First Damselflies of Spring - Broomfield Track 08/05/20 and 09/05/20

I had a short walk on the 8th and caught sight of a Garden Warbler (113) as it made its way through the hedgerow which was a welcome sight. A female Orange-tip butterfly was more obliging for photographs and allowed a shot. She is the first female I have been able to photograph this spring. A small moth resting up also caught my eye.

female Orange-tip butterfly

As I headed down the track on the 9th the Dog Rose in the hedgerow was showing it first open flower. Blackcaps and a Chiffchaff were singing away merrily then moments later fell silent as a Sparrowhawk shot through with ringing alarm calls following its progress as it passed through.

Dog Rose

There was no sign of either of the Little Owls today. Blue and Great Tits were busily searching for food and a male Chaffinch was singing loudly. As I walked up to the top path a Whitethroat popped up and started to sing exuberantly. I paused and was treated to some superb views as he belted out his song. What a beauty.

Whitethroat

Whitethroat

Whitethroat

Whitethroat

I carried on to the top path and could see a Red Kite coming. I managed a quick shot as it approached but lost my balance as it came over and by the time I had picked myself up it was spiralling higher as it climbed in a thermal. It had, however given a great view as it came over.

Red Kite

Having dusted myself off, and with it not being one of the better days for walking, I came back down to the lower path and decided to have a look along the hedgerow running parallel to the horse paddock as it was in the sun and I wondered if any damselflies might have emerged, not having seen any so far. A Hairy Shieldbug was resting up in the sunshine.

Hairy Shieldbug

A little further along I came across my first damselfly for the year and ended up seeing several Azure Damselflies and I spent a while happily watching them. They only appeared to be in one area but were a welcome sight.

Azure Damselfly

Heading for home I could see a Red Kite circling high above but I do not know if it was the same one that I saw earlier. It did, however, make a nice end to my walk.

Red Kite