Glad to see the back of that wind

Finally, the wind has dropped. Time to be back in the field and a first opportunity this week to count the dragonflies along Leven Canal.

Despite the breeze, and occasional stronger gusty moments, and the sun not shining as much as the weather forecast promised, there was still plenty to see.

I managed to count a minimum of 48 Hairy Dragonflies. Many more females around this week. This picture of one of several pairs in cop.

And this female posed well. Hairys are so easy to kick out of vegetation here as they often sit low down and close to the path and it is difficult not to disturb before allowing a photo opportunity.

The other numbers totalled 8 Large Red Damselfly, 20 Azure Damselfly, 8 Blue-tailed Damselfly, 300+ Red-eyed Damselfly, 16 Four-spotted Chaser (including 2 of the form praenublia. One shown below) and a female type Broad-bodied Chaser.

After the canal, it was onto High Eske and Pulfin Bog Nature Reserves a short walk south along the river. The count there involved a single Large Red Damselfly, 6 Common Blue Damselflies, 32 Azure Damselfly, 3 Blue-tailed Damselflies and 16 Red-eyed Damselflies.

The best of the birds were there to with 5 Common Terns and 2 Goldeneyes still on the lake. 'Terry' the ever present terrapin was also showing well... must be 20 years since I first saw him/her/it!!! A rather huge beast now!

This Drinker moth caterpillar the largest I've seen this year, not long until they will be on the wing.