Author: Paul Ritchie

On Sunday 30th we decided to pay a visit to our favourite pond to see what we could find and, although not as prolific as the previous Sunday, there was still plenty of activity to observe. Large Red Damsels, Azures, several Four-spotted Chaser, Broad-bodied Chasers, a female Keeled Skimmer and a couple of Downy Emeralds providied entertainment and photo opportunities.

We decided to move on in search of the Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, but to no avail. Plenty of Normal Pearl Bordered’s to be found at another site and some welcome dragonflies to keep us occupied including a female Keeled Skimmer, and male & female Broad-bodied Chasers.

From there we decided it was worthwhile to pay a visit to Crockford Bottom as we were in the area and highlights included more Broad-bodied Chasers, Beautiful Demoiselles, a few Large Red Damselflies, Azures and a teneral female Keeled Skimmer.

So plenty of interest despite the disappointments and all in all a good day.

Hi and welcome to the new blog feature for Hampshire Dragonflies. Here you will find the latest sightings and photographs of Odonata in Hampshire and The New Forest.

So far the season has taken a while to establish itself with a rather cool May following a reasonable April. My own personal sightings were of freshly emerged Large Reds on the 22nd April followed by increased populations of mature individuals especially around the small pond at Hatchet Moor.

This was followed by my first sighting of a fresh Broad-bodied Chaser near King’s Hat and my first ever Downy Emerald – again freshly moulted – at Broomy Pond.

During May sightings improved – albeit slowly – with Large Reds abundant. increased populations of Azures and reasonable numbers of Blue Tails at various sites including Romsey Water Meadows, Titchfield Haven and Pennington.

However it wasn’t until Sunday 23rd that things really started happening with fabulous activity from Broad-bodied’s, Four Spotted’s, a lone Keeled Skimmer and yet More Downy Emeralds.

Yesterday (26th) I witnessed my first Emperor at Titchfield Haven followed by my first proper sightings of Male & Female Hairy Dragonflies – a species I have been hunting for the last month in the hope of getting a few photographs. I’m glad to say I achieved my goal which was made considerably easier by finding the individuals in question perched among the pondside vegetation. Certainly a day and opportunity I won’t forget.

As the summer evolves I will be out & about as much as possible and posting my findings here.

Here’s to a good season!