Washington WWT Wow.

The Survey of Dragonflies and Damselflies began yesterday and what a start i had.

As i was walking down to the ponds something rather large caught my eye. Upon further inspection i came across this beauty. Only a Southern Hawker Dragonfly. WOW !






This cracking Dragonfly has only recently started to spread to our part of the country so it was a very nice and unexpected find.

As i continued my walk i saw a Common Darter resting on the floor.


Fandragontastic Mate

So with stool set up by the pond i began my survey. There was plenty to see with Common Blue, Blue Tailed and Azure Damselfly.




Both Azure Damselfly



Common Blue


The Damselflies were mating and laying eggs so a good sign of a healthy Damselfly world. I also spotted two Common Blue Tenerals drying their wings out.

Then something glimmered like a jewel in the sun. And it was indeed a jewel. A stunning Emerald Damselfly.


Emerald

Three male Broad Body Chasers did what there name suggests and chased a female around the pond for a good twenty minutes. They proved very hard to photograph but i eventually manged to capture a couple of record shots.




Broad Body Chaser

A single Large Red Damselfly tried its best to have a rest but the Common Blues were having none of it and kept chasing him away.




There was also a good number of Butterflies visiting the area around the pond. Four Comma put on a show amongst the leaves. Chasing each other away until only one remained. Although he was a little Moth eaten (excuse the pun) .



Other species noted were, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Painted Lady and Meadow Brown.

A few pic below to show the variety of species found.









Other creatures of interest seen were, two Newts and a Frog of which type i have no idea.

So a truly enjoyable day which i shall repeat next Sunday.