Still Chasing

Another Monday visit to Barnwell CP as I didn't fancy too much walking after yesterday's effort and the park is nice and compact. While it was a little on the grey side when I arrived it soon began to brighten up and I had a decent day's watching.

Grand old lady, Scarce Chaser.

Beginning at the Kingfisher Hide I did manage to see a 'fisher though it was distant and partially obscured by foliage. Several Grey Wagtails were feeding around the shores of the lake and there was also a Mandarin Duck. Other Mandarins were seen at different points around the park. By now the sun was breaking through and I decided to set out to look for some insects.

Southern and Brown Hawkers.

Plenty of Banded Demoiselles were present along the Nene and they're still emerging so they should be around for a while. Common Blue Damselflies were, appropriately enough, the commonest species around the lakes though Small Red-eyeds are enjoying a very good year. Other damsels seen today were Blue-tailed and Red-eyed, still no sign of the hoped for Willow Emeralds but I'll carry on searching. Of the dragonflies there was one stand out sighting and that was of a Scarce Chaser, a single very mature female was hunting in nettles next to the Nene. I've never seen an August one before so this one came as a nice surprise. Brown and Southern Hawkers were both obliging today with several perching long enough for some pictures. The two commoner darters were both seen and there were also at least two Black-tailed Skimmers.

Banded Demoiselle and Small Red-eyed Damselfly.

After yesterday's Peacock show it was the turn of Commas today with a good number seen. Brimstones also put on a good show with at least half a dozen on view. Singles of Painted Lady and Red Admiral were matched by individual sightings of Holly and Common Blue. Faring slightly better was Brown Argus, at least two fresh looking individuals were observed. Apart from these it was the usual summer browns and whites to report though it's beginning to look as if Ringlets are coming to the end of their flight season.

Brown Argus and Brimstone.