Welcome to the New Season

A fortnight ago the first Large Red was observed and photographed in Cornwall – usually the first county to awaken. History has shown Hampshire usually follows two weeks later, so I had already planned a foray this week.

Yesterday afternoon a report and photographs of a female Large Red at Fishlake Meadows in Romsey appeared on Facebook, so things looked promising.

With a few sites in mind I began at Town Common, usually reliable for the first Large Reds of the season. I searched the usual areas to no avail and crossed the road to Ramsdown where on reaching the hill pond I noticed the unmistakable early flight of a teneral threatening to rise out of reach.

Thankfully she came to rest low down on some heather

Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) - teneral female
Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) – teneral female

Not the best position but adequate for a record.

I skirted the pond in search of others and spotted just one more female, this one rising high and out of sight and reach.

Never mind – there will be plenty more to choose from soon!

The season has started. Here’s to a good one!