Sunday 8 July 2018

First Common Darters at North Cave Wetlands

I had an early morning trip to North Cave Wetlands. Already by 7:10 am there was a Male Black-tailed Skimmer feeding by the east path, it was already that warm. The ponds were quiet in general this early, only damselflies active, but there was an emerging darter, presumed Common, on the easternmost pond. A few more Common Darters (sp. 18 of the Yorkshire Dragonfly Challenge) were making their maiden flights, still weak, and trying to conceal themselves in the vegetation, as opposed to their exposed perching when mature.
In my walk on the north and west side of the reserve I came across at least three Brown Hawkers flying. After a walk around the reserve I returned to the dragonfly ponds, then was about 9:00, warmer and the dragonfly activity had increased significantly, with at least 3 male Emperors patrolling the western ponds, Four-spotted chaser an a mature male Common Darter, and an Emerald in the eastern pond right right at the end of the visit. I casually watched as a male Brown Hawker (top shot) landed on the stem of a bramble nearby, the first one I see stationary! It stayed long enough for a few photos.
Emerging Darter, I presume common. 
A teneral Darter with colours still subdued, hanging from vegetation as opposed to their usual perching.
A female Black-tailed Skimmer.
Twin-lobed Deer Fly, Chrysops relictus mating. Not my favourite insect!
Six spot burnet moth.
Male Black-tailed Skimmer.
Mating Common Blue Damselflies.
A mature male Common Darter.
Male Four-spotted Chaser. They were very active with several males in some ponds.
The westernmost pond had the largest number of species, with Emperor, Black-tailed Skimmer, C. Darter and two damselflies in attendance.
After some relentless patrolling, this male Emperor decided to take a break...
...and then another.
A male Emerald Damselfly on the easternmost pond.
A very fresh looking Painted Lady on Ragwort. There were many Small Tortoiseshells about, Ringlet Large White, Speckled Wood, and Small Skippers.

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