Two new dragons for the year.

Damian Pinguey phoned me this morning to say he'd just seen a very teneral male Emperor hunting in Mortimers Wood, Pewsham, Chippenham. He later phoned to say he'd also been to Chippenham Pond where he observed 3 Black-tailed Skimmers emerge.
Tonight I've received an email from Mike Hamzij to say that Scarce Chaser is just starting to emerge on the Avon at Whaddon, Trowbridge. Another new one for the year. Also there were some Red-eyed Damselflies. Mike's fabulous pic attached.

Roves Farm. 27th May 2010.

I paid a visit late afternoon to check on developments since my last visit. There was a drop more water after the rain and lots of damselflies roosting in the luxuriant pond side vegetation. This included Azure, Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies.
The Broad-bodied Chasers had coloured up and there were 3 males patrolling when the sun came out, plus one female ovipositing.
Finally there were at least 6 teneral Black-tailed Skimmers hiding amongst the grasses and rushes, my first of the year. Shouldn't be long before Emperors are in evidence too...

Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum).

Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum)., originally uploaded by od0man.

Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa).

Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa)., originally uploaded by od0man.

Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum).

Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum)., originally uploaded by od0man.

Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella).

Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella)., originally uploaded by od0man.

Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella).

Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella)., originally uploaded by od0man.