BIRDING THE LUNE ESTUARY THE FOREST OF BOWLAND AND BEYOND......................................................MEDITTERANEAN GULLS CONDER POOL PETE WOODRUFF

Sunday 17 July 2022

Golden Moments....Part 2.

It was time this week, for another wander around the area and to check around the bog at Birk Bank, where I have found odonata having a lack of variety over the past couple of visits....But mustn't grumble.

Golden Ringed Dragonfly July 13. Pete Woodruff.

I managed to lift this years sightings to five locations to date, when I notched up 5 Golden-ringed Dragonfly, seen as two on the bog at Birk Bank, one of which was seen briefly ovipositing, two over the River Conder at Cragg Wood, and one on Ottergear Bridge. A few minutes after I had found the GRD on the bridge, a Common Hawker flew east - west below the bridge.

Keeled Skimmer 13 July. Pete Woodruff.

Also, 7 Keeled Skimmer all male, five seen on the bog, and two on the west side of Ottergear Bridge, where I was surprised to find them here again as last year. Also on the bog, 2 Large Red Damselfly.

My butterfly counts remain low, though to contradict I did see 18 Meadow Brown, also 6 Large White, 5 Ringlet, 5 Small Skipper, and 3 Small Tortoiseshell.

Birds noted, a Buzzard and Raven were overhead, and a murder of up to 100 Carrion Crow came over the ridge.

The Golden-ringed Dragonfly.

Being unique in its breeding habitat of acidic upland streams and patrolling lengthy sections, the Golden-ringed Dragonfly also feed over nearby areas of moorland, with occasionally wanderings. 

'The species appears to have been lost from parts of North Lancashire. However, due to the often remoteness of its habitat it is not clear whether this might simply be 'an absence of records' rather than 'a record of absence'. It is likely that Golden-ringed Dragonflies are present throughout much of the northern uplands, breeding on the numerous streams, most of which are rarely surveyed'....Ref:The Dragonflies of Lancashire and North Merseyside. Steve White and Philip H. Smith.

Having achieved a total of 18 Golden-ringed Dragonflies in seven days at five sites. Too late this year, but I think maybe next I should make a plan, and change the 'rarely surveyed' to make a contribution to something more positive. 

9 comments:

  1. Nice header picture of Birk Bank it is a magical place for insects.
    You seem to be doing well with dragonflies etc. liked the videos.

    Thanks for the update.
    Ian

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  2. Now you're really rubbing it in, Pete! I enjoyed that GRD clip.

    Your super header image of Birk Bank Bog makes me want to visit the place - and not just for the GRDs. However you've caused "on the bog" to take up a whole new meaning for me.

    Take good care - - - Richard

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  3. Ian....Yes, it's like a magnet for me, and I know you like the area too. Thanks again for your contribution. Do Take Care and STAY COOL Ian.

    Richard....The bog is looking pretty good at the moment, with the yellows of the Bog Asphodel matching the gold rings of the dragonfly perfectly. Appreciate the input and hope you are well.

    Take Care, and STAY COOL Richard....Pete.

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  4. Hello Pete... The heat we are experiencing in Spain is deadly and it is dragging on over time... I imagine that in England it will be a record... At least here we are used to high temperatures... Take care and Happy week...

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  5. A lovely clip of the GRD. Only a week left at work and then hopefully I can go looking for some Kent ones. Take care.

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  6. Roll on seven days later....Look forward to seeing your report and images of the Kent GRD's.

    Take Care Stay Cool Marc.

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  7. Ana....Many thanks for your comments. Your posting has only just arrived in 'comments' on the blog, I had to send it here as Blogger was asking if it was spam? I'm a little confused about that....Hot here in England too, and we are not able to deal with it as in Spain.

    Please Take Care and Stay Cool Ana.

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  8. Hi Pete An interesting addition to suitable GRD habitat is my records down in Hampshire. As a complete contrast to upland areas on two occasions I have found GRD patrolling warm, chalk downland just outside Winchester! This seems the almost opposite imaginable in terms of habitat contrast. There were fu adults as well not tenerals. PS: I note the first Yellow Wagtails have been noted at Bank End recently. Would like a visit there soon. Cheers Steve

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  9. Hi Steve....Interesting stuff about the GRD's patrolling warm chalk downland. So no need for the acidic streams regarded as unique to the species breeding habitat in the uplands of the North of England.

    Yes, Andrew Cornall has taken up his position as stalwart to the Yellow Wagtails at Bank End.

    Maybe see you soon Steve.

    Take Care....Pete.

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