Another Barnwell Walk.

Another Monday at Barnwell (though next week I'll be skipping it) and another opportunity to look at the local damsels and dragons. A few birders were wandering around too looking for the Pied Flycatcher that had been about for two days but it appears likely that the bird had flown.

Migrant Hawkers.

Migrant Hawkers were the commonest non darter dragon with many hunting along the paths and on the edge of the trees with others holding territories around the lakes. Normally my bridge camera struggles with dragons in flight but Migrants are frequent hoverers and I was able to get a few pics. Only one other hawker was seen today and that was a Brown, their numbers have really dropped over the last week or so. Both of the common darter species were present in good numbers and they were joined by a latish male Black-tailed Skimmer, despite the late date he still looked in good condition.

Black-tailed Skimmer and Ruddy Darter.

Star amongst the damsels was a female Willow Emerald which was hunting next to the path by Mill Lake. She spent most of the time clinging to the stem of a dead umbellifer plant except when making the occasional flight in search of food. Clearly this sunlit and sheltered patch suited her well because she was still there a little later when I took a member of the Northants Dragonflies FB to get his first sighting of Willow Emerald. Other species seen were Common Blues, a Blue-tailed, Small Red-eyed and Red-eyed Damselflies. No Banded Demoiselles today, it looks as if their season may have ended here.

Common Darters and Willow Emerald.

Of the butterflies seen it was Small Whites and Speckled Woods that showed best in the park. Several Red Admirals, Commas and a Peacock were also noted. On the subject of butterflies I noted rather a lot of both Red Admirals and Painted Ladies around Corby Old Village as I made my way towards the bus stop.

Comma and Song Thrush.

With the flycatcher absent the bird highlight was Kingfisher as at least one was heard at several points around the park. Three Mandarins were also found, nice to know that they hadn't been tempted to join the hordes at Blatherwycke!

Another view of the Willow Emerald.