / Cornmill Dragonfly Sanctuary. Hoping to photograph the species. Regards, Phil

Farnboro John · Jul 23, 2014

prhodes said:
I was just wondered if anyone could recommend a good site for Small Red-eyed Damselfly near north London? I was going to try the Lee Valley, possibly around Fisher's Green / Cornmill Dragonfly Sanctuary. Hoping to photograph the species. Regards, Phil

If its not too much further I've heard the ponds at Bluewater are reliable.

However, given how common the little blighters are in Hampshire now I'd be amazed if they aren't easy in the Lea valley.

John

prhodes · Jul 23, 2014

Farnboro John said:
If its not too much further I've heard the ponds at Bluewater are reliable.

However, given how common the little blighters are in Hampshire now I'd be amazed if they aren't easy in the Lea valley.

John

Thanks John. I'll try locally first. If I say we're off the Bluewater, it could get expensive! Phil

JCL · Jul 24, 2014

prhodes said:
Thanks John. I'll try locally first. If I say we're off the Bluewater, it could get expensive! Phil

I don't know any North London sites (I'm sarf of the river, innit), but Bedford Park (Romford), Sutcliffe Park (Lewisham/Eltham) in E/SE London are both good. As John says, Bluewater is excellent: the N end of the western lake (the one with an exercise area and proper path).

James

Larry Sweetland · Jul 24, 2014

I see per BDS there's an 18th July Southerrn Mig Hawker sighting at Wat Tyler. Anyone heard of any sightings since (there or elsewhere in UK?)

JCL · Jul 25, 2014

There was a female at chafford gorges (not far from wat tyler) a fortnight back. On facebook then uk dragons i think. And one in pembrokes i think?

Adrian_P · Jul 25, 2014

Hi James - the record from Pembrokeshire was withdrawn

pdwinter · Jul 26, 2014

Rvd

A male Red-veined Darter at Badminston GP (Hants) this morning. I was on my way back to the car so didn't have a chance to search for others.

Farnboro John · Jul 26, 2014

Today at Thursley:

Emperor - plenty including some keeping to predictable patrol lines at Pudmore Pond (good for pix)
Brown Hawker - several at the Moat offering photo-opps: patrolling, females ovipositing, even hanging up!
Four-spots - still lots
Keeled Skimmer - loads
Black-tailed Skimmer - loads
Black Darter - lots of full adults including pairs hanging up
Common Darter - quite a few
Brilliant Emerald - at least one still at the Moat
Small Red
Emerald
Azure
Common Blue

A decent day out!

John

prhodes · Jul 26, 2014

JCL said:
I don't know any North London sites (I'm sarf of the river, innit), but Bedford Park (Romford), Sutcliffe Park (Lewisham/Eltham) in E/SE London are both good. As John says, Bluewater is excellent: the N end of the western lake (the one with an exercise area and proper path).

James

Thanks James and John,

Plenty of Small Red-eyed Damselflies at Bluewater today. We noticed that even the smaller pond by Pizza Express (and right by the shopping centre) had them as well. Generally seems a good place to photograph common species. Good numbers of Black-tailed Skimmers, Brown Hawkers and Emperors. Phil

Lightthiscandle · Jul 27, 2014

Anyone know some reliable sites around Sidmouth, Devon for Common Hawker & Golden-ringed Dragonfly? (And any other species I can't see in Norfolk!)
I'll happily reciprocate gen for anyone visiting Norfolk!

Farnboro John · Jul 27, 2014

prhodes said:
Thanks James and John,

Plenty of Small Red-eyed Damselflies at Bluewater today. We noticed that even the smaller pond by Pizza Express (and right by the shopping centre) had them as well. Generally seems a good place to photograph common species. Good numbers of Black-tailed Skimmers, Brown Hawkers and Emperors. Phil

Glad you scored. Hope the credit card didn't get too battered.

John

prhodes · Jul 27, 2014

Farnboro John said:
Glad you scored. Hope the credit card didn't get too battered.

John

Not unscathed. Slight exaggeration but press-ganged into buying new shirt for the pub last night that apparently 'I desperately needed'. Never mind the 400mm lens or a SX50 that I think I need.

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