Productive Time At Priors

 It was my one day weekend today and I decided to spend my morning at Priors Hall. Though it was often cloudy with sunny intervals the temperature remained high, it was still more comfortable than it has been of late mind you. My main target was to find Downy Emeralds and I'm happy to report that my efforts bore fruit.

Great Crested Grebe chicks and Painted Lady

On the way to the bus stop I saw a Painted Lady which turned out to be the first of several. At the quarry lake there was good news, the pair of Great crested Grebes now have three young which I believe is the first breeding record in the Corby area. In the nearby grassland Small Heaths and Common Blue butterflies were noted. Dingy Skippers now appear to be reaching the end of their season as I only saw one on my travels. Grizzled Skippers on the other hand fared better with at least half a dozen still fresh looking individuals seen. Day flying moths are being noted more regularly with Common Heath, Burnet Companion and Old Mother Shipton being noted.

Black-tailed Skimmer and Emperor

At the traditional pond I managed to find a male Downy Emerald patrolling the margins. It's always easier to find them during the cloudier spells when the hordes of Four-spotted Chasers seem to perch up. I also watched one hunting along an adjacent ride, they seem to fly very close to the ground before zooming up in search of prey. Other dragons in the general area included Emperor and Black-tailed Skimmer. I didn't spend too much time looking at the damsels but did note Azure, Large Red,  Blue-tailed and Banded Demoiselle. My first Hobby of the year seemed even more keen on finding dragons than me though I suspect it had different motives!

Downy Emerald record shots

The new brood of Speckled Woods are now out and looking fresh and I saw many on my travels. While walking back towards Weldon I saw a male Meadow Brown which I think may be my first May example. He gave me a bit of a run around but eventually I was able to get some record shots. Having had such an entertaining morning I decided to pop into the George on my way to the bus stop for a celebratory pint - always a good way to end a spotting session.

Grizzled Skippers and Meadow Brown