Norfolk Dragon/Damselflies reports/news (1 Viewer)

[HarassedDad]

Yes, that's a bts. Nice shots.

 

[firstreesjohn]

MEGA ! Male Large White-faced Darter (Yellow-spotted Whiteface)

For those without pager access:

Only 15 miles or so over the border, at Dunwich Heath (S- -folk) for 3rd day, according to RBA.

This would be the 2nd UK record, as far as I can gather- the other being in 1859, which I missed.

 

[HarassedDad]

can't compete with that, but did have an Emperor holding territory today at the business park.

 

[Paul Woolnough]

magnificent three

Arrive at Strumpshaw overflow car park late am
Norfolk hawker there
Along track by railway a scarce chaser buzzes around me and lands high in bushes.
At level crossing a second Norfolk hawker
No other large dragonflies seen
None of the three above on the reserve!

Clouds over so no swallowtails.
Umpteen lizards trying to warm up on boardwalk. One of them does not move as a baby grass snake slide over it.

 

[Tideliner]

First common daters of the year this morning at Stiffkey. 5 tenerals and lots of blue tailed damselflies.

 

[HarassedDad]

St Andrews Business Park pond today had a Norfolk Hawker being hassled by an Emperor. I've seen them at Thorpe Marshes across the road before, but it's quite surreal to see them from the outdoor deck of a cafe while queuing for your latte.

 

[Paul Woolnough]

St Andrews Business Park pond today had a Norfolk Hawker being hassled by an Emperor. I've seen them at Thorpe Marshes across the road before, but it's quite surreal to see them from the outdoor deck of a cafe while queuing for your latte.

Norfolk hawker at Thorpe Marsh today, Thursday 28 June
Plus banded demoiselle, azure and common blue damselflies, four spotted chaser

 

[Tideliner]

First southern hawker of the year this afternoon at Swanton Novers, A very bright green female , so its been flying for some time . I was wondering if its not local but come in with these strong warm south winds. It was well away from any ponds and picked up while doing a butterfly survey along with a smallish male Emperor , common blue and lg red damselflies.

 

[Penny Clarke]

Southern Hawker, 4 Black-tailed Skimmers and Azure Damselflies at Sculthorpe Moore Nature Reserve today.

Penny:girl:

 

[DM156]

Loads of Scarce Chasers at Wheatfen this week.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave27/7474298668/

with some too busy to notice the camera.....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave27/7474293658/

and it seems like love was in the air for the damselflies too.....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave27/7474229302/

 

[firstreesjohn]

Red-veined Darters

These have been in County since 29th, but nothing here until now.

One, then two, males have been at Winterton North Dunes, on pool north of concrete blocks, since Friday (RBA).

Yesterday, photographs of two of the 6+ at Kelling were posted here:
http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=2478082&postcount=16689

 

[firstreesjohn]

A gentle stroll to Kelling, followed by a long wait, and the announced RED-VEINED DARTERS deigned to make some appearances. Disturbance was caused variously by watchers, walkers and cattle.

I saw two at the same time; the other four or so were absent, in the often blustery conditions. Photography proved not easy- into the sun, as it was.

A brief foray up the ‘hill’ by the Radar Station and snaps were had of this lone spike of Pyramidal Orchid (thanks, Mark).

Another path, near the erstwhile car park, and a young male (?) was sunning itself. I can discern few red veins on this one.

 

[Paul Woolnough]

Upton Fen
At least six southern hawkers along wooded paths
A few common darters and large red damselflies
Many black-tailed skimmers, common blue and azure damselflies

 

[firstreesjohn]

An email from Adrian Parr, BDS Migrant Recorder, says the following about my ‘young male (?)’: “This is a mature (over-mature?) female that has started to develop some red - the double "tram-lines" down the side of the abdomen, with creamy-yellow in between, are a good marker for female Red-veined Darters.”

For which, many thanks.

 

[Lightthiscandle]

Help!

This was nice! But what is it?
All help gratefully received!

 

[firstreesjohn]

what is it?

Female Common Darter.

Look at shape of abdomen, colour of pterostigmata, shape of appendages.

 

[Lightthiscandle]

Female Common Darter.

Look at shape of abdomen, colour of pterostigmata, shape of appendages.

Thanks John!

 

[pdwinter]

The all black legs point to Ruddy Darter (female)

HTH, Paul

 

[Lightthiscandle]

So which of you experts is right? LOL!

 

[firstreesjohn]

So which of you experts is right?

I don't claim to be an expert and could easily be wrong.

Looking at it again, I'm even more puzzled- but take the point about the all-black legs. (Perhaps, it's from NZ!)

Adjudication, anyone ?