Another Willow Emerald Site

Today I was a little strapped for time but a visit to Tesco gave me an excuse to make a little diversion to the pond near Eurohub in Corby. The morning weather at least was excellent even if it went downhill during the afternoon. During my brief visit I saw several species of dragons and one of damsel though I suspect the title may have given that last little fact away.

Two views of the same female Willow Emerald.

Two Willow Emeralds were noted and were my first at the site which was a culmination of several years of checking. A female was very obliging as she stayed faithful to her chosen hunting perch and posed very well. Sadly the same could not be said for the male that I saw, he flew up from a stem into a hawthorn where he was lost to view with just a fleeting opportunity presented for a duffish record shot. 2019 seems to be developing into a very good year for this species in Northamptonshire with sightings from an increasing number of sites. They've also been recorded for the first time over the border at nearby Eyebrook reservoir in Leicestershire and Rutland  where a small colony appears to be establishing itself at the bridge. Any pond with overhanging trees or bushes should certainly be checked for this attractive species.

Male Willow Emerald and female Brown Hawker.

Five species of dragons were also noted today with singles of Brown and Southern Hawker and several Migrants hawking around the edges of the pond. Both species of the commoner darters also showed though with dwindling water levels revealing plenty of exposed mud I checked everyone carefully in case any Red-veined had decided to pay a call. A few butterflies were also noted with Small Whites being the commonest while a few Painted Ladies and Red Admirals were also observed. Singles of Comma and Speckled Wood rounded off the list.

Common Darter and Speckled Wood.

There were not many birds on show today though one or two Grey Wagtails passed through and several tit flocks moved through the area.