Having enjoyed finding my share of the mega invasion to Birk Bank Bog to count at least 40 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, 9 Large Red Damselfly including two pairs coupled, and 4 Four-spotted Chaser. I had a lucky break, and found a female Keeled Skimmer quietly ovipositing....Excellent dragonfly, shame about the pik.
This is my fifth consecutive year to find Keeled Skimmer on the bog at Birk Bank, and an amazing coincidence, as it was on this very date I found a pair of Keeled Skimmer here last year on 17 June 2020.
Some more notes on a wander around the area, at least 28 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff, a Garden Warbler, a Buzzard drifting over, and a Cuckoo made just two calls and went silent. Other insects were, 7 Small Heath, a Small Tortoiseshell, and a Green Tiger Beetle.
I envy your Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, Pete, as I have never had the pleasure of seeing one! I'd be happy to see a Keeled Skimmer too as it's four years since I last saw one, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for finding some in Hampshire (where I last saw them) on a visit next month. Your dragon hunting prowess is nothing short of impressive.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes, stay safe (it seems that the situation is far from good in your parts) - - - Richard