Author: Paul Ritchie

I’m finding it a little difficult to catch up this week. A perfect period of sunny weather has seen me out in the field rather than hunched over a PC. Instead of a huge multi-day post I’ve decided to break it down into smaller portions.

Bramshill Plantation
Tuesday 10th June

I’d already planned a revisit to Bramshill Plantation to build on my scouting trip last week. My prime objective was to find access to another pond, a task that proved very tricky without the benefit of local knowledge, but nevertheless provided some fantastic areas of interest

.I began by trying to locate the opening where I saw two chaps exit on the previous visit, and my first attempt led me into a superb scrubby clearing. I must have disturbed at least half-a-dozen Emperors, countless Black-tailed Skimmers, Four-spotted Chasers and a fine host of Damsels.

I could’ve spent the day in this clearing alone, but I was focused on locating the pond which still eluded me! I ended up going around in an extended circle, leading right back to where I entered.

Slightly miffed, but unperturbed, I attempted to find another entrance by back-tracking and circling to the north, only to find a fence and ditch thwarting any attempt. I followed the track to the east and found an opening which was a sort-of path, albeit littered with fallen trees and foot-wrenching scrub.

However once I fought my way through I found myself on the northern shore; a nice, large area brimming with teneral Black-tailed Skimmers and a wealth of other surprises.

I spent some time in this area searching the scrub and investigating the shore, noticing a couple of beach-type accessible areas on the opposite bank. But how to get there? Certainly not from here as the far side of the clearing was a frustrating cul-de-sac. I fought my way back to the eastern track and continued looking for other points of entry, until I reached the track which runs to the north of Long Water.

While searching the small clearings opposite the shore I noticed a teasing gap near the far end. Here at last was a way in. The water’s edge was alive with Common Blue, Azure, Blue-tailed and Red-eyed Damselflies with Four-spotted Chasers and Black-tailed Skimmers battling with each other and the occasional Emperor.

The second little beach had more of the same and my attention was grabbed by a rustling in the reeds. Further investigation revealed a female Emperor who had seized an unfortunate Four-spotted Chaser. She precariously rose with her substantial prey and alighted a short distance away.

As I was grabbing a few shots I was audibly aware of her crunching away the head and starting in on the thorax. I always thought the wings would be discarded first, but as you can see the wings are still attached. She allowed me enough time before rising again – out of reach..

On the third little shoreline I had a male Downy fly through briefly while I concentrated on some Red-eyed opportunities.

Returning to Long Water I explored the southern shore, finding endless enjoyment from the increased activity with every new sunny spell. This is what it’s all about, and I wasted many minutes until returning to the car for a spot of lunch.

Warren Heath

I knew immediately as soon as I returned to the car I’d get itchy feet for Warren Heath, which was to close to ignore. I avoided any attempt to search the upper valley and instead concentrated on the path along the stream to see what wonders it would throw up today.

At least the activity on the water was better than a week ago, if still a little subdued. Unfortunately no showing of Brilliant Emerald today, but a Downy kept me occupied.

Coming up next – Scarce Blue-tailed Delight At Latchmore

Saturday 8th June

I often blame the BBC weather forecast for promising sun when the reality is gloom. On Saturday I blamed them for promising rain & thunder, but at the last minute this changed to a fine afternoon! I know this isn’t a revelation, but I was really looking forward to a rest.

As it was our plans changed with the forecast and we headed out to Badminston in the hope of reconnecting with those Red-veined Darters. Arriving at midday we bumped into Paul Winter, who had already connected with the RVD at another small pool a short distance away.

The male returned on a couple of occasions and proved difficult to pin down, although finally allowed a distant perched shot.

We did have one visit another pool briefly without stopping and a site search failed to produce any more over the course of the next 5 hours. To be honest it was very much needle-in-a-haystack, the best option being staying put at a chosen pool and waiting in hope.

At least a walk produced a little more variety.

Sunday 9th June

As it was still the weekend I returned reasonably early the following morning expecting to find a few twitchers, but during my two hour stay only noticed one individual who seemed reluctant to jump the fence.

Suffice to say I had no further sightings and quite honestly was getting very bored indeed, having only a Black-tailed Skimmer occasionally come in to patrol before disappearing.

On the way out I amused myself with a male Emperor who was patrolling a wide section of one of the channels.

Barely a few metres away another was claiming his patch.

While I was busy wasting my time further east I received a call from my good friend Doug who was having a whale of a time at Burley, so I fought the grockles on the drive over to join him for an hour or so.

Burbush Pond

This pond was more like it – a good showing of Emperor, Four-spotted and Broad-bodied Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer and Downy Emerald across the water while in the foliage I connected with (Common) Emerald Damselflies for the first time this season, several teneral male and female decorating the heather bank.

Doug was still obsessed with the Downy, eager to get some decent shots along with some video footage, knowing full well that he’d need a lot of luck and a smattering of skilled stealth to get anywhere near with a tripod.

While we were taking a refreshment break, his quarry set down in the heather less than a couple of metres in front of him. If that isn’t an invitation I don’t know what is. Once Doug finally achieved his goals I grabbed a couple of shots for myself, as this male looked superb with the sun falling directly on his reflective brilliance.

On a couple of occasions a female Emperor came in to oviposit.

It was both relaxing and productive to catch up briefly with Doug doing what we both enjoy without expending unnecessary energy and we both could have stayed there all afternoon, but alas we both had to finish early in the spirit of domestic harmony.

I just wish I’d thought of it sooner 🙂

Ipley Cross

If anything Friday was the better of the two days weather-wise. Plenty of sun but still that tedious wind – albeit from the opposite direction. Certainly enough to blow the cobwebs off the heather at Ipley Cross.

Suffice to say I saw no hoped-for Emerald Damselflies fluttering on the breeze. It’s possible they were around, but after the uneven ground of yesterday I didn’t persist. As it was there were a few teneral Four-spotted Chasers and an Emperor at each pool.

A brief call in at Crockford offered probably my best experience of the day with enough Beautiful Demoiselles, Keeled Skimmers, Broad-bodied and Four-spotted Chasers and the odd Black-tailed Skimmer to keep me occupied.

The highest populations were Southern Damselflies, my first chance to catch up with the species this season.

Besides the Southerns there were a few Blue-tailed and Large Red.

Curiously I find the Large Reds at Crockford a more vibrant red than usually encountered, unless yesterday’s North Hampshire encounters were stuck in my memory; a more drab, matt appearance.

I couldn’t leave without taking advantage of a perfectly-poised Beautiful Demoiselle.

Pennington

At Pennington the undergrowth had reached 6 feet high in places; Certainly in need of a trim. The thickness of growth hindered rather than helped, most odonata in my experience preferring to perch along the margins or in small open clearings, certainly with the ability to bask and keep an eye out for predators.

At least there was a little over-water action with a couple of male Emperors and a strong showing of Azure, mostly in tandem. Again a few scattered Large Red, Blue-tailed and Red-eyed, some Beautiful Demoiselles and – yes, you’ve guessed it – Four-spotted Chasers.

Surprisingly no sign of any Black-tailed Skimmers.

Disappointed by the lack of terrestrial numbers I watched a male Emperor is it gracefully flew in loops, occasionally seeing off a rival male or retreating from the aggressive attention of the Four-spot which was holding territory.

I rounded off the afternoon with a quick call into Troublefield to discover there were a few cattle-sized flattened sections, although no sign of any cattle. I can only assume someone had tripped and fallen several times, or broke off for a lie down. Unless of course they were Reed Surfing?

Not a lot today besides the Demoiselles. I did expect to see a Scarce Chaser or two but I presume they were off enjoying the sunshine over water somewhere. Otherwise a fruitful and varied day while I wait for the wind to die down. I need a river walk…

Bramshill Plantation

A promising, if windy, day prompted me to scout a new location; one I’ve been meaning to visit for a while. Bramshill Plantation is part of the extensive Eversley Forest complex in North Hampshire, which includes Warren Heath, and contains several ponds and lakes worth investigating.

Thankfully there is a suitable parking place enabling close access to the larger lakes in the NE corner, however two of these lakes are set below the surrounding ground level bordered by trees and involve some effort to gain access.

I scoured the perimeter of one of these lakes looking for ways through to the shoreline, finding only a few small sections on the western side. The other lake appeared to offer more options, but I neglected further exploration on this visit in favour of the lake to the south; the short walk in punctuated by decent numbers of Beautiful Demoiselles.

This looked far more promising; wooded and concealed to the south-east and open to the north-west with good perimeter paths offering sunny clearings for feeding. There is also a large open area in the north-west corner with perfect scrubby verges ripe with feeder insects.

On the open section of the lake activity was minimal in the breeze with only a few Four-spotted Chasers braving open water with the hardy Common Blue. Around the margins were Large Red, Azure, Blue-tailed and Red-eyed waiting for the sun to break through before they ventured out.

The small open clearings bordering the northern path played host to many more with Four-spotted Chasers, Black-tailed and Keeled Skimmers resting while a couple of male Emperors hawked for food.

Had it not been for the wind I would probably have stayed put for a few hours, but vowing to return soon I headed for where I knew there would be more shelter.

Warren Heath

I immediately headed for the shelter of the reservoirs, hoping there would at least be a little over-water action. Once again it was down to a few hardy species. the waters not yet warmed sufficiently due to being at odds with the now-present sun, leaving the majority in shade.

The causeway played host to a few resting damsels and an immature male Four-spotted Chaser

Along the course of the stream there were good showing of Demoiselles and resting or feeding Keeled, Black-tailed and more Four-spots.

I couldn’t resist a trek through deep mud upwards to the head of the valley, hoping that maybe some Emerald Damselflies and Small Red were on the wing, but if they were they were probably huddled down within the foot-wrenching scrub of the valley floor. Plenty of Keeled Skimmers along the margins though.

After a circuit of the forest rides I returned to the reservoirs where by now there was enough sun exposure to bring out a few male Downy, while back along the stream my passing disturbed a resting immature female Emperor, causing her to circle above a few times before returning to ground a few metres away.

It’s still a tad to early for Warren Heath to come alive, but despite the relatively low numbers there was still a good selection of species to give good sport, and a chance to scout some new terrain this early will offer more time for enjoyment on later visits.

Titchfield Haven

There has to be a masochistic trait somewhere in me to attempt to find, let alone photograph, odonata on a day like today (Tuesday 3rd June). Perhaps it’s there to balance out the sadist? Of course it could simply be boredom.

I read somewhere that this is week 23, which I must admit is something I’d rather not think about. Why quantify everything when you should just sit back, relax and enjoy the summer? We’ve waited long enough for it so why wish it away?

I guess it did touch a nerve though…and seeing this week’s weather forecast prompted me to grab any sunshine I could. Despite the forecast showing heavy showers, there was at least a hope of a sunny spell or two during the afternoon.

When I arrived at the shore the wind was gusting at well over the stated 15mph ‘average’. The only people taking advantage were a couple flying kites! This put the dampers on hoping to find any resting or hawking Emperors along the paths. Still, it was a south-westerly, right? It will be sheltered at the pond.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the recent ‘shave’ of a (unnecessarily wide) pathway around the pond. I wonder how many damsels perished? Quite a few I should imagine, as the remaining foliage was rather sparse of life.

There were just enough Azure, Blue-tailed and Large Red to keep me interested, and the occasional glimpse of a male Banded Demoiselles. At least two Hairy males began their ceaseless weaving in & out of the reeds once the first sunny spell appeared, but alarmingly not one sign of a Four-spotted Chaser – or a hoped-for male Emperor.

Further finger-tip searches through the other side of the path didn’t reveal anything larger either, so I had a coffee before relentlessly circuiting the pond looking for a perfect moment.

Too add insult to injury the cuttings from the recent shave had been pushed against the margins, forcing back the natural growth angle and forming untidy holes, the damsels preferring to take to the trees to find a safe perch.

Whilst sat on the bench having another coffee I noticed a male Hairy was hawking barely 6 inches above the main track, possibly in search of a perched female rather than seeking out lunch. He flew back and forth at this height for a good three minutes before disappearing around the corner.

Back at the other side I noticed he, or another, was doing exactly the same along the shaven scar, and took rest right in front of my eyes.

I really must scan slowly ahead when I’m walking the path, as perched right in front of me was a female Hairy, who flew off before I had a chance to raise the camera. I wonder if the male(s) had caught the scent of her presence?

After this (clumsy) disappointment I continued peering through the green hoping one of the colourful female Blue-tailed would offer an unobstructed view. Despite the low numbers all immature colour forms were present, but by now the sun had left and the only one offering a worthy angle was this beautiful violacea.

Slim pickings but plenty to keep me occupied to the extent that one of the wardens appeared reminding me they close at 5.00pm!

Arne RSPB Reserve

I had always fancied visiting Arne. Several people have told me I should as it’s excellent for dragonflies. It’s also part of the superb area of lowland heath surrounding Poole Harbour, Studland Heath being a personal favourite of mine for as long as I’ve lived down South.

I should imagine a lot of you already know this, and know that Arne should always be included to any visit to the area. I guess we just chose the wrong day. A Saturday as it happens, that one which fell on the last day of May. The one where we were promised sunshine all day until Friday’s forecast when things started to deteriorate.

Always up for a new area to explore, I decided to stick to our plan and we arrived shortly after 12.00 noon, parked and made our way to the ‘dragonfly path’ which I’d spotted on Google Earth as a likely spot. All the clues were there, staring you right in the face.

All we needed was some sunshine.

Except we didn’t get any for a long while, and a long walk later we returned to the spot just in time for things to kick off. All at once the boggy ponds straddling the track were alive with battling Four-spotted Chasers and courting Azures. Large Red and Red-eyed joined the fun and from the depths came forth a male Hairy to pester the patrolling male Emperor.

A perfect moment which lasted all of half an hour, and then nothing. Zilch. Not even a decent photo to go home with.

From the nearby rise we looked for signs of blue sky, but there wasn’t any heading our way; just a depressing blanket of two-tone grey.

We half-heartedly attempted the other heath, but after discovering sod all at the first pond we came to we called it a day. Too tired and too disappointed to walk any further on a fool’s hope.

It’s a shame that my first visit had to be this way, but while in my funk I wondered if there really was any more to offer than the usual heathland ponds I’m so familiar with in the New Forest?

We stopped in at Kilwood Copse on the way back, hoping to at least get something to save the day, but even here the dragonflies were noticeably absent, except some Azure – one of which saved the day.

And I had to use flash for that!
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Badminston Common

Typically Sunday looked a little better, certainly good enough to pop out early for a needed visit to Badminston Heath. Arriving around 9.30 am I buckled down and persevered, looking for a route through this ever-changing landscape.

Due to continued gravel workings several of the previous years ponds were gone and new channels pumped from the other side of the path created new ones, ultimately raising the level of the far lake.

Things took a little while to get going and it was near the back path that I disturbed Common Blue, Azure, Large Red, Black-tailed Skimmers and a male Hairy.

About an hour later the increasing sun brought out a Downy, joining the Common Blue, Blue-tailed and Red-eyed patrolling the western shore.

Back on the plain I caught sight of a bright red Darter on a small pool, only to retreat at my approach, landing some way off on the gravel. I managed to grab a shot before he disappeared out of sight.

I was more or less convinced, but did find it hard to be sure as the harsh light of the terrain made it difficult to see the rear screen clearly.

Spurred on by this stroke of fortune I did another circuit, stopping at the northern end of the lake to try for a patrolling Emperor.

He even offered me a perched shot, something I didn’t get yesterday.

After doing another full circuit, I ended up back at the area of my previous sighting and spotted two patrolling on the slightly larger shallow pool, choosing the gravel margin to perch.

I managed both the above shots at 12.30 pm and proceed to set up camp and play the waiting game as once again a long, dark cloud ceased all but the Common Blue activity for an hour.

After a patience-testing hour there was lots of clear blue sky on the horizon, but no sign of either male in the half hour further I waited; just a briefly-passing dark brown ‘Darter’ dipping twice into the pool before heading off across the plain.

Important Note:-

Although Badminston Common is open access, the gravel pits are private with constant working activity on weekdays. There is a public path through the middle of the pits with ample vegetation containing most of the host species, as does the back path separating the gravel pits from the Common.

During my visit there were several dog walkers using the eastern shore of the lake and in previous years some pools have been used by the local youth for swimming. I can assume weekend access to the un-worked part of the site is ‘tolerated’ – or maybe what they don’t see doesn’t bother them.

Also please be aware of ground-nesting birds. On Sunday there were Ringed Plovers nesting…

If you attempt a weekday visit you run the risk of being chased off or even charged with trespass, the consequences of which may render any further access totally prohibited. I therefore ask if you really must visit, do so on a weekend and be aware that you do so at your own risk as parts of this site are potentially dangerous.

In my heart I knew it was probably foolish to venture forth on Wednesday. In my defence the weather looked a little better than it would do Thursday, and I was getting itchy feet and trigger-happy.

I’ve been for a walk along Latchmore Brook in precisely the same conditions before; slightly wetter if I remember. Not that it was raining; more an ultra-fine drizzle to dampen spirits and keep all Odos hidden. Not one did I see. Not even a Beautiful Demoiselle, and that’s going some!

Still, I’m out now and may as well enjoy myself, so I went for a bathe at Troublefield. I only have myself to blame really; I did say I’d like the rain to continue on a regular basis to keep the cattle at bay a little longer.

Now you really have to be committed (perhaps I should be?) to enter three-foot-high and rising soaking wet vegetation with at least six inches of standing water, but I was game if the dragonflies were. Tightening the straps on my wellies to hopefully form a seal didn’t really help as the water headed from my thighs to my socks through capillary action, but once your wet, you’re wet.

I didn’t expect to see anything larger than Demoiselles and I didn’t, so I occupied myself with the few brave Banded and Beautiful who chose to join me.

When both Demoiselles occur in the same habitat it can be difficult to the untrained eye to distinguish between the females. A basic rule of thumb is wing colour – Beautiful = brown and Banded = green, but this can be unreliable in certain lighting conditions.

A more reliable method is to observe the position of the pterostigma (wing spot) – closer to the rear edge in the Banded. Another feature is the venation of the wings. In the Beautiful these are more densely-packed, allowing less light through, as you should be able to see from the above images.

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On the way home I called in to see Paul Brock to collect our copy of ‘A comprehensive guide of Insects of the British and Ireland’, the sequel to his marvellous reference ‘Insects of the New Forest’

A few more rainy days will give me time to dig in and learn a little more about those other fascinating creatures I come across, and will stand as a go-to reference in the future.

Naturally it includes a dedicated section on dragonflies, and if you look closely you might find a few photos from yours truly.

At first glance it’s a very worthy tome, and deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf for being ‘The most complete guide to Insects ever published’. Click on the above image for further details.

Any Bank Holiday Weekend for me means head anywhere but west and if possible avoid the New Forest, so in a peak of anticipation we headed to Thursley Common for the first time this season.

Arriving bang on midday Doug and I busied ourselves around the marshy section of the Moat pond where a few Four-spotted Chasers were patrolling along with a couple of Downy Emerald. We were facing the sun and so were our subjects, which meant rear end shot or nothing. I opted for nothing and searched the reeds for damsels and along the back track for any sheltering Odos.

I found a couple of fresh Keeled Skimmers and perched a Four-spotted Chaser to start the day.

We decided to do a circuit, heading first towards the stream and checking the heather on route. A few more Four-spots and Keeled hunkered down out of this incessant wind. The smaller pools were mostly devoid of any action, as was the stream, and the board walks were very disappointing.

At this time of year you should be tripping over FSC’s, watching anything up to a dozen Hobby take their fill while carefully trying to avoid the Common Lizards under your feet, but even these had chosen shelter.

Returning to the Moat Pond we decided to concentrate our attention on the less exposed side where there were a couple of sheltered hollows. Thankfully we had a Downy each to keep us occupied, allowing us to get some in-flight practice in.

Every now and again a Mallard with her brood would interfere, fat on handouts, a price you have to pay for a spot popular with picnickers and dog walkers. Earlier I spotted one of these ducklings picking tasty morsels from the base of some reeds, maybe some unfortunate emergents.

The boldest of these even had the cheek to wait with me for my quarry and even strike out as he briefly hovered.

If you sit and wait there’s no telling what might appear next.

So graceful in the water, the head popped up and shortly after I took this shot lunged upwards towards my returning Downy. I had certainly never seen a Grass Snake attempt to take a dragonfly out of the air before now, but I guess it’s feasible

Doug had to leave at 3.30pm so I busied myself in the reeds looking for damsels and found a couple of Small Red, my first of the season.

We took another (shorter) walk to check hawker alley and the pond with the pontoon, but at the risk of repeating myself we called it a day at 5.00pm satisfied we weren’t going home empty handed.

Thursley quite-rightly has a reputation of being a hot-spot for dragonflies with most of the New Forest species present and the hope of a Brilliant Emerald if you’re lucky, but maybe today was a little too early in the season.

Hopefully in a couple of weeks a return visit should see at least one patrolling the Moat. Just remember to choose a day with little or no wind!

Canford Magna

There are a few wondrous spectacles which every dragonfly enthusiast needs to witness. The annual rise of the Keeled Skimmers on Ober Water, the hoards of Common Darters in woodlands late summer, my personal favourite, Ober Water during June, and the cascading Banded Demoiselles along the River Stour.

I missed this event at Canford Magna last season as they were repairing the footbridge. The Demoiselle display alone is worth the visit, but the chance of some White-legged gave me extra reason to venture out on a sunny Wednesday morning. I did find a few tenerals, but they involved some hard work and tenacity. Although sightings have been reported elsewhere in the country, it is still early and it wouldn’t surprise me if the ones I found were morning fresh or a day old at most.

I took the opportunity to scour the far margins of the meadow, following the tree-line back to shore, and the morning still very much belonged to the Banded. I did have one brief spotting of a Scarce Chaser, but there was no way I was running the distance across open ground knowing full well if I did spot it again it would be up and across the river.

A few years back I would rank the Banded as one of the trickiest species to photograph, regardless of numbers. They will rise before you have a chance to focus, land often, but not always a short distance away, and more times than not offer you a face-on view where they can keep an eye on you.

To me the best shots of these spectacular insects are a side-on profile, taken in direct sunlight where you can appreciate fully the reflective qualities of their diaphanous wings.

The brief hour and a half spent was certainly worthwhile, but I was pushed for time today and wanted to grab another slice of Troublefield while I could. Barely 10 miles away, the traffic was unbearable and it was a toss up between me or the radiator over-heating. Time wasted in traffic could be time well spent in a little slice of paradise.

Troublefield

My little slice didn’t look too promising to begin with, as the sun had all but disappeared.

At first sight this enchanted meadow seemed to lose some of it’s charm in dull conditions, and even the Demoiselles were subdued, but I put this down to my still-frazzled emotions from the journey over. I forced myself to calm down and do a little gentle flushing, and it wasn’t long before I spotted my first Scarce Chaser.

I find these a little more challenging than their cousins; definitely more nervous, and they have the annoying ability to disappear completely from sight when gliding across the meadow. Luckily my quarry today didn’t glide too far at each approach, and eventually I managed to pin him down.

In some part I blame the bright red t-shirt. Much too easy to see my approach. I should have wore my usual (unintentionally camouflaged) green, but health & safety have probably got a warrant out on some of my recent attire. Still, rain forecast tomorrow so time for a bit of laundry.

Another one of those fabulous sights in Spring are the brilliant satin-blue of fresh male Demoiselles. I remember falling completely in love with a fresh male Beautiful Demoiselle at Ober Water last season, in some ways even more attractive than the mature metallic brilliance.

Following this particular teneral to a convenient perch I came across a perched male Hairy mere inches behind my quarry’s perch. He allowed me a couple of repositions before revving up his wings and gliding off along the river. Those Scarce Chasers were positively dawdlers by comparison.

At first I thought this might be the same individual from Monday, but after checking side-by-side photographs when I got home I realised this was another male. Even disregarding the obvious damage to this one’s right eye (which you can;t see in this photograph, and no – I hadn’t punched it!) there were distinctive and subtly variables in the thorax and abdomen patterning.

My phone rang reminding me it was time to wrap up for the day, just as things appeared to be improving. Certainly by 1.30pm there was far more action, and on the way out in the meadow containing the gate I spotted half-a-dozen more Scarce Chasers.

They certainly weren’t (visibly) there when I arrived and they certainly gave me a most welcome farewell salute.

Titchfield Haven

In most people’s ideal world it would rain at night, leaving us free to enjoy our life-giving sun throughout our waking hours.

In this ideal world we could pick and choose which days to go out and which days to rest; instead of frantically trying to fit it all in in case this is our summer and we should make the most of it before we have to board the ark. For this I have once again been guilty, using each available hour to soak up the sunshine , atmosphere and bounty to the extent that I struggled to get out Friday because I had too much to do and catch up on.

No bother – I’ll just choose to go out later. It’s not like Titchfield is about to drift along the Solent. A nice couple of hours rooted to a small catchment area sounded ideal to my tired limbs and chaotic mind. There’ll be hundreds of Odo’s at my feet and I can spend most of my time sat on the bench just watching. Yeah…right!

The problem is I rarely sit still; only at Crockford or Ober Water when passing traffic negates a need to wander. As it was I had to play the happy wanderer just to find anything this afternoon. Sure, there were reasonable numbers of Large Red, Azure, and Blue-tailed – maybe even a Common Blue or two – but nowhere near expected.

Larger species were also mostly absent. I at least expected to see good numbers of Banded Demoiselle, but didn’t see one. I also expected to see reasonable numbers of Four-spotted Chaser, but the only ones here today were a male disturbed along the track and our companion at the pond.

At least there was some subdued action on the pond, with representatives of each flying in tandem or joined in the familiar wheel. Besides our resident Four-spotted was a Hairy or two weaving in and out of the reeds barely clearing the surface, hunting for a female. On one observed occasions he struck lucky and grabbed his female, locking her into the wheel and soared above the pond, circled looking for a place to park before frustratingly choosing the top of a nearby tree.

I was still fuming from an earlier pair who Sue found perched perfectly low down, only to rise just before I gained position and moved almost out of reach around the pond. Before I could follow they rose and once again perched perfectly on a reed across the path before changing their mind and choosing to rise above the trees and disappearing out of sight.

After another disappointing search I settled on the edge of the pond and watched as the Hairy came in and picked a fight with the Four-spotted, taking him down to the water’s surface in a tussle before realising he’d bitten off more than he could chew and disappearing in defeat. I’ve seen a Hairy take on an Emperor on many occasions and win, but the sheer bulk of the Four-spotted had a different outcome.

He came in for another go though, and this time was chased into the air before falling defeated to rest low down, catching his breath and giving me enough time grab second prize.

It isn’t all halcyon days filled with one opportunity after another, and despite stepping in something undesirable earlier in the day my luck remained in the tired and slightly irritable part of my brain. Or did it? I’m rather pleased with my Hairy opportunity and shouldn’t be bothered I missed those pairs, as I’ve had successful opportunities before.

There’ll always be another one.
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Pennington, Crockford, Hatchet and Ober

I had a day of rest on Saturday and left it until Sunday to visit Pennington. Sue and I arrived just after lunch and I must say it was rather disappointing. There were a few small, sheltered pockets along the shore where Azure, Blue-tailed, Large Red and Red-eyed were busy over water, but the foliage revealed far less than our visit a fortnight ago. I had expected to at least see a Hairy, but the only sign of anything larger was the fleeting glimpse of a Scarce Chaser which I attempted to follow, but lost it as it disappeared around a thicket. A sighting at least, and another species added to this season’s count.

A call into Crockford revealed a few Beautiful Demoiselles, a fair number of Broad-bodied Chasers, a Four-spotted and some Large Red. No sign of any Southern Damselflies though. Hatchet small pond provided a patrolling male Downy over the water, some damsel mating action and a couple of sightings of teneral Keeled Skimmers – another new one for me this year. Both eluded me though.

In Hawkhill there was a Broad-bodied Chaser feeding around the scrub.

Finally onto Puttles Bridge, where Paul Winters had spotted a few Keeled Skimmers on Friday. I knew we should at least see greater numbers a couple of days on and we weren’t disappointed. There were hundreds – a fair number choosing the car park clearing – the same spot the Small Reds were using last season.

Across the Rhinefield Road there were even more, and naturally the heath around Silver Stream completed the spectacle on our short visit.

A very bitty but altogether successful outing.
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Ramsdown and Troublefield

Monday began with the irritation of a traffic jam on the M27 as I headed west, and followed with the self-inflicted irritation of attempting to explore some new ground around Sopley Common. An unnecessary walk saw me arrive at my usual spot across the road at Ramsdown where I finally rousted a few Scarce Chaser, and proceeded to unsuccessfully grab a half-decent shot.

While I was carefully stalking an immature female, my attention was grabbed by something large – maybe an Emperor? No, better! Barely a few metres away was an immature female Golden-ringed hawking for bees, dropping down to consume her courses. After a few minutes she treated me as part of the scenery and carried on with her multi-course lunch, allowing me to get near enough for a photo.

I’d all but forgotten about the Scarce, and as I returned to looking I spotted another female Golden-ringed.

While I was searching the heather for more surprises I came across a Four-spotted Chaser, who offered me precisely the pose I wanted from a Scarce.

As the Scarce were proving elusive and difficult at Ramsdown I trudged back to the car and called in at Troublefield, making the most of that meadow before it disappears under the weight and into the gullet of free-roaming beef.

The small clearing on the way in had several Beautiful Demoiselles soaking up the sun on the Rhododendrons, and the path leading to the back meadow showed even more and a very fresh Scarce Chaser – proof that they do indeed breed on the Moors River.

In the meadow itself there were a couple more, difficult to follow, and yet another Golden-ringed who rose and disappeared upstream. The butterflies were way down in numbers today. but at least Demoiselles put on the usual fine display.

In the corner by the river bend I caught sight of…well, too small for an Emperor. Is that a…Hairy! Totally unexpected and, like the Golden-ringed, another of those moments which really make a day. He carried on hawking around me, not bothered by my presence, and proved to be probably the easiest Hairy I’ve yet had a chance to pin down. Also the first time I’ve seen them at this location.

I almost resisted the temptation to scour the other meadows…and should really have listened to my conscience. Another Scarce sighting, but nowhere near the diversity.No, that would do for the day. What more could you possibly want?