wolfbirder
Well-known member
When is best time for Azure Dragonfly and where exactly?
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UK Dragonflies and Damselflies 2023 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter pdwinter
- Start date
Larry Sweetland
Formerly 'Larry Wheatland'
When I went about 3 years ago, Ben Eighe visitor's center was the most reliable spot, and they were easy to find (along with Northern Emerald) about 10mins walk from the visitor's centre, if you walk along the trail that parallels the road back in a (roughly) southeastward direction. From memory mid to late June is best, but I wrote a detailed report of my trip (in this forum), with detailed directions, which might be good to read if you can find it in a search.
Farnboro John
Well-known member
I was in exactly the same place Larry describes last year 17 June and there were plenty of Azure Hawkers as well as Northern Emeralds along that path: more ordinary dragons included Golden-ringed and Large Red Damselflies.
John
I've also been to that exact spot, on a very hot 1 July in 2014 and the place was swarming with them. Also lots of Common Hawkers and one lone Northern Emerald. It was a very dry summer and I'd tried a couple of places that tend to get recommended, but found the bog pools dried up and the Azure Hawkers absent. Beinn Eighe was magical.
Scozmos
Well-known member
Beginning to wish I'd never spotted these blooming creatures! Not easy to ID are they? I went out specifically to photograph some yesterday and got them, probably Common Blue but, every time I look them up, I end up at Azure. I'd love it if you know better? Cheers
These are all on the edge of Darroch Wood near Blairgowrie, Scotland or next to White Loch in the same area.
goo.gl
Love to hear what anyone thinks?
These are all on the edge of Darroch Wood near Blairgowrie, Scotland or next to White Loch in the same area.
56°34'16.1"N 3°21'17.1"W
Love to hear what anyone thinks?
wolfbirder
Well-known member
Oh yeah, actually that certainly rings a bell, appreciated Larry!
Thanks John and Swindon chap!
Think I'll make that pilgrimage in a few weeks.
wolfbirder
Well-known member
Number 4 (the blurred one 151309) is a Common Blue.Beginning to wish I'd never spotted these blooming creatures! Not easy to ID are they? I went out specifically to photograph some yesterday and got them, probably Common Blue but, every time I look them up, I end up at Azure. I'd love it if you know better? Cheers
View attachment 1513004 View attachment 1513005
View attachment 1513006 View attachment 1513007
These are all on the edge of Darroch Wood near Blairgowrie, Scotland or next to White Loch in the same area.
View attachment 1513008View attachment 1513009
56°34'16.1"N 3°21'17.1"W
Love to hear what anyone thinks?
Last edited:
pdwinter
Paul Winter
all Common Blue Damselflies. 1st 4 female, last 2 male.
Scozmos
Well-known member
Larry Sweetland
Formerly 'Larry Wheatland'
14 spp out on patch in Bristol as of today. Today's additions: Scarce Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer, and Emperor Dragonfly
Scarce Emerald damselfly is on the wing in Kent.
The BDS are running a guided walk targeting Azure Hawker and Northern Emerald at Kinlochewe on 17 June if anyone fancies that. No charge, but sign-up in advance is needed. I would imagine this will be walking to pretty much the spot several of us have recommended, but from the other direction.
british-dragonflies.org.uk
This is probably a good moment to plug their events page, which has a mixture of BDS walks & talks, plus other organisations' events that feature dragonfly interest.
british-dragonflies.org.uk
Dragonfly guided walk- Kinlochewe, Highland - British Dragonfly Society
We are looking for some of our rarest dragonflies – the Azure Hawker and Northern Emerald close to the village. The walk will start at 12pm, meeting outside the village hall. This walk is free but donations are very welcome. Bring waterproofs, sturdy boots or wellies & midge repellent. Booking...
british-dragonflies.org.uk
This is probably a good moment to plug their events page, which has a mixture of BDS walks & talks, plus other organisations' events that feature dragonfly interest.
Events - British Dragonfly Society
Title image: Migrant Hawker by Gareth William Tonks
british-dragonflies.org.uk
Larry Sweetland
Formerly 'Larry Wheatland'
Southern Hawker out on patch today (Sp # 15)
pdwinter
Paul Winter
A photo on Going Birding Hampshire - Common Darters have emerged
wolfbirder
Well-known member
No photos but a grand morning at Paxton Pits NR yesterday morning...........3 Norfolk Hawkers, 1 Emperor, 2 Common Hawkers, 4 Four-spotted Chasers, 3 Common Darters, 30+ Black-tailed Skimmers, loads of Large Red-eyed Damselflies and Azure Damselflies.
Also Cuckoo, Red Kite, and Kingfisher
Also Cuckoo, Red Kite, and Kingfisher
Timbirder3
Well-known member
Very unlikely to be Common Hawkers at Paxton. Despite its name it hasn't occurred in this part of the country for many years. Southern Hawker is a distinct possibility.
Tim
Tim
Timbirder3
Well-known member
Yes, Paul's suggestion is much better. Hairy Dragonfly is fairly common round here. Probably too early for Southern and that species is fairly distinctive.
Tim
Tim
Several freshly-emerged Small Red damsels among the 8 species at Crockford Stream in the New Forest on Saturday. Decent numbers of Southern damsels and absolutely heaving with Keeled Skimmer and Beautiful Demoiselle. One Golden-ringed patrolled briefly but refused to pose for a photo.
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