Weldon After Work

 I have a hunch though it's not the sort that might get me a job at Notre Dame but rather a suspicion that Norfolk Hawkers share the same habitat preferences as Variable Damselflies. For that reason I took an after work bus down to Weldon to check the pond in the Woodland Park out. Unfortunately I'm beginning to feel that I may finish work just a little too late and many insects may already have gone to roost by the time that I start looking for them.

Banded Demoiselle, Small and Large Skipper

There was not much activity along the stream, a few Banded Demoiselles and a Blue-tailed Damselfly were flitting about in the sunnier stretches but little else. The pond itself was similarly quiet with just a male Emperor representing the odes, the habitat does look promising for Norfolks though and I may have to return on another day. On the butterfly front it looks as if Commas are emerging in good numbers at the moment and at just the right time to fool people into thinking that they might be fritillaries!. Meadow Browns were the commonest species and certainly the most active in the evening sunshine. A Marbled White and a Ringlet were also seen and both Small and Large Skippers were noted. Several whites fluttered past but remained unidentified, a Red Admiral was an easier prospect to I.D. With the day drawing on and my dinner beginning to call to me I decided to catch my bus home and escape the heat for at least a while.

Red Admiral, Marbled White and Meadow Brown