Weldon Small Red-eyes Emerge.

An after work trip to Weldon payed dividends as I managed a first for the year and also got my first photos (albeit rubbish ones) of another species. One small problem with this site during sunny weather is that it can stink of all the dog Thoras that owners don't pick up which is a far from pleasant experience. A related issue is that some owners let Rover take a little paddle or swim in the pond  which while no doubt of comfort to a roasting pooch does not help the would be damselfly watcher go about their hobby. However despite doggy diversions and a skimmer flushing low flying helicopter I enjoyed my walk.

Four-spotted Chaser and Black-tailed Skimmer.

A first for the year Brown Hawker showed well within seconds of my arrival though sadly it did not settle. Happier to settle were several Four-spotted Chasers and Black-tailed Skimmers though the aforementioned helicopter caused a little alarm within their ranks. Up to three Emperors were present too and a female was ovipositing though it was in the middle of the pond and a little too far for decent pictures.

Banded Demoiselle and Azure Damselfly.

Checking the hornwort produced sightings of at least three male Small Red-eyed Damselflies in amongst much greater numbers of Common Blues and Red-eyeds. While I managed a couple of shots they were distinctly duff, you can judge for yourself below. Other damsels seen around the pond were Blue-tailed and Banded Demoiselle. More of the latter were seen along the stream where the only Azure Damselfly of the day was noted.

Small Red-eyed and rufescens Blue-tailed Damselfly.

Butterflies seen included decent numbers of Ringlet and Meadow Brown and a single Marbled White. Both large and Small Skipper were seen and so too was a Large White and a Comma. No birds of great interest though a Reed Warbler is singing from the small reed bed.

Comma, Ringlet and Small Skipper.