Gazing On A Sunny Afternoon

 The return of some decent sunny weather prompted an after work stroll down to Weldon where I hoped to find some Small Red-eyed Damselflies. While I failed to find my target species I did find a few other bits and bobs though nothing too earth shaking it has to be said!

Red-eyed Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle and Four-spotted Chaser

When those Small Red-eyed Damselflies do decide to emerge it would appear that a veritable rogue's gallery are assembling in anticipation of an easy meal. The usual flock of House Sparrows which have become experts at plucking damsels off the surface of the water were lying in wait in the surrounding bushes and chirping noisily. Less expert but most definitely making up for any deficiency in that department by adopting a high energy approach instead was a juvenile Pied Wagtail which was launching sallies out from the lily pads. Another cause for concern was a terrapin lurking amongst the rigid hornwort that damsels use as a perch.

Yellow Shell, terrapin and Pied Wagtail.

Unfazed by this predatory pack were Red-eyed, Azures, Blue-tailed and Common Blue Damselflies and Banded Demoiselles. Only two species of dragon were on show and these were some very active Emperors and some rather more static (at times!) Four-spotted Chasers. Few butterflies were noted and these included new brood Comma and some Small Tortoiseshells while best moth was a Yellow Shell. In fact the best thing on the wing today was a North American Harvard which growled noisily overhead as it flew past.

North American Harvard