With a good forecast for today and light winds I thought I would return to Cliffe Marshes to see if I could see a new dragonfly species I have never seen before, the Southern Migrant Hawker. I arrived mid morning and spent 4 hours walking around the area behind the 2nd viewing ramp, a lot of the time in the company of Terry Laws who was also looking for the mentioned species. To cut a long story short, despite walking ditch after ditch and looking at trees and bushes we had no luck up until I had left. I did see c5 Migrant Hawker in the area which gave the camera the excuse to get some shots and Ruddy and Common Darters appeared to be everywhere.
Migrant Hawker
There were still a few Scarce Emerald Damselfly around and 3 Emperor were noted with one allowing nice views which provided yet more camera action.
Male Emperor Dragonfly
In the ditches there were a few Small Red eyed Damselfly as well as Common Blue and Blue tailed Damselfly.
Blue tailed Damselfly
Butterflies noted included 1 Clouded Yellow with good numbers of Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Essex Skipper with a few Red Admiral, Peacock, Painted Lady and a Common Blue noted. Despite not seeing the target species and enjoyable session and hopefully Thursday I will make a trip to Lydden Downs to see Silver spotted Skipper, Chalkhill and Adonis Blue, weather permitting, unless anyone is driving to Essex to Wat Tyler CP to see Southern Migrant Hawker and wants some company!
Male Ruddy Darter
Unlucky with the Southern hawker Marc,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll catch up with one later this season ;-)
Superb shots of the other Dragons though, bet you're well pleased with them.
Brilliant Marc. Oh by the way, I've got your name up on line, thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnother good day Marc, like that emporer flight shot.
ReplyDeletenice dragonflies
ReplyDelete