Last Wednesday I spent some time at Testwood Lakes in search of Scarce Chasers which had been sighted and reported on the BDS site. No luck and no sightings of any dragons. Plenty of Damselfly activity, even though the foliage was wet from a night’s rain.
From there I paid a visit to Badminston, site of some wonderful damsel and dragon activity last year. The main footpath through the gravel workings is still closed even though it was only meant to be temporary. Further investigation revealed that they have completely dug over the path, as well as excavating areas of the old gravel workings, including destroying the corner section of reeds – so vital for breeding activity last season.
Somewhat disappointed and angry at the commercial desecration of such a valuable site, I continued across the common where Common Blues were plentiful, and finally found the fishing pond which had eluded me last year. Azures and Blue-tails were in abundance along with Red-eyeds and a single male Emperor and a couple of Downy Emeralds hawking the pond edge.
After witnessing a few Keeled Skimmers along the walk back, I returned to Testwood and finally found a dragonfly – an early Common Darter
