The Common Clubtails of West Sussex

About a year ago, I saw some photos taken by Bob Eade of the Common Clubtail Dragonfly from the River Rother in West Sussex. This is a dragonfly which is absent from Kent.  I have only ever had one encounter with this species, that being in Panbourne, Berkshire in 2015 where we saw a few tenerals making their maiden flights up into the trees to mature. Once matured, the males then return back to the water where they spend their time searching for females but by now, they have turned green in colour except for the bright yellow spots on the sides of the abdomen which contrast well with the black. I have never seen a male of this species and so kindly asked Bob if he would let me know this year when they have returned back to the river. A few days ago, Bob contacted me and made me aware that a number had been seen on the River Rother in West Sussex. With a week off work and good weather for today and armed with some good directions of where to park and look, I made the two hour drive this morning where I arrived at 10am in glorious sunshine. There were already a few others on site and having spoke to them, they had not seen any and said that it actually felt a little chilly. We needn't have worried for it soon warmed up. I spent the first hour walking up and down the river checking the hot spots without seeing much except for the countless numbers of Banded Demoiselle. On another day, I would have settled down to photograph these but I desperately wanted to find my target for today. As I walked along the edge of the river, I heard some wings beating in the undergrowth and then noticed a pair of Common Clubtail in tandem. I had lovely views of them and this was my chance to be able to see the colours on a mature male. Although I took a few shots, they did not make for a good photograph but it was nice to call over the others who also appreciated this sight. They then flew off in tandem to the long grasses. With the weather warming up, the activity picked up and in the next few hours, I saw at least 10 Common Club-tailed Dragonflies flying up and down the river with some also perching up providing some much needed camera action. With the banks quite steep, it was sometimes a little awkward to get the right angles to shoot from and parts of the dragonfly were always out of focus but I was just happy to be gifted these opportunities.

 

Common Clubtail (Gomphus vulgatissimus) - male

 

A few perched up on the bank where we were able to get great views of them but it was sometimes challenging to get the mature males to perch as it seems from my photos, that the males are still quite yellow in colour although this could be a trick of the light and angle. The colours could easily be seen in flight though.

 

Common Clubtail (Gomphus vulgatissimus) - male

 

With the afternoon moving on and feeling quite tired now, I made my way back to the car where I passed quite a few Large Red Damselfly, 4 Broad bodied Chaser, 2 Emperor Dragonfly and hundreds of Banded Demoiselle. A stunning location to see this species and excellent to have now seen mature males of this species and the time to watch and study them. My sincere thanks to Bob Eade for his help and information in making this a super day. 2018 continues to deliver the goods for me. What will be next... 

 

Common Clubtail (Gomphus vulgatissimus) - male