Norfolk Comes To Barnwell

 My new job requires me to work the occasional Saturday but the pay off for this is a day off in the week. Today was that day and I chose to pop over to Barnwell CP hoping to see a Downy Emerald. Early cloud was being replaced by sunshine as my bus made its way towards Oundle and I was hopeful of at least seeing something.

Four-spotted and Scarce Chasers

A Small Tortoiseshell was noted in Oundle as I made my way towards the park though it flew off before I could grab a picture. In the park itself the riverside nettles were alive with Banded Demoiselles with lesser numbers of Azure, Blue-tailed and Red-eyed Damselflies keeping them company. Around the ponds both Scarce and Four-spotted Chasers were constantly jostling for position around the margins, Emperors patrolled over the centre. Sadly my search for Downy Emeralds met with no success and I didn't connect with any Variable Damselflies either. My visit was far from a failure however as Mill Lake more than delivered the ode goods. I was watching a male Emperor flying over some water lilies keeping an eye on several ovipositing females when a brown dragonfly flew out to investigate. It's still too early for Brown Hawkers so my curiosity was aroused, further views revealed striking green eyes- a Norfolk Hawker!

Ovipositing Empress and Norfolk Hawker

I watched it hunting and interacting with other species but every time it landed on a patch of rushes close to the Birch Pond it landed out of sight. I kept changing position hoping for a view of it settled but the dragon continued to be elusive. Over an hour passed and I still hadn't got a record shot while time was ticking down to my return bus home. More flight views followed and were appreciated before it finally did me a good turn by landing on some rushes where I could actually see it. Several shots were duly taken and I could leave for my bus having seen a county Norfolk Hawker at what was a new site for me.

Red Admiral and Comma

The only birds of note were a male Cuckoo and at least two Mandarin Ducks though the drake was looking awful as it was going into eclipse. At least three Brimstones were seen nectaring on brambles while a tatty looking Green-veined White was taking in moisture on the side of one of the ponds. Other species included a Red Admiral and a Comma and I saw another Small Tortie on my way back through Oundle. After a pint in the Rose and Crown I boarded my bus for the journey back to Corby.

Yucky duckies and Small Tortoiseshell