Until Next Year!

I had a look mid morning at a site south of Reculver to see if any dragonflies could be found. Although it was quite mild the sun was in and out and there was a strong northerly wind which didn't really help out. I took a wander around for some time, only seeing the odd Migrant Hawker and Common Darter but I failed to find any Emperor Dragonfly. Were they just sheltering out of the wind or has their busy season finished, my next few visits may answer the question.

Male Emperor Dragonfly

Whilst wandering around this private site I took some time to remember what species I have seen here this year. Its only a small site but seems to host a fantastic number of species, some of which breed here. My list here this year totals 20 species which include Common Blue Damselfly, Azure Damselfly, Blue tailed Damselfly, Red eyed Damselfly, Small Red eyed Damselfly, Emerald Damselfly, Scarce Emerald Damselfly, Southern Emerald Damselfly, Willow Emerald Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle, Common Darter, Ruddy Darter, Red veined Darter, Emperor Dragonfly, Lesser Emperor Dragonfly, Migrant Hawker, Norfolk Hawker, Four spotted Chaser, Broad bodied Chaser and Black Tailed Skimmer. I'm still missing Hairy Dragonfly, Southern Hawker and Brown Hawker which I may get here next year at some point but being near the coast as well, there is always an outside chance of something else possibly. What I do know is that its a superb habitat which has turned up some great odonata this year and next year cannot come quick enough already!

Male Emperor Dragonfly