Drought

I never thought it would be a fortnight between posts now that the season has started, but I’ve had little luck with Odo’s or even butterflies during this time. On the few days I’ve attempted to venture out between the storms, pickings have been near non-existent.

Terrible, but when the weather’s to blame, what are you gonna do?

I did manage a comparatively successful day on the Saturday following the Hairy encounter. Sue & I joined Doug at Studland hoping for a glimpse, and maybe a chance, of bigger game than Large Reds.

On a gusty and unpredictable early afternoon over the course of two hours we managed a good selection of Large Reds and even a couple of Hairy sightings. Surprising considering the conditions.

Large Red Damselfy
Large Red Damselfly

The increasing wind and approaching clouds meant that would be it, and after parting the heavens opened.But at least we saw something and Doug managed some needed video while I managed a couple more Large Reds in absence of anything else

Large Red Damselfy
Large Red Damselfy

Since then it’s been futile to consider hunting dragonflies in  such unfriendly conditions, but I remain hopeful.  I braved the gales on Thursday for Hatchet Small Pond and Pennington, where Avon Water had burst its banks.

Avon Water
Avon Water

A lone Orange-tipped male was all I managed, and only bccause I distirbed his shelter. No photo, but I shouldn’t expect one after disturbing his wet & windy solitude.

The weekend was a washout, so no hope there.

Today I went out with hope and realtiy visiting three of my favourite sites for any signs of life. Cadnam Common first. A good two weeks since my last visit. The only change being several satellite ponds & extensions which, given ideal conditions, would be a welcome bonus for playful Chasers. Too strong a wind put play to promising sunny spells with nothing seen.

Broomy wasn’t any better. The gorse thicket is better sheltered than Cadnam, but still nothing – except the odd moth – could be found.

And then Troublefield….

I was wary given recent rainfall, but the topography of this site means that even in the worst conditions, the shelter meant any sunny spells would raise the temperature and humidity levels enough to witness some insect activity.

Signs were promising with a battling pair of Speckled Wood butterflies greeting my entrance, but hopes were soon dashed at the sight of drainage pipes leading from the wood underneath fresh gravel.

I decided to visit the northern pastures first, and was surprised to find a padlocked chain securing the gate – normally (yet only recently) found on the southern gate.

After climbing over I realised the reason was probably to keep the humans out rather than the cows in, as the Moors River had broke its banks. I couldn’t proceed more than a few metres without getting out of my depth, even in wellies.

The southern meadow was no better.

Troublefield - April 30th 2012
Troublefield - April 30th 2012

The gate was unlocked, but such was the saturation that even I gave up after a couple of metres. A couple of Orange-tipped and Brimstone butterflies passed over the deluge showing that even the briefest sunny spell could trigger a feeling of hope….

 

Close Encounters of the Hairy KInd

After visiting the Wall Lizards in Boscombe yesterday morning, I hopped on the ferry to Studland to see what was about.

Returning to the exact same spot I saw the early Downy last season, and hoping to spot one or maybe a Broad-bodied or Four-spotted Chaser early, I was more than surprised to encounter a lone Hairy raise up from the gorse with my passing.

I stood there, elated at the sight of my first ‘dragon’ of the year,, but worried he would fly off out of sight like they normally do. He landed again showing me his back profile and then seemed to lean forward, making the angle even more challenging.

Stealth mode at the ready, I crept slowly and deliberately through the gorse hoping to get a better angle without spooking him.

Hairy Dragonfly
Hairy Dragonfly

Considering the trouble these have given me in the past, it took a while to recover from the encounter. And so soon in the season.

As well as this most welcome individual, there were reasonable (50+) swarms of Large Red Damsels in the same area. Provided you were prepared to search a little bit deeper, who knows what treasures would appear.

Large Red Damselfly
Large Red Damselfly

I did my usual round, spotting several more Large Reds, but no other surprises.

Large Red Damselfly
Large Red Damselfly

The Hairy was still around on my return, but this time he did fly up and disappear out of sight.

Fair enough, to ask for more would’ve been greedy….

 

Awakening – Wishing you all a great season

Having spent the winter in hibernation, I’ve been doing the rounds over the past two weeks, spotting plenty of early butterflies in that late March heatwave but not witnessing any odonata – until today!

I called in first to Troublefield – my second visit of the year – to witness  Small White and Speckled Wood butterflies and, much to my delight – a Kingfisher. Not much else though, and the cows are back. Let’s hope they have the good sense to wait until the spring flowers are over before letting them into the second field. Last year was an environmental disaster!

My main focus of the day, being a year to the day since I saw my first Large Red last season, was Broomy Pond. Could I really trust in dates or was I on a fools mission in the changeable weather?

Large Red Damselfly - Teneral
Large Red Damselfly

I guess that answers the question!

Large Red Damselfly - Teneral
Large Red Damselfly

Within a half hour from 1.00 to 1.30pm I spotted 18 immature & tenerals riding on the wind, with a few landing nearby on heather or gorse

Large Red Damselfly
Large Red Damselfly

So well done Broomy for providing the goods again.