Odonata....Game On!

Also a few birds and even fewer butterflies.

Best of the day on Friday, was my finding 5 Banded Demoiselle, the first being upstream from the A588 road bridge at Conder Green, the next one I saw flying purposefully east over the marsh from the coastal path towards Glasson Dock, this one took me by surprise, in unsuitable habitat over a salt marsh. My next were three along the canal between Glasson and The Mill at Conder Green.

I took a look over Conder Pool, where I made no serious counts, but noted up to 6 Common Tern sitting, four on the new pontoon, and two on islands. I noted a Pied Wagtail is nesting underneath the new pontoon. Four Avocet chicks, two of which appeared to be well grown, and at least out of the danger zone from gulls and herons. I picked up three sightings of Little Ringed Plover well separated by time.

There are now a large number of Black Headed Gull young on the islands, probably totaling three figures, with up to 33 in the video on the smallest island to the right of the viewing platform. House Martin and Swallow kept returning to the pool to collect mud with little if any success, the water level on the pool has dramatically fallen through the dry spell which looks set to continue.

Saltcote Pond. Pete Woodruff.

Setting off on a circuit Conder Green - Glasson Dock - Canal - Conder Green. A Reed Bunting and 2 Chiffchaff, before arriving at the brilliant Saltcote Pond, where 3 Broad-bodied Chaser were seen. A male was constantly and aggressively in flight to control the pond, and included a pair coupled in flight and eventually oviposititng, also an Emperor Dragonfly, and good numbers of Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselfly.

Along the length of the canal Glasson - Conder Green. Dragonflies seen, 3 Emperor Dragonfly and another large number probably in excess of 60 Common Blue Damselfly. Birds noted, 3 Reed Warbler and 2 Sedge Warbler.

Large Skipper. Pete Woodruff. 

Butterfly numbers were pitifully low with just 2 Large Skipper, 2 Orange Tip, and a Peacock seen.

Keeled Skimmer. Pete Woodruff.

I have it on good authority, a male Keeled Skimmer was on Birk Bank bog yesterday. An early date for the skimmer here, perhaps mid-June was more to be expected, but given the conditions we are having, perhaps - with the exception of the Black Darter - all the dragons will now be on the wing.

Thanks to Marc heath for the stunning image of the equally stunning Banded Demoiselle.