Weldon Migrants

Spent the last day of my long weekend off down at Weldon where dragonflies were the main focus of my attention. Things were a little slow to begin with but gradually picked up as the temperatures rose.

Migrant Hawker flight views.

Migrant Hawkers were once again the commonest species and one male in particular was particularly showy. One each of Southern and Brown Hawker were hunting around the pond and both species of darter were noted. Damselfly numbers are dropping now and only a few Blue-tailed and Small Red-eyeds were at the pond though there were still reasonable numbers of Banded Demoiselles along the stream. This species lasted until mid October last year and it would be good if they repeated that feat of endurance again.

Common and Ruddy Darter.

A brief wander around the woodland park provided sightings of numerous dogs and a smaller number of butterflies. A tired looking Brown Argus, a Small Heath, several Small and Large Whites and a few Speckled Woods made up the modest total.

Banded Demoiselle and Brown Argus.

Plenty of small birds working their way through the bushes and trees while my dragonfly spotting was temporarily brought to a halt by the brief visit of a Kingfisher.

Seven-spotted Ladybird.