Well Spotted

 Regular wildlife watching pal Alan Shorrock and I began our day at Eyebrook under grey skies and where a north easterly breeze lowered temperatures to an uncomfortable level. Birding is beginning to slow down now as the migration season draws towards a close but there were still a few decent birds to be found.

Spotted Redshank and Ringed Plovers

Nothing much of note was seen either at Sam's Dyke or around the island and we had to venture towards the sharp end before we found anything of interest. Here a spiffy looking Spotted Redshank in its full summer plumage regalia stood out, these really are beautiful birds. Other waders in the same area were a quartet of Ringed Plovers, a couple of Little Ringeds, a single sum plum Dunlin and also a Common Sandpiper. The gloomy conditions brought hundreds of hirdundines down low and they were joined by good numbers of Swifts hawking for insects just above the surface of the water. A short walk through parts of the plantation paid dividends as we found at least two Spotted Flycatchers, it's always nice to see this formerly common summer migrant.

Variable Damselflies

When we left Eyebrook it was still grey and we decided to pop in for lunch at the Samuel Lloyd before heading towards Wicksteed Park. Refuelled and rehydrated we reached the park as the sun began to emerge and blue sies dominated for the rest of the afternoon. Our main target was the population of Variable Damselflies that make the park their home and we saw many on our walk around the fishing lake. Joining them were smaller numbers of Azures, a couple of Blue-taileds, some Common Blues and Red-eyeds as well as a few Banded Demoiselles. A Norfolk Hawker had been spotted emerging this week by the county dragonfly recorder but we could only find a couple of Hairy Dragonflies on our stroll around. Other wildlife noted on our travels included several Cetti's Warblers, an Orange-tip and a faded looking Speckled Wood.

Red-eyed and Common Blue Damselflies

The final stop of the day was at the Slade Brook in Kettering near the Lighthouse Theatre. Initially we found little of interest other than a Holly Blue and an Orange-tip but things did pick up. First an immature Scarce Chaser, my first of the year, showed well and was also my first sighting in the Kettering area. Next up were two female Beautiful Demoiselles which were also my first of the year. These were our primary reason for visiting the area in the first place and it was good to catch up with them again. By now the evening was beginning to draw in and we opted to head back towards Corby.

Scarce Chaser and Beautiful Demoiselle