Friday, 22 May 2020

Red-eyed Damselflies and a Banded Demoiselle - Marshside 22/05/20

It was nice to be able to go a little further afield today and to be able to have longer out due to the changes in the lockdown regulations. I decided to head off to Chitty Lane and see what I could see with a wander up to the embankment. It was a breezy day but I could get some shelter from the hedgerow in places. On arrival I was greeted by the enthusiastic singing of both Reed Warbler (114) and Sedge Warbler (115), a very welcome sound indeed and one I have missed. Skylarks were rising up in a tower of song and a Yellow Wagtail (116) called as it flew over. A few Azure Damselfies were tucked down out of the wind as I made my way along.

I came to a nicely sheltered area and saw a couple of Red-eyed Damselflies briefly, my first for this year. I was pleased to see them and their eyes glowed as the light caught them.

Red-eyed Damselfly

Red-eyed Damselfly

Red-eyed Damselfly

As I wandered along the air was full of song with Chaffinch, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler all singing at full pelt. It was lovely to hear them. A Holly Blue butterfly was battling against the wind and got caught in a gust of wind which sent it tumbling this way and that. It managed to land low down in some vegetation and hung on upside down.

Holly Blue

Lots of Azure Damselflies were about and I enjoyed watching the various ones I saw.

Azure Damselfly

Azure Damselfly

A came across a single male Banded Demoiselle Damselfly who gave some great views as it perched on vegetation in a sheltered spot of the track. If I had carried on I would have to have disturbed it so I enjoyed some great views as it rested up between darting up to catch insects. It shone in the sunshine and looked absolutely beautiful.

Banded Demoiselle Damselfly

Banded Demoiselle Damselfly

Banded Demoiselle Damselfly

As I did not want to disturb it I decided to head for home as time was getting on anyway and headed back the way I had come. A Speckled Wood Butterfly looked spectacular as the light shone through its wings as it perched up in between chasing a rival.

Speckled Wood Butterfly

On the way back some Yellow (Flag) Iris were in full flower forming some lovely shapes.

Yellow (Flag) Iris, Iris pseudacorus

Yellow (Flag) Iris, Iris pseudacorus

It had been an enjoyable afternoon and very nice to be able to go further afield today.


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