Hairy Encounters

As of last week the New Forest is still lagging way behind Dorset in sightings, although I’m pleased to say that it has now finally woken up with several species now present. Along with the Large Reds, there have been sightings of Hairys, Downy Emeralds, Broad-bodied and Four-spotted Chasers, Azures, Blue-tails and Common Blues.

On Wednesday of last week, after a great day at Studland, I decided to scout a few reliable sites in the forest but the only species to be seen were Large Reds, albeit in greater numbers. having spent the end of the week in pursuit of my other passion, butterflies, I decided to spend Sunday afternoon at Keyhaven.

Large Red Damselflies (Pair in cop)
Large Red Damselflies (Pair in cop)

Several Large Reds, Azures and Blue-tails were on the wing, a fresh Four-spotted Chaser disappeared over the tree tops and a little later I had my first sighting of a Hairy Dragonfly, followed closely afterwards by two more.

Azure Damselfly
Azure Damselfly

I then spent the next 3 hours watching 2 males and a female patrolling the bank, weaving in & out of the reeds at great speed and with maneuverability. This of course didn’t provide the best opportunity for a photograph! So I had no other choice than to attempt an in-flight shot

Hairy Dragonfly
Hairy Dragonfly

After a reliable report of plentiful Hairy activity along with a large population of damsels, I decided to take a trip to outside of Hampshire Somerset Levels on Monday.

We arrived shortly after midday and took a short walk along one of the many paths where damsels were in profusion, mostly Azures and Common Blues along with possibly some Variables, although unable to get close for a photo I cannot be sure.

Azure Damselfly
Azure Damselfly
Azure Damselfly
Azure Damselfly

Having found our bearings we found the path of most activity and were rewarded with a good 18 Hairy’s patrolling the rides, but it was a good hour before I had my first close chance for a perched shot

Hairy Dragonfly (Female)
Hairy Dragonfly (Female)

She was very accommodating and allowed me several shots

Hairy Dragonfly (Female)
Hairy Dragonfly (Female)

even allowing me to get in close

Hairy Dragonfly (Female)
Hairy Dragonfly (Female)

Satisfied with a good opportunity, we decided to explore further and spotted several more along with a few Four-spotted Chasers, although none perched close enough for a decent shot

Four-spotted Chaser
Four-spotted Chaser

Returning to the main path we spotted our first Banded Demoiselles of the season

Banded Demoiselle
Banded Demoiselle

We counted 3 males and 2 females, all very flighty

So all in all a very rewarding day and well worth the 2 hour drive

A Scorching Day At Studland

Just because it’s called Hampshire Dragonflies doesn’t mean I restrict my locations, and Dorset is a very special place for dragonflies as well as being a top County for wildlife and habitat in general. So I paid a long overdue visit to Studland today in search of the Hairy Dragonfly, among others.

The Hairy is a magnificent beast and sorely lacking from most of Hampshire. There are a few spots where a sighting is almost guaranteed, but there had been a report of sightings in Studland along with some excellent photos over the weekend. So armed with a grid reference, off I went.

As is typical with me, having found nothing at the location (still early at 10.30am I guess) I went on a trek around ‘Little Sea’. Biting off more than I can chew as usual; but I did disturb a couple of Hairy’s a good way further down the south side. No chance of a photo though.

After a long and tiring walk I found a busy and productive little area on the north side of the lake where I spotted and photographed my first Downy of the season.

Teneral Female Downy Emerald
Teneral Female Downy Emerald

Major excitement and payoff for the hard slog, but she wasn’t perched in a very good place to begin with. High on gorse and in shadow. Luckily she moved a little to the left with the sun upon her and I grasped the opportunity, hoping I had a result.

Also in this patch were several Large Reds

Large Red Damselfly
Large Red Damselfly

and a good number of teneral Blue-tailed damsels, another first for the season.

Teneral Blue-tailed Damselfly
Teneral Blue-tailed Damselfly

Further along the track and in a small clearing I spotted a rather pristine and mature Four-spotted Chaser. Just enough time to rattle off one shot before he took flight.

Four-spotted Chaser
Four-spotted Chaser

Tired and thirsty I finally made it back to the car park and partook of some much-needed refreshment, but as it was only 2.30pm I decided to look again at the original grid reference and disturbed another 2 Hairy’s, neither of which would settle. So they’re there, I just need some luck! But then they never were an easy subject to photograph!

Four new species for the season and three photographed, so it would be very churlish to complain. As well as dragonflies I spotted a Common Lizard, a female Sand Lizard, an Adder and a huge and very fast Grass Snake.

So despite the self-inflicted exhaustion it was a fantastic day, and a site I can highly recommend.

Just be aware that there is a charge for parking at the designated car park (although there is free road-side parking if you’re early and lucky), the cafe charge extortionate prices, in season it is overrun with tourists and day-trippers and be advised that the eastern end of the beach and heath allows nude sunbathing!

Welcome To The New Season

At last! It’s been a long wait. The first Large Red sightings have already been posted on the BDS website, with Dorset leading Hampshire by nearly a week.

Large Red Damselfly
Large Red Damselfly

However after a hopeful visit to the New Forest today I am pleased to announce the Large Reds are finally appearing! At Broomy Pond today there were at least 30 tenerals to be seen, desperately clinging to the heather in the wind.

Large Red Damselfly
Large Red Damselfly

After a long winter they were such a pleasure to watch, and a chance to get my eye in again for photo oppotunities.

Large Red Damselfly
Large Red Damselfly

Looking forward to the new season with a renewed passion, but then I always thought I would!